Steve Hackman’s Taylor Swift: The Symphony Era
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KC Symphony Board of Directors
Founded by R. Crosby Kemper, Jr.† in 1982
Board of Trustees established in 1983
Officers
Linda Gill Taylor, Chair
Kenneth V. Hager, Vice Chair & Secretary/Treasurer
Timothy P. Cook, Vice Chair
Michael M. Gentry, Vice Chair
Jeff Hargroves, Vice Chair
Marny Sherman, Vice Chair
Directors
Dr. Scott S. Boswell Sr.
Grant Burcham
Susan Chambers
Elizabeth Gray
Scott Hughes
Bebe Kemper Hunt
Julian Kaplan
Susan Newburger
Joseph Nuñez
Willy F. Pegues IV
Andy Pence
Linda S. Stevens
Patrick A. Valadez
Jesse Yukimura
Ex Officio
Shirley Bush Helzberg, Chair Emerita
Daniel E. Beckley, President and CEO
Past Board Chairs
Paul H. Henson† 1983-85
R. Crosby Kemper, Jr.† 1985-87
Paul H. Henson† 1987-88
George E. Powell, Jr.† 1988-90
David W. Hunerberg 1990-95
Shirley Bush Helzberg 1995-2013
William M. Lyons 2013-19
Patrick McCown 2019-23
† In memoriam
Founding Directors
In memoriam
Henry W. Bloch
William N. Deramus III
George C. Dillon
James H. Hale
Donald J. Hall
Paul H. Henson
R. Crosby Kemper, Jr.
George E. Powell, Jr.
George A. Russell
Richard H. Spencer
Richard J. Stern
Foundation Board of Directors
Christine Kemper, President
Julia Irene Dennie-Kauffman, Vice President
Russell W. Baker, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer
Emily Hill
David Powell
Chris Schumm
Linda S. Stevens, Auxiliary Representative
Lori Feek, Foundation Coordinator
KC Symphony Staff
Executive
Danny Beckley, President and CEO
Young Young Wang, Assistant to the President
AJ Harbison, Content Developer and Executive Support Specialist
Production
Ben Motter, Chief Production Officer
Kate Breytspraak, Director of Artistic Administration
Stephanie Brimhall, Director of Education and Community Engagement
Justin White, Director of Orchestra Personnel
Elena Collins, Assistant Personnel Manager
Jenna Dolinger, Production Manager
Jackie Esquivel, Production Manager, Education and Community Engagement
Annie McPherson, Artist Liaison and Assistant to the Music Director
Tyler Miller, Stage Manager
Patrick Chamberlain, Artistic Advisor
Patrice Sollenberger, Assistant Chorus Director
Development
Eva James Toia, Chief Development Officer
Daniel Morel, Director of Development
Nathan Shields, Manager of Leadership Giving
Roslinde Rivera, Annual Fund Manager
Mark Laverentz, Manager of Corporate Partnerships
Marcy Osburn, Donor Information Specialist
Katie Jenkins, Donor Engagement and Events Associate
Nora Kerwin, Development Operations Associate
Xavier Bowling, Special Projects Coordinator
Finance and HR
Sara Lohe, Chief Financial Officer
Katy Koepke, Accounting Manager
Toni Stock, Senior Accountant
Marketing and Sales
Julius Lai, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer
Adrienne Dopf, Director of Marketing
Ross Lowinske, Creative Director
Hannah Goodwin, Manager of Digital Channels
Gabrielle Guignon, Marketing Coordinator
Claire Martin, Manager of PR and Partnerships
Lauren Murphy, Graphic Designer
Box Office
Stephen Borodkin, Manager of Ticketing Services
Sarah Martin, Assistant Manager of Ticketing Services
Virginia Reed, Receptionist and Office Coordinator
Adeca Chareunsab, Customer Relations Representative
Jacob Bross, Customer Relations Representative
Catherine Cone, Customer Relations Representative
Gabby Lacey, Customer Relations Representative
William Landon, Customer Relations Representative
Evan Nelson, Customer Relations Representative
KC Symphony Orchestra Roster
MATTHIAS PINTSCHER, MUSIC DIRECTOR
MICHAEL STERN, MUSIC DIRECTOR LAUREATE
FIRST VIOLINS
Jun Iwasaki, Concertmaster
Miller Nichols Chair
Stirling Trent, Associate Concertmaster
Sunho Kim, Assistant Concertmaster
Anne-Marie Brown
Michael Brown
Betty Chen
Anthony DeMarco
Susan Goldenberg*
Tomoko Iguchi
Dorris Dai Janssen
Filip Lazovski∆
Chiafei Lin
Vladimir Rykov
Alex Shum*
SECOND VIOLINS
Tamamo Someya Gibbs, Principal
Carter Coleman, Associate Principal
Kristin Velicer, Assistant Principal
Minhye Helena Choi
Samuel Frois∆
Mary Garcia Grant
Kazato Inouye
Rena Ishii
Paul Kim
Stephanie Larsen
Jinyou Lee‡
Sodam Lim
Ayrton Pisco
VIOLAS
MingYu Hsu, Principal
Duncan Steele, Associate Principal
Jessica Nance, Assistant Principal
Kent Brauninger
Sean Brumble
Marvin Gruenbaum
Jenifer Houck
Duke Lee
