Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

We’re celebrating the genius of George Gershwin! From irresistible musicals to iconic works for piano and orchestra, Gershwin endures as one of America’s most beloved composers. You’ll enjoy the exuberant An American in Paris as well as Grammy® Award-winner Patti Austin singing “The Man I Love” and “Someone to Watch Over Me,” plus “Summertime” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So” from Porgy and Bess. Topping off an unforgettable evening, your Kansas City Symphony welcomes Park University graduate student and 2017 Van Cliburn silver medalist Kenny Broberg to perform Gershwin’s groundbreaking favorite, Rhapsody in Blue.

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Your little ghosts and goblins will love our frightfully fun Halloween concert filled with creepy-crawly surprises! Experience symphonic chills and thrills as the orchestra guides you through spooky and silly music that’s not too scary but plenty extraordinary. The Symphony invites the entire family to dress up in their favorite costumes and trick-or-treat afterward in the Brandmeyer Great Hall lobby.

Sponsored by US Bank Private Wealth Management

Bill and Peggy Lyons
SUPPORT SCHOOL MUSIC

Tuesday, October 30 at 7 p.m.
Wyandotte High School | 2501 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, KS 66102

Enjoy fabulous music at this benefit concert to support Kansas City Kansas Public Schools. Established in 2003, the Kansas City Symphony's Bill and Peggy Lyons Support School Music initiative provides area school districts the opportunity to host the Symphony and raise funds to support their music programs - Nearly $165,000 total since the program's inception.

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Our amazing guest organist Dorothy Papadakos revives the 1923 classic silent horror film “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” with a completely improvised score played on the Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant Organ and featuring Kansas City Symphony Principal Percussionist Christopher McLaurin improvising on orchestral chimes as Quasimodo. Starring Lon Chaney in the role that launched his career as a major actor and featuring a 19-acre set filled with thousands of extras, “Hunchback” is a visual spectacle on a grand and spooky scale. Please note: the Kansas City Symphony does not perform during this presentation.

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Ready for some toe-tappin' fun? We're bringing a little Kentucky to KC. Come hear some bluegrass pickin' and pluckin' plus Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. After the concert, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while mingling with Symphony musicians in Kauffman Center's Brandmeyer Great Hall with its sweeping views of downtown. A special selection of bourbons also will be available for tasting. Sponsored by BMO Wealth Management. Most tickets $25.

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

There is only one Wynonna Judd. Her range, style and voice are simply unmatched. Wynonna returns to the Kansas City Symphony in a celebration of great music, performing her country hits and rock classics along with staples of the American Songbook. Please note: this concert is presented without intermission.

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Two sublime choral works, Mozart’s Ave verum corpus and Bach’s “O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht” begin this beautiful program of reflection and transcendence. Then John Adams’ On the Transmigration of Souls, evokes a “memory space” to contemplate and commemorate the events of 9/11. One of the grandest symphonies of the early Romantic era, Schubert’s Ninth, “The Great,” caps off the concert with poetic genius and heroic melodies. Join us for a post-concert talk.

Masterworks & Bravo Series

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Music can be fast, slow and all speeds in between. Come explore the wonderful world of tempo with the Kansas City Symphony’s percussion section! Join us on stage in Helzberg Hall as we move, listen, sing and play. The 20-minute performance will be followed by the Jamie and Bush Helzberg Instrument Petting Zoo.

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Maestro Bernard Labadie returns to the Kansas City Symphony for this sparkling Thanksgiving weekend program. Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto is the best-known solo trumpet and orchestra work for good reason, overflowing with catchy melodies and featuring our James B. and Annabel Nutter Principal Trumpet Julian Kaplan. Equally stunning is Mozart’s final symphony, “Jupiter” — an extraordinary work with a breathtaking finale.

Masterworks & Ovation Series

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Celebrate the sounds of the season with the Kansas City Symphony in a program designed for children and adults with additional needs. This holiday program will be specially adapted so children and adults of all abilities, along with the caregivers, may enjoy symphonic music in a safe and welcoming environment.

