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This week, learn the full story behind Gioachino Rossini's "William Tell" Overture. Plus, we'll hear two towering musical expressions of nature with Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 1 and Richard Strauss' Alpine Symphony. Co-hosts Michael Stern and Dan Margolies delve into each composer's frame of mind and what it is required of the orchestra to perform each work.
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Nearly two-hundred years after a twenty year old Frédéric Chopin composed his first piano concerto, the work still delights. This week, we'll hear rising piano star George Li perform the piece, plus the eminent violinist Gil Shaham performs Alban Berg's melancholy concerto. We'll also hear the Kansas City Symphony in a recent performance of Jean Sibelius' swan-inspired Symphony No. 5.
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This week, hear the Kansas City Symphony perform masterworks by Felix Mendelssohn and Richard Strauss. We'll hear Mendelssohn's Overture to "Ruy Blas" as well as his third symphony, which evokes his time in Scotland. We'll also hear Richard Strauss' depiction of Salome's shocking final dance, plus the composer's inventive showpiece for orchestra: "Don Quixote."
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Located in Kansas City's Crossroads neighborhood, Folk Alliance International has been bringing together folk musicians, fans and industry professionals since its founding in 1989. This work includes an annual conference, often taking place in Kansas City, that brings thousands to the city. Brooke Knoll speaks with Folk Alliance Development and Partnership Director Alex Mallett about the organization, plus we'll highlight some of the classical-crossover artists performing at this year's conference.
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Before the Chiefs face the 49ers this Sunday at the Super Bowl, hands will be placed over hearts as Reba McEntire sings the national anthem. Learn more about the history of this musical tradition from some Kansas City musicians who have taken to the field to perform themselves.
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This week, we explore what could have been - and what is - with Franz Schubert's "Unfinished" symphony and a late 20th century sonic exploration of New York City by Aaron Jay Kernis. We'll also hear two of the best loved orchestral showpieces for violin: Max Bruch's Concerto No. 1 featuring a young Benjamin Beilman, and Édouard Lalo's "Symphonie Espagnole" featuring Joshua Bell.
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Danielle Nicole, Kansas City's most popular blues artist, is proud of how far she's come. She's releasing her 10th album — and this time, she owns her music. Plus: Will Kansas ever legalize marijuana?
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Every Monday for 25 years, a group of Kansas City musicians has gathered for the Rural Grit Happy Hour, a showcase of American roots music. Four days of shows are scheduled this weekend for the quarter-century anniversary.
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In this program, we'll hear music composed by three modern American composers, each from a different generation: Quinn Mason's "Joyous Trilogy," Jessie Montgomery's "Banner" and Richard Danilepour's tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. "From the Mountaintop" featuring clarinetist Anthony McGill. To close, the Kansas City Symphony brings to life Franz Schubert's song-like "Great" C major symphony.
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Christian Won is a talented pianist and composer from Grandview, MO. Christly L'Esperance speaks with Christian about his musical inspirations, finding balance between practice and teenage fun, his next steps and more.
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Overland Park teenager Kevin Li has diverse musical tastes including playing his clarinet, listening to hip-hop and making beats. Christy L'Esperance speaks with Kevin about how he got started in music and his transition to a more serious player. We'll also learn how he balances practice time and school work, and finding common ground between classical music and hip-hop.
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After rebuilding her music career twice, Danielle Nicole's new album shows her claiming her power — and the ownership rights to her recordings. “I've put out 10 records,” she said. “And this is the first time I haven't felt screwed.”