Jesse Yukimura
CELLOS
Mark Gibbs, Principal
Robert A. Kipp Chair
Susie Yang, Associate Principal
Richard Hill Chair
Alexander East, Assistant Principal
Maria Crosby
John Eadie
Lawrence Figg
Sally Kim
Meredith McCook
Allen Probus
DOUBLE BASSES
Evan Halloin, Acting Principal
Richard Ryan, Acting Associate Principal
Nils Aardahl
Lena Goodson∆
Joseph Nuñez
Keith Wymer∆
FLUTES
Michael Gordon, Principal
Marylou and John Dodds Turner Chair
Shannon Finney, Associate Principal
Liz Teplitsky∆
PICCOLO
Liz Teplitsky∆
OBOES
Kristina Fulton, Principal
Shirley Bush Helzberg Chair
Alison Chung, Associate Principal
Matthew Lengas
ENGLISH HORN
Matthew Lengas
CLARINETS
Javier Morales-Martinez∆, Acting Principal
Bill and Peggy Lyons Chair
Raymond Santos‡
Trevor Stewart∆, Acting Associate Principal
John Klinghammer
E-FLAT CLARINET
Trevor Stewart∆
BASS CLARINET
John Klinghammer
BASSOONS
Ann Bilderback, Principal Barton P. and Mary D. Cohen Chair
Thomas DeWitt, Associate Principal
Maxwell Pipinich
CONTRABASSOON
Thomas DeWitt
HORNS
David Sullivan, Acting Principal Landon and Sarah Rowland Chair
Elizabeth Gray, Acting Associate Principal
David Gamble
Stephen Multer
Benjamin Bacni∆
TRUMPETS
Julian Kaplan, Principal
James B. and Annabel Nutter Chair
Omri Barak^, Associate Principal
Shea Kelsay∆
TROMBONES
Evelyn Carlson, Principal
Porter Wyatt Henderson, Associate Principal
Joseph Maiocco^
BASS TROMBONE
Joseph Maiocco^
TUBA
Joe LeFevre, Principal
Frank Byrne Chair
TIMPANI
Timothy Jepson, Principal
Michael and Susan Newburger Chair
PERCUSSION
David Yoon, Acting Principal
Justin Ochoa∆, Associate Principal
Adrian and Nancy Kay Hertog Family Chair
HARP
Chai Lee^, Principal
LIBRARIANS
Elena Lence Talley, Principal
Fabrice Curtis, Associate Principal
DAVID T. BEALS III CONDUCTORS
Luke Poeppel, Assistant Conductor
Daniel Wiley, Associate Conductor
Justin White, Director of Orchestra Personnel
Elena Collins, Assistant Personnel Manager
Tyler Miller, Stage Manager
Kristina Banton, Lighting Designer
* Non-Rotating Musician
^ New Member
‡ On Leave of Absence
∆ One-Year Member
Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony
Friday and Saturday, May 15-16, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
David Hamilton, Guest Conductor
Katelyn Drye, Vocals
Hollie Hammel, Vocals
Julie Williams, Vocals
Derek Drye, Acoustic Guitar / Lap Steel
Lindsey Miller, Electric Guitar / Acoustic Guitar
Dean Berner, Banjo / Mandolin / Guitar
Gary Lunn, Bass Guitar
Ross McReynolds, Drums
The 2025/26 season is generously sponsored by SHIRLEY and BARNETT C. HELZBERG, JR.
The concert weekend is sponsored by KENNETH and MARILYN HAGER
Additional support provided by
A Dolly Parton/Schirmer Theatrical/Sony Music Publishing Co-Production
All songs written by Dolly Parton, unless otherwise noted
Arrangements by David Hamilton
Threads Overture
Two Doors Down
My Tennessee Mountain Home
Blue Smoke
The Bridge
Better Get To Livin’ (co-written with Kent Wells)
Jolene
If You Hadn’t Been There
Backwoods Barbie
Eagle When She Flies
Light of a Clear Blue Morning
Intermission
Threads Entr’acte
Here You Come Again (written by Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann)
Islands in the Stream (written by Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb)
Coat of Many Colors
Travelin’ Thru
Baby I’m Burnin’
I Will Always Love You
CYRILLE AIMÉE
MARCH 14 • 7:30PM
RUTH MOODY
APRIL 10 • 7:30PM
MAE MARTIN
MAY 9 • 7:00PM
BACK TO THE 80S
MARCH 20, 21 • 7:30PM MARCH 22 • 3:30PM
KCJO PLAYS BENNY GOODMAN
LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL
FEATURING
ANAT COHEN APRIL 11 • 7:00PM
JK LIVE! MAY 30 3:00PM & 7:00PM
UNLIMITED MILES: MILES DAVIS AT 100 MARCH 29 • 3:30PM
ART OF THE PIANO: ALEXANDRE KANTOROW APRIL 14 • 7:00PM
DAVID BRIGHTON’S SPACE ODDITY JUNE 5 • 7:30PM
TICKETS AT FOLLYTHEATER.ORG
Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony
Credits
All music under exclusive license from Sony Music Publishing to Schirmer Theatrical LLC unless otherwise noted.
Better Get To Livin’ under license from Sony Music Publishing and BMG Rights Management
Islands in the Stream under license from Universal Music Publishing Group.
CREATIVE TEAM
For more information on the music and artists featured in Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony, use the code below to access the digital concert program.