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Emmy® Award-winners and Billboard No. 1 recording artists The Texas Tenors sleigh ride into town with their heart warming and touching holiday concert "Deep in the Heart of Christmas." From seasonal favorites like "O Holy Night" and "Joy to the World" to the crowd-pleasing original hit "Bootdaddy," The Texas Tenors bring a unique blend of music to the stage with thrilling harmonies and award-winning arrangements. Bring the whole family and make some new and lasting Christmas memories with The Texas Tenors and your Kansas City Symphony.

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Municipal Arena | Municipal Auditorium

Celebrate the season with another booming TubaChristmas! All are welcome at the FREE lunch-hour concert on Friday, December 7 at noon where we’ll listen to the sounds of the season, tuba-style! TubaChristmas is underwritten by Janet M. Stallmeyer and Donald L. Flora.

Please note: This year's TubaChristmas concert will be held in the Municipal Arena in Municipal Auditorium.

Ticket reservation begins Sept 19 @ 10 a.m.

Tuba and euphonium players may register to perform HERE

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

The Messiah performance of the year! Nearly 200 amazing musicians and powerful voices bring this choral masterpiece to life with the return of Aram Demirjian as guest conductor. From the “Passion of the Christ” to the “Hallelujah Chorus,” Handel's glorious Messiah is bigger and better than ever in the acoustically marvelous Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center - an unforgettable start to your holiday season.

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Kansas City's favorite Christmas concert tradition returns for seven joyous performances with the Symphony and Symphony Chorus. Cherished Christmas carols and Yuletide songs, talented special guests and one jolly visitor from the North Pole are sure to fill you with holiday spirit. Your family and friends will love this special concert experience, capturing the true essence of the season. At each performance, we'll give away a dazzling jewelry prize from Helzberg Diamonds, no purchase necessary.

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

CineConcerts brings you one of the most heartwarming classic films: It’s a Wonderful Life in Concert. The film comes to life with Dimitri Timokin’s timeless score performed by a live symphony orchestra while the full film is shown on the big screen. Jimmy Stewart portrays the down-and-out George, a lovable “failure” with so many problems that he is thinking about ending it all – and it’s Christmas! Clarence, his guardian angel, shows George what his town would be like if it hadn’t been for all of his good deeds. Experience the most beloved holiday movie of all time transformed into an unforgettable live film concert event!

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Grab your broom and get ready for the tasks ahead! The Triwizard Tournament comes to Hogwarts™ in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ in Concert. Relive the magic of Harry Potter™ soaring across the big screen in high-definition and experience the Kansas City Symphony performing Patrick Doyle’s unforgettable score live.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING’S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s18)

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Embrace a peaceful state of mind as our certified Relax and Renew® trainer Anita Bailey leads you in breathing and meditation techniques. Symphony musicians will perform gentle and tranquil music to assist in your relaxation. Tickets are $15, including all fees.

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

We’re bringing St. Petersburg to Kansas City with three Russian giants — Stravinsky, Glazunov and Tchaikovsky, led by St. Petersburg native Andrey Boreyko who makes his Kansas City Symphony conducting debut. Presumed lost for more than a century, the recent rediscovery of Chant funèbre allows audiences to hear a young Stravinsky’s rise to prominence before he wrote his famed Firebird. Glazunov’s passionate Violin Concerto blends colorful, freewheeling melodies with impressive technical feats. Tchaikovsky’s triumphant Third Suite culminates in a powerful theme-and-variations finale.

Masterworks & Bravo Series

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Petite Performances are designed with our littlest listeners in mind. Through interactive musical activities and exciting chamber music performances, children will learn about the instruments of the orchestra on stage in Helzberg Hall. Events include a brief performance and a hands-on introduction to the instruments through the Jamie and Bush Helzberg Instrument Petting Zoo.

Tickets are $5 per person and go on sale Tuesday, November 13 @ 10 a.m.

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Join the Kansas City Symphony and Youth Symphony of Kansas City as they rehearse side by side on stage in Helzberg Hall. David T. Beals III Associate Conductor Jason Seber will lead this open rehearsal.

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

We've handpicked some of the best Grammy® Award-winning music for a one-night-only showcase in the world-class acoustics of Helzberg Hall. You'll hear excerpts from the film "Up" by Michael Giacchino, an arrangement of Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" and music by Aaron Copland, Joan Tower and Jennifer Higdon. Principal Viola Christine Grossman stars in Higdon's Viola Concerto. After the concert enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or champagne, mingle with Symphony musicians, and take in the city skyline in Kauffman Center's Brandmeyer Great Hall. Sponsored by BMO Wealth Management. Most tickets $25.

