#69 – Kansas City Symphony
Kauffman Center for Performing Arts
1601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Cost: $$$
Features: Gift shop, concessions, valet, box office, coat check.
Good for: Fancy date nights.
Though some may think a symphony performs only classical music, but that is not the case. The Kansas City Symphony performs a variety of concerts, from classical to pop, and can be enjoyed by all music lovers.
About the Kansas City Symphony
The Kansas City Symphony was founded in 1982 by R. Crosby Kemper. The Kansas City Symphony’s 80-person orchestra performs a 42-week season that runs September through June.
The group also performs a variety of events, including subscription, educational, touring and outreach concerts. Each year the group performs 50 concerts in three series (classical, family and pop) and also performs with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and the Kansas City Ballet.
Since its inception, the symphony has had just four Directors. The Kansas City Symphony has experienced impressive artistic growth under the leadership of its music directors, Russell Patterson (1982-1986), William McLaughlin (1986-1997) and Anne Manson (1998-2003). Current maestro, Michael Stern, has directed the symphony since 2004.
Kansas City Symphony Performance
Like the Kansas City Ballet, the Kansas City Symphony performs in the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts though in Helzberg Hall. The breathtaking beauty of the Kauffman Center adds to the performances – making it somehow, more magical.
The performance we saw was music from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. As a huge Harry Potter nerd, I could not have been more excited.
They played the whole movie on the big screen and the symphony played all the musical parts. The symphony played so flawlessly, it is easy to forget they are even playing.
Such a fun experience that I would love to experience again and again.
Aren’t sure if the symphony is for you? Try one of the movie events – Back to the Future and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban are playing within the next year. xx, Libbie.