CREATIVE SERVICES
Dolly Parton, Songwriter & Executive Producer
Betsey Perlmutter
Creative Director & Producer, Schirmer Theatrical
Robert Thompson Producer, Schirmer Theatrical
Todd Ellis Producer, Sony Music Publishing
David Hamilton Arranger & Orchestrator
Adam Grannick Director of Video and Animation
Alex Kosick
Associate Producer, Schirmer Theatrical
Laura Cooksey & David Wise, Vocal Coaching & Casting, Ten Two Six Music Group
Adam Weisman & Dustin Knock, Technical Services, Black Ink Presents
Paul Bevan, Sound Design
Ali Meah, Logo Design, NoisyBird Media
Zach McNees, Post-Production Sound Mixing
Stephen Lamb, Copyist
Emily Yoon, Vice President, The Team, Booking Agency
Alex Fisher & Kerigan Medeiros, The Team, Booking Agency
Rachel Poston & Michelle Szeto Piras, Tour Marketing
Evie Miller
Artistic Operations Assistant, Schirmer Theatrical
Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony
DAVID HAMILTON
GUEST CONDUCTOR
nown and respected for his musical versatility and artistic passion, David Hamilton has earned a reputation as an engaging conductor of popular music and a premiere arranger, orchestrator, pianist and composer. He is uniquely at home leading orchestras, rhythm sections and choirs. He collaborates with artists across multiple genres on the stage and in the recording studio, and his arrangements are featured on recordings worldwide spanning gospel, pop, classical, jazz, country and sacred music genres. His music can be heard on recordings by premiere artists such as classical pianist Lang Lang performing with Metallica, Ed Sheeran, The Weeknd, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Celine Dion and “Lang Lang Plays Disney” with the Royal Philharmonic at Royal Albert Hall and the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. Hamilton has also written arrangements for Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Kristin Chenoweth, Renee Fleming, Carrie Underwood, Heather Headley, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Sandi Patty, Natalie Grant and many others. His music has been performed by the Boston Pops, the Cincinnati Pops and the New York Pops, for the CMA Country Christmas television show and for Disney theme park shows worldwide such as “World of Color”, “Fantasmic” and many others.
Hamilton has conducted pops and holiday concerts with many of the leading American and Canadian orchestras including the Dallas, St. Louis, Denver, Atlanta, Vancouver, Edmonton, Virginia and Detroit symphonies. He has led his hometown Nashville Symphony numerous times. He has also conducted the National Symphony and the Cincinnati Pops, and has made multiple appearances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. He also conducts recording orchestras at renowned scoring stages such as Oceanway and RCA in Nashville, Capitol and Warner Brothers in Los Angeles and Abbey Road and AIR Studios in London. Drawing from his diverse musical skills, Hamilton brings to the podium unique abilities to bridge musical gaps, speaking the musical languages of musicians from different lanes.
In his recent creative endeavors Hamilton alternates between conductor and musical director/pianist roles with “Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony”, which he arranged and orchestrated for Schirmer Theatrical. For many years he has collaborated with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith as conductor and touring musical director, helping them each create their own legacies of rich holiday musical traditions.
Hamilton earned an undergraduate degree in piano, composition and conducting from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music and a graduate degree in commercial music and jazz from the University of Miami School of Music. This diverse and well-rounded training along with many years serving in church music leadership have equipped him to thrive both in the studio and on stages throughout North America and Europe and in the vibrant creative scene of his hometown, Nashville. For more information, visit dhamiltonmusic.com.
Bryan Busby Chief Meteorologist and Green Ribbon Champion
In September 2021, my beautiful petite, 20-year-old dancer goddaughter’s body would wait no more. I was devastated. For several weeks, I had watched the care team treat Helena Francine Nicole like a queen.
For many years, I have been a registered donor and advocate — asking friends, colleagues and viewers to consider doing the same. But this personal loss hit me hard. Her loss has me doubling down on my efforts to ensure no one else is ever in our position. All I felt was sadness because the question of “how to save a life” should have been easy to answer. However, we lost Helena simply because of the lack of a suitable heart. Spare another family the grief and pain and join the donor registry.
– Bryan Busby
Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony
DOLLY PARTON
olly Parton is the most honored and revered multi-hyphenate of all time and was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her current album “Rockstar” made history by scoring the biggest album debut sales week of her seven-decade career and earning her six #1s on the Billboard charts — Top Rock Albums, Top Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Country Albums, Top Album Sales, Top Current Album Sales and Independent Albums. The landmark album also claimed the #3 spot on the Billboard 200 chart, her highest position ever. Achieving 27 RIAA-certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards, she has had 26 songs reach #1 on the Billboard country charts, a record for a female artist. Parton is the first artist to have topped Billboard’s Adult Contemporary, Christian AC Songs, Hot Country Songs, Christian Airplay, Rock Digital Songs, Country Airplay and Dance/Mix Show Airplay radio charts. Parton became the first country artist honored as Grammy MusiCares Person of the Year, awarded by NARAS. She has 49 career Top 10 country albums, a record for any artist, and 120 career-charted singles over the past 50+ years. On October 17, 2023, she released her second New York Times bestseller coffee table book in a trilogy called “Behind The Seams: My Life in Rhinestones.” The first of the series was bestselling coffee table book “Songteller: My Life in Lyrics.”
In 2014, the RIAA recognized her impact on recorded music with a plaque commemorating more than 100 million units sold worldwide. She has amassed 11 Grammy Awards and 52 nominations, including the Lifetime Achievement Award; ten Country Music Association Awards, including Entertainer of the Year; five Academy of Country Music Awards, also including a nod for Entertainer of the Year; four People’s Choice Awards; and three American Music Awards. In 1999, Parton was inducted as a member of the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame.
Dolly has the largest fan base of all measured music artists in the YouGov database at #1 with 198 million. She has the #1 Q Score of all performers, solo and group. Dolly is one of only 25 celebrities in the E-poll database to have an E-score of 100 and has maintained that perfect rating for 8 years. She recently won Best Brand Award, Celebrity, Influencer and Fashion at the 2023 Licensing International Excellence Awards.
