Gemma New and Christian Reif to lead Kansas City Symphony in 2021/22 Season
Gemma New and Christian Reif will each lead one program for KCS’s reopening season at full-capacity (Photo Credits: Chris Lee / Stefan Cohen)
For immediate release
Kansas City Symphony announces its 2021/22 Season
By Jeff Barker
KansasCitySymphony.org
June 2, 2021
The Kansas City Symphony announced its 2021/22 concert season today, returning to the stage in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts with in-person audiences and full capacity this September.
“We’ve missed performing in Helzberg Hall in front of live audiences so much,” said Executive Director Danny Beckley. “There is a spark that happens when musicians perform before a live audience. You can see and hear our musicians’ passion. And we see on your face how the music makes you feel. It’s a unique connection unlike any other, something we crave, something we are all ready to experience again. We’ve programmed a season full of unique and special moments. We’ll be joined by an exciting group of guest conductors and soloists, we’ll feature world premieres and commissions, plus some of the greatest classical pieces ever written, including Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony and Beethoven’s Ninth performed with the Kansas City Symphony Chorus.”
Music Director Michael Stern adds, “The need for healing that comes through music and community is important like never before. I believe we are about to begin a great new chapter — because of the resilience and dedication of our extraordinary musicians and staff, the steady and confident leadership of our Board of Directors, and all of you who understand how special a place Kansas City is. Welcoming full audiences back to Helzberg Hall will be emotional for all of us. Ever since my first concert here in 2005, my goal was always to build something of real meaning for music and for Kansas City, and to strive for something higher. I cannot wait to see you all at our concerts again in this exciting new season. I feel as energized now as I did when I first arrived, and I know that feeling is only going to get stronger.”
CLASSICAL SERIES PROGRAMS
April 1-3, 2022
JOAN TOWER Tambor
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Clarinet Concerto
IGOR STRAVINSKY Pétrouchka, 1947 revision
Christian Reif, guest conductor
Raymond Santos, principal clarinet, Bill and Peggy Lyons Chair
June 3-5, 2022
MAURICE RAVEL Mother Goose Suite
CHRIS ROGERSON Violin Concerto (world premiere, Kansas City Symphony co-commission)
CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS Symphony No. 3, “Organ”
Gemma New, guest conductor
Benjamin Beilman, violin
Jan Kraybill, organ
For the full season program, click here.