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Singer, composer and actor Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums over three decades. With his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of Americana, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a way that breaks down barriers. Lovett’s eclectic performance style guarantees a compelling and captivating experience in his first-ever Helzberg Hall performance with his Small Band and your Kansas City Symphony.

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Musicians and fans can sit in on a fascinating encounter as virtuoso pianist Alon Goldstein shares musical insights with two area piano students on stage in Helzberg Hall. It's a rare opportunity to learn from one of the most dynamic pianists on the classical music scene.

Nomination Deadline: January 11

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Stravinsky’s Firebird is an enchanting, dramatic fairytale that boasts some of classical music’s most vivid and glorious orchestral writing. Rachmaninoff’s First Piano Concerto highlights the composer’s trademarks — lingering melodies, rich textures and piano pyrotechnics. With exotic harmonies and bewitching tunes, Nielsen’s Aladdin Suite is an adventurous romp in a faraway land. The White Peacock is one of Griffes’ best-known Impressionist works.

Masterworks & Ovation Series

Friday's concert sponsored by:

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Journey back to 1977 and a galaxy far, far away for the classic first film of the original “Star Wars” trilogy, written and directed by George Lucas and starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher. You’ll watch the Rebel Alliance attempt to destroy the Death Star on a huge screen in Helzberg Hall while your Kansas City Symphony performs the thrilling John Williams score live.

Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. © All rights reserved. In association with 20th Century Fox, Lucasfilm and Warner/Chappell Music. © 2017 and TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © Disney

Friday's concert sponsored by:

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Always fun and insightful, percussion pros "Chris and Chris" lead an interesting and informative session with area percussion students. This event is perfect for performers and non-performers alike.

Nomination Deadline: January 25

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Gershwin’s rowdy Cuban Overture, a souvenir from his wild trip with friends to Havana, kick-starts this concert celebrating the melting pot of American music. The songs of Kansas City jazz icon Pat Metheny are showcased in Imaginary Day, a brilliant concerto for vibes and marimba, spotlighting Kansas City Symphony Principal Percussionist Christopher McLaurin and Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Percussionist Christopher Deviney. While living in the U.S. in the 1890s, Dvorák’s study of American folk melodies resulted in an affectionate tribute to this remarkable “New World.”

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Masterworks & Bravo Series

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

A great way to begin your date night! Join us in the beautiful Kauffman Center Great Hall for a drink and sweeping sunset views, followed by an hour-long chamber music concert featuring Kansas City Symphony musicians. Enjoy Romantic-era selections from Verdi's String Quartet, Puccini's Crisantemi (Chrysanthemums) and Korngold's String Sextet. Cash bars open at 5 p.m. and the casual concert begins at 6 p.m. Reserve your FREE general admission tickets in advance starting December 1. Sponsored by Lead Bank.

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Don’t miss your chance to experience this classic, widely regarded as a landmark in American cinema, in a completely new way on Valentine’s weekend. Watch all of the drama unfold on the huge screen in Helzberg Hall as your Kansas City Symphony performs Max Steiner’s moving score live. Winner of the Academy Award® for Best Picture and lauded as one of the greatest movies of all time by the American Film Institute, get swept up in the romance and struggle between Rick (Humphrey Bogart) and his long-lost love Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman).

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Prokofiev’s timeless musical tale of boy vs. wolf comes to life through music and comedy in this unique production featuring mascots from local professional sports teams and universities, guaranteed to spark the imaginations of young and old alike. Join KC Wolf, Sluggerrr and others. Wear your favorite team gear and cheer on your favorite “character” — the wolf, the bird or the cat!

Sponsored by US Bank Private Wealth Management

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Ahh. Be transported to a stress-free zone as our certified Relax and Renew® trainer Anita Bailey coaches you in several breathing and meditation techniques. To assist in your relaxation process, Symphony musicians will perform calming music. Tickets are $15, including all fees.

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

From his early years with the Jackson 5 to his mega-hit album “Thriller” and beyond, Michael Jackson stormed the airwaves with hit after hit. “The Music of Michael Jackson” takes you through each era of this storied performer’s 40-year career — from “ABC,” “I’ll Be There” and “Got to Be There” to “Beat It,” “Thriller” and “Billy Jean.” This amazing evening of music is dedicated to the King of Pop.