To date, Parton has donated over 255 million books to children around the world with her Imagination Library. Her children’s book, “Coat of Many Colors,” was dedicated to the Library of Congress to honor the Imagination Library’s 100 millionth book donation. In March of 2022, Parton released the book “Run Rose Run” which she co-authored with James Patterson and which sat at #1 on the New York Times bestsellers list for five weeks, a record for this decade. She also released an accompanying album of the same name with original songs inspired by the book which reached #1 on three charts simultaneously — Country, Americana/Folk and Bluegrass albums. From her “Coat of Many Colors” while working “9 to 5,” no dream is too big and no mountain too high for the country girl who turned the world into her stage.
Ben Rector: Symphonies Across America
Thursday and Friday, May 21-22, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Daniel Wiley, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
Ben Rector, Guitar, Piano and Vocals
Jon McLaughlin, Piano and Vocals
Selections will be announced from the stage. There will be an intermission.
The 2025/26 season is generously sponsored by SHIRLEY and BARNETT C. HELZBERG, JR.
Additional support provided by
Ben Rector: Symphonies Across America
DANIEL WILEY
DAVID T. BEALS III ASSOCIATE CONDUCTOR
aniel Wiley is a dynamic conductor quickly establishing himself across North America. He has appeared with leading ensembles including the Cincinnati Symphony, Cincinnati Ballet, Kansas City Symphony, Nashville Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Calgary Philharmonic, Toledo Symphony, Wichita Symphony, Orchestra Iowa, Quad City Ballet, Salisbury Symphony, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Windsor Abridged Opera, London Symphonia, Boise Philharmonic, Abilene Philharmonic, Meridian Symphony (ID), Equilibrium Ensemble and University of North Florida Opera.
Daniel currently serves as the associate conductor of the Kansas City Symphony and music director of the Salisbury Symphony, Anderson Symphony and West Valley Symphony. Previous appointments include assistant conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops, May Festival and Jacksonville Symphony; associate conductor of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra; and music director roles with the Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestras, Windsor Symphony Community Orchestra and Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science Youth Orchestra. He has also served as visiting professor and wind ensemble conductor at the University of Windsor’s School of Creative Arts, education conductor for London Symphonia and conductor for Windsor Abridged Opera.
In April 2024, Daniel made a notable subscription debut with the Cincinnati Symphony, stepping in at the last minute to lead a program featuring Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht and Brahms’ Violin Concerto with Augustin Hadelich. His performance was praised as “seamless and intelligent” and for “bringing out the best in the orchestra’s musicians” (Cincinnati Business Courier).
A prizewinner at both the Smoky Mountain International Conducting Institute and Competition and the Los Angeles International Conducting Competition, Daniel also has a strong background in contemporary music. He has conducted world premieres through the Composing in the Wilderness program at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival in Alaska and worked with the Musicbed Music and Film Corporation in Fort Worth, Texas.
A former public-school music teacher, Daniel remains passionate about supporting young musicians, frequently serving as a guest clinician for student ensembles across North America.
Ben Rector: Symphonies Across America
BEN RECTOR
GUITAR, PIANO AND VOCALS
ifteen years after starting his career writing songs and touring in his Honda Accord on the weekends, Ben Rector found himself at home and at the piano in March 2020. The alchemy of life’s big questions, more downtime than he’d had in a decade, and those now all-too-familiar “unprecedented times” resulted in his career album: “The Joy of Music.” The project includes a breathtaking short film (featuring seven songs brought to life with stunning cinematography), inviting listeners and viewers to visit a dream world that communicates Rector’s creative process and his reckoning with his job as an artist. He is led through the film’s chapters by his new friend Joy, a Muppet monster he created with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. In this fantastic and dream-like landscape we see and hear Rector overcome a deep-seated fear of failure, dancing and singing his way through the journey of rediscovering the joy of music.
Ben Rector has amassed over a billion streams across all platforms, has performed on numerous late night and morning TV shows including “Conan,” “The Today Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel,” “Live with Kelly and Ryan” and “The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” and has been a celebrity mentor on “American Idol” alongside Ryan Tedder, Jewel, Brian McKnight, Jason Aldean and more. His records have topped numerous Billboard charts, with his last two records landing at #1 on Billboard’s U.S. Folk and #2 on Billboard’s U.S. Rock and U.S. Indie charts. Rector has built a dedicated touring base, regularly selling out theaters and amphitheaters across the country, including three consecutive nights at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
YOUR EVENT VISIONS
Versatile indoor and outdoor spaces for intimate conversations or large-scale events, within an inclusive and accessible environment. Explore our trails, gardens, fountains, and labyrinth. Stay at our full-service hotel, with free parking and a scenic 9-hole golf course.
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Ask about the new R.D. Goppert Event Center
Ben Rector: Symphonies Across America
JON MCLAUGHLIN
PIANO AND VOCALS
ndiana-born singer-songwriter and pianist Jon McLaughlin first broke out with his 2007 debut “Indiana,” earning fans through heartfelt songwriting, virtuosic piano work and unforgettable live shows. Since then, he’s toured with Billy Joel, Kelly Clarkson and Adele, collaborated with Sara Bareilles and Demi Lovato, and even performed at the Academy Awards. His newest album, “Scenarios” (October 2025), marks a bold new chapter, featuring brand-new songs that showcase both his storytelling and signature piano-driven sound. This holiday season, Jon brings his beloved “Home for the Holidays” tour — featuring Morgan James, Kris Allen, David Davis and T.3 — to 13 U.S. cities after two sold-out years in Carmel, Indiana.
About Ben Rector: Symphonies Across America
Ben Rector makes his return to the symphony stage in 2026. The singer-songwriter has independently released seven studio albums including “Brand New” and “Magic,” which both charted #1 on the U.S. Folk and #2 on the U.S. Rock and U.S. Indie Billboard chart. His songs have received both RIAA Gold and RIAA Platinum certifications, amassing more than a billion streams, and have been licensed in more than 100 ad campaigns, television shows and movies.
In “Symphonies Across America,” audiences will experience a new dimension to Ben’s music only experienced at the symphony. Pulling from more than 15 years of cross-country travel as a touring artist, Rector masterfully brings anthem sing-a-longs, quippy humor and deep, meaningful lyrics — all beautifully backed by orchestra arrangements.
Joining Ben on his symphony tour across America is his good friend, Jon McLaughlin. Jon’s recently released album, “Scenarios” (October 2025), marks a bold new chapter, featuring brand-new songs that showcase both his storytelling and signature piano-driven sound. No stranger to the symphony stage, Jon’s depth and talent is sure to create a perfect complement to Ben on stage.
With a history of sold-out symphony appearances in 2023/24, Ben returns to present his music in a new dimension fans can only experience at the symphony.
Trey Anastasio with the Kansas City Symphony
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Edwin Outwater, Guest Conductor
Trey Anastasio, Guitar and Vocals
Selections will be announced from the stage. There will be an intermission.
The 2025/26 season is generously sponsored by SHIRLEY and BARNETT C. HELZBERG, JR.
Additional support provided by
Trey Anastasio with the Kansas City Symphony
EDWIN OUTWATER
GUEST CONDUCTOR
dwin Outwater is redefining the concert experience as a groundbreaking conductor, curator and producer, known for his dynamic approach and genre-blending collaborations. Working with a wide range of artists from Metallica to Wynton Marsalis, Renée Fleming and Yo-Yo Ma, Outwater’s creative vision and ability to seamlessly navigate between musical worlds has made him one of the most sought-after conductors, with the legendary Michael Tilson Thomas aptly describing him as “one of the most innovative conductors on the scene today.”
Outwater currently serves as music director of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he leads their ensembles and oversees the institution’s bold artistic initiatives. From September 2024, he takes on an additional role as principal guest conductor and curator of the BBC Concert Orchestra, working closely with the orchestra’s director to deliver an exciting range of concerts, community and education work over the next three seasons.
Outwater’s recent high-profile engagements include appearances at major orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic, where he headlined a multi-concert series at the grand opening of Steinmetz Hall in Florida. His collaborations extend to stars such as Diana Ross, Beck, Trey Anastasio, Leslie Odom Jr. and Lang Lang. As producer and musical advisor for the National Symphony Orchestra’s 50th anniversary concert at the Kennedy Center, he shared the stage with artists including Audra McDonald, Christian McBride and Common.
Outwater’s prolific recording career includes the 2024 release of “Rhapsody in Blue Reimagined” with pianist Lara Downes as well as the GRAMMY® Award-winning “Philharmonia Fantastique” with the Chicago Symphony and collaborations with Metallica’s Kirk Hammett on “Portals.”
A native of Santa Monica, California, Outwater graduated cum laude from Harvard University, where he directed the Bach Society Orchestra and contributed music to the Hasty Pudding Theatricals. He later earned his conducting degree from UC Santa Barbara, studying under Heiichiro Ohyama and Paul Polivnick, alongside music theory and composition with noted figures like John Stewart and Leonard Stein.
Trey Anastasio with the Kansas City Symphony
TREY ANASTASIO
GUITAR AND VOCALS
ince 1983, Trey Anastasio has been the guitarist, vocalist and main composer for the band Phish. Over the past four decades, Anastasio, who Rolling Stone named as one of “The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time,” has forged a singular, multi-faceted career, winning acclaim and garnering accolades across myriad genres and disciplines, including rock, classical, musical theatre and more. Anastasio has received three GRAMMY® Award nominations and, in 2013, received a Tony® Award nomination honoring his work co-writing the score for the Broadway musical Hands on a Hardbody. An accomplished composer and arranger, Anastasio has performed his original compositions with numerous symphonies, including the New York Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Pops and many more.
Anastasio, along with Jon Fishman (drums, vocals), Mike Gordon (bass, vocals) and Page McConnell (keyboards, vocals), formed Phish in Burlington, Vermont, and together they have since earned one of music’s most dedicated fan communities for its blend of distinctive songcraft, extended improvisation and immersive live performances, all fusing a variety of genres into their own freewheeling sound and vision. The band has released 16 studio albums and is widely recognized as one of live music’s most beloved and inventive artists.
Phish has played over 2,000 shows since their formation, regularly selling out multiple nights at arenas, amphitheaters and stadiums across North America. To date, the band has performed 91 sold-out shows at The Garden since their debut there in 1994. In addition, Phish have influenced a new generation of American rock festivals through 11 self-produced festivals, including, most recently, 2024’s Mondegreen, which was celebrated in a GQ feature that hailed them for “what may be the most singular and stubbornly idiosyncratic career of any major American rock band.” In 2024, the band performed a four-night sold-out run at Sphere in Las Vegas, the second act to perform there, following U2’s inaugural run at the groundbreaking venue.
Anastasio is the founder of the Divided Sky Foundation (DSF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to help people find joy in recovery from drugs and alcohol. In the fall of 2020, Anastasio hosted a live-streamed musical residency now known as the Beacon Jams, which spanned eight consecutive Fridays and were broadcast online while live chat boards offered real-time interaction between Trey and the Phish fan community. These now-legendary performances were a joyful respite from the isolation of the pandemic and raised a remarkable $1.2 million for DSF in order to help open a recovery center dedicated to treating those affected by alcoholism and addiction. Through the community’s generosity, the Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program was born. Opened in November of 2023 in beautiful Ludlow, Vermont, it has now offered compassionate treatment to hundreds of individuals in a safe, nurturing environment. Rooted in the 12 Steps, Emotional Sobriety and mindfulness, Divided Sky addresses the root causes of addiction and never turns away anyone due to financial need.