Saturday night sponsored in part by:

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

The Kansas City Symphony welcomes those with sensory sensitivities and their caregivers to a symphonic performance of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. This fun and engaging program will be specially adpated so families and friends of all abilities may enjoy symphonic music in a safe and welcoming environment.

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Bring friends and co-workers to the Kansas City Symphony for a FREE chamber music performance featuring music from the Baroque period. From a Johann Christian Bach woodwind quintet to Johann Sebastian Bach's Orchestra Suite No. 2 with the famous Badinerie, we've got your Baroque fix covered. Come early for a drink in the Kauffman Center's Brandmeyer Great Hall with its panoramic views; cash bars open at 5 p.m. Reserve your FREE general admission tickets in advance starting January 15. Sponsored by Lead Bank.

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Rossini’s William Tell Overture gallops out of the gate in this energetic concert, followed by pianist Alessio Bax who returns to perform Barber’s technically demanding Piano Concerto. Mendelssohn’s boyhood trip to Scotland inspired his Symphony No. 3, “Scottish.” Esteemed conductor Edo de Waart leads us through Mendelssohn’s lilting score with its impressions of ancient palace ruins, an old bagpipe melody and lively Scottish dances.

Masterworks & Bravo Series

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Hear Kansas City's future stars in the Symphony's 2019 Woman's City Club Charitable Foundation Young Artist Competition finals. Young musicians compete on stage in Helzberg Hall for the opportunity to perform with the Kansas City Symphony. Cash prizes nearing $2,000, including an Audience Favorite prize, will be awarded. The preliminary round takes place Saturday, February 2 at the Bell Cultural Events Center at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas, and is open to students ages 13-18. The Symphony must receive applications by Wednesday, January 23 at 5 p.m.

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Whitney Houston is the most-awarded female act of all time, having sold more than 170 million albums, singles and videos worldwide. Her powerful voice touched our hearts and inspired our souls. Join the Kansas City Symphony and vocal sensation Rashidra Scott for an evening of Whitney’s biggest hits, including “How Will I Know,” “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” “I Will Always Love You” and many more.

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

In the wonderfully indulgent Carmina burana, you’ll hear an irresistible, nonstop and thunderous celebration of life, love and the philosophy of carpe diem performed by your Kansas City Symphony and Chorus. One of the most popular classical works of all time, Carmina burana appears in countless movies, TV shows, commercials and sporting events. This musical extravaganza begins with a kaleidoscope of sound in pieces by two prominent American composers, Sarah Kirkland Snider and Augusta Read Thomas.

Masterworks & Ovation Series

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

We are delighted to present accomplished tenor Nicholas Phan in this special vocal workshop with two area music students on stage in Helzberg Hall. This event is perfect for all vocal students and performers.

Nomination Deadline: March 15

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Kansas City Symphony musicians shine in this free concert featuring Steve Reich's hypnotic Mallet Quartet and Ravel's gorgeous String Quartet, which film buffs will know from "The Royal Tenenbaums." Presented by the Kansas City Symphony, cash bars open at 5 p.m and the casual one-hour concert begins at 6 p.m. Reserve your FREE general admission tickets in advance starting February 1. Sponsored by Lead Bank.

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Brimming with “fizzy spirit and breezy sophistication” (Chicago Sun-Times), the sensational Pink Martini joins your Kansas City Symphony for an evening of glitz and glamour, led by pianist Thomas Lauderdale and featuring vocalist China Forbes. Experience an alluring mix of Brazilian samba, ’30s Cuban dance and Parisian café music as “one of the world’s most elegant live bands” (The Times UK) mingles with your Symphony for an unforgettable party.

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Kansas City Symphony Music Director Michael Stern hosts a special chamber music workshop featuring two student ensembles in Helzberg Hall. Throughout the session, Stern will share feedback and ideas with these young artists as well as the audience.