Steve Hackman Conducts His
Taylor Swift: The Symphony Era
Thursday and Friday, June 11-12, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Steve Hackman, Creator and Guest Conductor
Zoe D’Andrea, Vocals
India Carney, Vocals
Rachel Gonzalez, Vocals
Jessica Taylor, Vocals
Ahmed Alom, Piano and Keys
Nick Clark, Bass
Taron Lockett, Drums
Max Townsley, Guitar and Keys
Selections will be announced from the stage. There will be an intermission.
The 2025/26 season is generously sponsored by SHIRLEY and BARNETT C. HELZBERG, JR.
Additional support provided by
Steve Hackman’s Taylor Swift: The Symphony Era
STEVE HACKMAN
CREATOR AND GUEST CONDUCTOR
omposer, arranger, producer, songwriter, conductor and pianist
Steve Hackman is the musical polymath at the center of the most exciting productions in the orchestral space. Whether writing for the concert stage or screen, collaborating with today’s most compelling artists or contributing to the Oscars and Emmys, Steve is becoming the first-call original voice shaping today’s most important musical events, scores and concerts.
Steve has collaborated with Jon Batiste, Charlie Puth, Lizzo, RZA, Wyclef Jean, Steve Lacy, Doja Kat, Moses Sumney, Kanye West (on the opera Mary) and most recently with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo on the “Wicked” TV special for NBC.
Steve’s 16 barrier-shattering orchestral fusions, which synthesize the great works of classical music with towering figures from contemporary popular music, have led to performances around the world of titles such as “Brahms x Radiohead,” “Beethoven x Beyoncé” and “Tchaikovsky x Drake” with orchestras in LA, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Boston and over 50 others.
2026 will see an ambitious music release schedule from Steve that will showcase the many sides of his artistry: music spanning from ballet scores which fuse electronics with orchestra to his concept art-piece THE BRINK, solo piano pieces and reimaginings of some of the great music of today, including Frank Ocean, Jacob Collier and Kendrick Lamar. Steve’s first movie soundtrack was released in November, for Netflix’s holiday caper “Jingle Bell Heist.”
Trained classically at the Curtis Institute of Music in conducting, composition and counterpoint, Steve’s musical curiosity from the youngest age also led him to be immersed in alternative, rap/hip-hop, electronic and art music — which you can hear in every original note he writes today.
Steve is managed by Ty Stiklorious. Follow Steve at @stevehackmanmusic.
Steve Hackman’s Taylor Swift: The Symphony Era
Show Description
or his newest fusion creation, composer/conductor Steve Hackman takes on the music of one of the most prolific and omnipresent artists this world has ever seen: Taylor Swift. This musical reimagination will celebrate her singular and iconic songwriting voice by weaving greatest hits together with hidden gems in a new through-composed symphonic tapestry. It will draw unexpected comparisons between songs and unearth new musical easter eggs, promising to keep even the most dedicated Swiftie on their toes! Four vocalists and full band join the orchestra, creating a transformative soundscape that will elevate the music of one of the greatest artists in the world to new heights.
Steve Hackman’s Taylor Swift: The Symphony Era
Vocalist Bios
ZOE D’ANDREA
Zoe D’Andrea is a Los Angeles-based singer, musician and performer who’s been making music since age 6. With early roots in musical theatre and piano, she began gigging in high school and went on to study voice and piano in USC’s Popular Music program. Since then, she’s performed at venues like Carnegie Hall and Staples Center, voiced characters for Netflix’s “Go Dog Go” and appeared on screen in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” ”The Last Thing He Told Me” and “I Can See Your Voice.” She’s had the joy of working with Steve on shows celebrating The Beatles, Bob Dylan and his original work, and is beyond excited to return for this Taylor Swift show.
RACHEL GONZALEZ
LA native singer-songwriter Rachel Gonzalez is a blend of soul-driven melodies and intentionally honest storytelling. Her voice carries her message of healing straight to your heart, and is something you can’t quite ignore. Growing up singing in church and high school choir sparked her love for music, and her time at Berklee College of Music inspired her to develop her voice and sound. Now, she is pursuing her love for music in many different ways, as an artist releasing her own original music and as a vocalist singing for other artists such as Elmiene, Zayn, Lawrence and Lainey Wilson.
JESSICA TAYLOR
Jessica Taylor is originally from Conway, Arkansas, and is now based in Nashville, Tennessee. She is a vocalist known for her warm tone, soulful delivery and expressive stage presence. Influenced by R&B, soul, pop and contemporary music, she brings versatility and emotion to every performance. With a background in commercial songwriting, Jessica has developed a strong sense of melody, phrasing and storytelling that shapes her approach as a vocalist. Her performances balance technical control with feeling, allowing her to move naturally between intimate ballads, groove-driven songs and dynamic ensemble work. Jessica has performed in live settings ranging from intimate venues to curated events, where her rich vocal style creates memorable moments for audiences. She values music that brings people together through artistry, energy and connection.
Steve Hackman’s Taylor Swift: The Symphony Era
Vocalist Bios Continued
INDIA CARNEY
India Carney is a multitalented solo artist with a wide range of dynamic performing experience. At home with audiences across the country and abroad, India’s original music features a mix of her classical, pop, R&B, a cappella and theatrical influences. India’s versatility shines through her work as a soloist or in collaboration, whether as singer, songwriter, arranger, actress or vocal coach. With an alreadystrong foundation as a social media influencer, India’s fans watched her launch on an international scale when she competed as a top-5 artist on NBC’s Emmy award-winning series, “The Voice” Season 8.
India has toured and performed with award-winning artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Katy Perry, Kali Uchis, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and more. She’s performed on live television broadcasts of the Grammy Awards, the B.E.T. Awards, “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Despite India’s active performance schedule, her passion extends to education as a vocal coach and mentor, developing the next generation of talented singers on shows like “The Voice,” “American Idol,” “I Can See Your Voice” and “Alter Ego” as well as with arts foundations like YoungArts and Find Your Light. She is an alumna of UCLA (bachelor’s degree in music performance, minor in music industry), Manhattan School of Music (precollege) and LaGuardia Arts High School (the “Fame” School) in New York City.
In May of 2021, India released her debut single, “Human,” a deeply personal anthem exploring themes of equality, empathy and human connection. Her most recent project, “Recovery,” was released in October 2024, with many more to follow.
About the Kansas City Symphony
only its 44th season, the Kansas City Symphony has already become one of America’s most vibrant major orchestras and has gained national and international recognition. With the 2024/25 season, the Symphony welcomed conductor and composer Matthias Pintscher as its new music director. Pintscher regularly conducts many of the world’s best orchestras and opera companies and ranks as one of the world’s foremost composers of orchestral music.
Continually creating live music experiences in Helzberg Hall, located in the prestigious Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Symphony serves Kansas City’s metro population of more than 2.2 million people as well as welcoming visitors from around the globe. The Symphony’s 80 full-time musicians from around the world bring a diverse and dynamic range of musical experiences to our audiences in both orchestral and chamber music formats each season. In addition to concerts in Helzberg Hall, Symphony musicians perform throughout the region on our portable stage, the Mobile Music Box. The Symphony also serves as the orchestra for the Kansas City Ballet and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, adding to the rich cultural experiences that these organizations offer to the community.
Top international soloists perform with the Kansas City Symphony every season, including brilliant classical musicians, popular singer/ songwriters, rock bands and other creative performers. The Symphony also performs live soundtracks for a variety of fan-favorite films, with the movie projected on a giant screen above the stage.
Music connects us; it has the unique ability to draw us closer to our inner selves and also closer to one another, transcending our differences. Every Kansas City Symphony concert will take you on an emotional journey — a journey that’s deeply personal but also a journey that we all experience together as one.
We’re happy you are here. We are your Kansas City Symphony.
Symphony Society Contributors
The list of individual contributors includes gifts of $2,500 or more received during our 2024/25 season.
MAESTRO’S CIRCLE
($100,000 and Above)
Anonymous (2)
Virginia and Charles Clark
Paul DeBruce and Linda Woodsmall-DeBruce / The DeBruce Foundation
Barnett and Shirley Helzberg ◊
J.B.† and Anne Hodgdon
Marilyn McConnell
Michael A. Waterford
COMPOSER’S CIRCLE
($50,000 to $99,999)
Ann Baum / G. Kenneth and Ann Baum Philanthropic Fund
Web and Tracy Bixby
Min and Fan Kao
Mr.† and Mrs. Stuart Knutson
Bill and Peggy Lyons ◊
Lorraine Martin ◊
Jean and Tom McDonnell
Virginia Merrill†
Gary C. Robb and Anita Porte Robb
Betty C. Scott ◊
Dana Seeley
Vera and Mike† Seeley
John and Marny Sherman
Kent Sunderland
MUSICIAN’S CIRCLE
($30,000 to $49,999)
June Beaver
David A. Cooley, M.D.
J. Scott Francis, Discretionary Fund / Francis Family Foundation
Michael and Marlys Haverty
Joan Horan ◊
Michael† and Susan Newburger ◊
Betsy Piebenga
Charlotte and Bob Ronan ◊
BRAVURA CIRCLE
($12,500 to $29,999)
Anonymous
Phil and Alice Bixby
The Brandmeyer Family
Marian Wood Bump
Grant and Wendy Burcham
Kenny and Sherrie Burgess
Susan and Charles Chambers
Tim Cook
Curtis and Lillian Cooper
William and Dorothy Curry
Paul and Lynn Douthat
John M. and Mary Ann Edgar / Edgar Law Firm LLC
Howard and Anne Elsberry
Warren and Jenny Erdman
Sue Ann and Richard Fagerberg
Michael D. Fields ◊
Bill and Christy Gautreaux
Michael and Sara Gentry
John and Myonza Gray
Kenneth and Marilyn Hager
Donald Hall, Sr.†
Hargroves Family Foundation
Charles and Barbara Haviland
Dr. Sara Hicks and Mr. Michael O’Connell
Liz and John Hjalmarson
Grace G. and Dr. James M. Hobbs II
Ellen and Irv Hockaday ◊
Chris and Adele Hodgdon ◊
Sharon and John Hoffman
Rod and Susan Kelley
Kirk Foundation / Judy Kirk
Carol and John Kornitzer
Daniel and Jan Lewis
Carl Manning and Dana Fields
Ford and Christine Maurer
Pat and Beth McCown
Mike and Jan McGraw
John and Jackie Middelkamp
Edward P. Milbank
Sue and Lewis Nerman
Lyman and Sally Ott ◊
Dr. Ron and Donna Patton ◊
Drs. Sanford and Elizabeth Peterson
George and Wendy Powell ◊
Wallace and Mary Fern Souder
Randy and Mary Ann St. Clair
Jonathan and Meredith Sternberg
Linda S. Stevens ◊
Robert M. Suhre ◊
Bill and Marilyn Taylor ◊
Steve and Linda Taylor ◊
Melanie and H. Wayne Thompson, Jr.