Nomination Deadline: March 29

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

From the delicious amuse-bouche of Milhaud’s jazzy Brazilian tango to the virtuosic Lalo Cello Concerto, you’ll be dancing in the aisles and filled with fanciful thoughts of spring cheer. Copland’s ballet Appalachian Spring is the touching story of a rural Pennsylvania wedding, whose score includes variations on the heartfelt Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts.” Ravel’s La valse is a musical journey filled with incredible beauty, sensuality and a sense of instability, as the fantastic waltz spins into oblivion.

Masterworks & Ovation Series

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Petite Performances are designed with our littlest listeners in mind. Through interactive musical activities and exciting chamber music performances, children will learn about the instruments of the orchestra on stage in Helzberg Hall. Events include a brief performance and a hands-on introduction to the instruments through the Jamie and Bush Helzberg Instrument Petting Zoo.

Tickets are $5 per person and go on sale Monday, February 11 @ 10 a.m.

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Experience the elements in Helzberg Hall as your Symphony presents a fun and fascinating family concert about all things weather. KMBC-TV Channel 9 Chief Meteorologist Bryan Busby explores the musical side of weather including rain, snow, wind and so much more!

Sponsored by US Bank Private Wealth Management

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Come as you are and join the scene for our casual, after-work concerts! Enjoy a drink in the Kauffman Center lobby and then experience a variety of dance-inspired pieces played by Kansas City Symphony musicians. Hear Piazzola's lively Libertango arranged for woodwind quartet, a concert waltz for cello quartet and much more. Cash bars open at 5 p.m. followed by a one-hour concert in Helzberg Hall at 6 p.m. Reserve your FREE general admission tickets in advance starting March 1. Sponsored by Lead Bank.

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Mahler described his epic Third Symphony as “a gigantic musical poem [with] all the phases of evolution.” Scored for numerous vocalists and a huge orchestra, his Third embraces the miracles of creation, nature and humankind’s relationship with divinity. As one of the most exalted works of the symphonic repertoire, Mahler’s Third led by Music Director Michael Stern is a not-to-be-missed concert event.

Masterworks & Bravo Series

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Prepare for organ domination! Join your friends in the Kauffman Center lobby for a drink after work and then settle in for an impressive performance by organist Jan Kraybill on the Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant Organ. Cash bars open at 5 p.m and the one-hour, casual concert begins at 6 p.m. Reserve your FREE general admission tickets in advance starting April 1. Sponsored by Lead Bank.

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Brahms’ Piano Quartet in G minor is one of his most energetic and uninhibited pieces with a wild gypsy dance at the end. In Schoenberg’s technicolor arrangement of the chamber work for orchestra, the Quartet emerges as a thrilling showpiece. Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, “Turkish,” is a technically demanding yet sweetly poetic romp. Within Her Arms, scored for an ensemble of 15 strings, is composer Anna Clyne’s touching memorial to her mother.

Masterworks & Ovation Series

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Let your stress melt away as our local certified Relax and Renew® trainer Anita Bailey leads you through several breathing and meditation techniques. To help you achieve inner bliss, Symphony musicians will perform serene music selections. Tickets are $15, including all fees.

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

Disney’s animated classic, “Fantasia,” prominently features Leopold Stokowski’s lush orchestration of Bach’s famous Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, and likewise, Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis converts earlier music (in this case, by Carl Maria von Weber) into an orchestral tour-de-force. The Symphony also welcomes back one of the world’s preeminent pianists, Yefim Bronfman, to perform Liszt’s Second Piano Concerto, an iridescent and dazzling work with a fiery finish.

Masterworks & Bravo Series

Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

When the backstory is as intriguing as the music, we have to pull back the curtain! Elgar's Enigma Variations captures the essence of his friends and even himself in 14 variations on an enigmatic theme. Plus, many speculate his work contains an overarching hidden theme. Masquerade by Anna Clyne conjures up a mid-18th century Lond promenade concert with street entertainers. After the concert, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while mingling with Symphony musicians in Kauffman Center's stunning Brandmeyer Great Hall with its unrivalled views of downtown. Sponsored by BMO Wealth Management. Most tickets $25.

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Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center

The Kansas City Symphony’s 2018/19 season closes with one of the most celebrated and colorful works in the entire symphonic catalogue, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, orchestrated by Ravel. Audiences love every minute of Brahms’ intensely beautiful First Piano Concerto with its thrilling technical demands and magnificent conclusion, performed by returning special guest pianist Benjamin Grosvenor.

Masterworks & Ovation Series