Ann Marie Trask
Marylou Turner ◊
Chasitie and Michael Walden / Burgess Family Foundation
Connie Walker
Daniel Walker ◊
CRESCENDO CIRCLE
($6,000 to $12,499)
Anonymous (3)
M. Wayne Alexander and John W. Braum ◊
Scott and Bernadette Ashcraft
Sara and Stephen Balawajder
Brian and Jennifer Blake
Dr. Carol Blum and Mr. Steven Wilson
Dr. Valerie Chow and Judge Jon R. Gray (ret)
Martha Comment
Bunni and Paul Copaken
Robert Cross
Uta Cross
Michael and Diane Dark
Richard and Maureen
Durwood Foundation
Michael and Melanie Fenske
Byron and Dana Fink
Julie Kemper Foyer and Jean-Charles Foyer
Shelly Freeman and Kimberly Jones
Suzanne Frisse ◊
Marilyn A.W. and Norman E. Gaar, Esq.† ◊
Jacob Gerson
James Gerson
John and Lynn Gerson
Levi and Emily Gerson
Gregory E. Gille
Peter and Chris Godfrey
Edmund and Michiko Gross
Christopher and Marsha Haufler
James Heryer and Annette Evans
Heidelmann Jackson
Family Fund /
Kelda Jackson and Georg Heidelmann
Kim and Ted Higgins
Bill and Irma Lou Hirsch
Amy and Paul Holewinski
Linda Houston Foundation
Beth Ingram
Sue and Ken Ingram
Roger and Sandy Jackson
Tom and Madeline Johnson
Steve Joss ◊
Nancy L. Kain ◊
Dr. Andrew Kao
Bruce and Janet Kernes
Kirk Foundation
James C. Kogel ◊
Mordy Kopperman
William Kornitzer and Linda Coburn Kornitzer
Lois Lacy
Michael and Patricia Manners
Doug and Nina McKenna
JoZach Miller and Peter Bali
Dr. and Mrs. Fred Neuer
George and Cynthia Norton
George and Suzy Pagels
Bobby and Eleanor Patton
John and Linda Perkins
Sarah, Joseph, Pamela and Donald Raffurty
Greg and Caroline Reintjes
Jill Ingram Reynolds
Sid and Jeannine Richison
William and Nancy Scheerer ◊
Ken Schmitz
James and Katherine Schorgl
Suzanne Shank and John Lohmeyer
Dr. Elisa S. Silverstein
Greg and Barbara Storm
Ann and John Sundeen, Jr.
David and Meg Swant
Sven and Julia Sykes
Ursula Terrasi and Jim Miller ◊
Mary and Al Tikwart
Robert and Merrill Walz ◊
Gena and Steven Williams
George and Beverley Wilson
John and Karen Yungmeyer
OVERTURE CIRCLE
($3,500 to $5,999)
Anonymous
Patty Aenchbacher
Mr. and Mrs. James Andrews
Richard and Emily Ballentine
Leonard and Irene Bettinger
Philanthropic Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City
Doug and Cindy Brown
Wendy and Troy Burgess ◊
Steve and Sally Burk
Mary Canham
Robert L. Claassen
Stephen and Karen Clegg
Donna Gould Cohen
Jane and George Cornwell
Dr. and
Mrs. Thomas P. Cummings
Nancy Doty Davis
Cary and Pam DeCamp
Steven DeWilde and Bradley Pearson
Mark and Lisa Ebbitts
Constance B. Fayen
Ellen Feldhausen
Joerg and Christa Finger
Mark and Nancy Gilman
Dr. and Mrs. Charles W. Gorodetzky
Dr. Robert Graham and Dr. Jane E. Henney
Denise Griffey and Leon Langlitz ◊
Sally Groves
Dr. Allen and Mrs. Gail Gutovitz
Chuck and Karen Haber
Katie and Aaron Hackman
Bill and Nicki Hancock
Dr. Richard and Julie Hellman
Pamela T. Henderson
Bradley and Karen Hodges
Pegge Hudgins
Dr. Randall and Doranne Hudson ◊
Quinton and Kristen Huffman ◊
Randy and Kelly Huffman
Vicki and Harold James
Allen and Carol Jenks
Dick and Sandy Jones
Dr. Newton Jones and Mr. James Corrick
Dr. Robert Klein
Rachel Krantz and Edward Goldstein
Norman and Margaret Kressmann ◊
Dr. and Mrs. Steven B. Laster
Dr. Barbara Lukert and Estate of Mary Stoskopf
Martha, Greg, and Terri Maddux
Pete and Michelle Mirakian
Linda and George Neill
Pam and Jim Nolan
Edward and Chris Null
Christopher and Megan Olvera
Nancy Panzer-Howell
Willy Pegues and Hayat Abdullahi
Leslie Pfriem
Patricia Raffel
Reses Apfel Family / Jacqueline D. Reses
Fred and Susan Reynolds ◊
Scott and Beth Riekeman
Michelle and Chuck Ritter
Lisa and Charles Schellhorn
Randy Sedlacek and Mary Ventura
Clarence E. Simmons, Jr. †
Joe and Susan Sims ◊
Louis and Sharon Smith
Susan and Tuck Spaulding
Jeannine Strandjord
Sue Strickler
Fr. Paul Turner
John and Angela Walker
Steven and Janet Walker
Dr. Mark and Mary Ellen Walton
Chris Wasmund
Howard and Irene Weiner
Charles and Linda Wells
Janice White
John and Mary Sue Williams
Claire† and Russell Wilson
Dave and Shirley Wurth
Bernie Young and Sandra Holt
Karl and Beth Zobrist
Symphony Society Contributors (cont.)
CIRCLE ($2,500 to $3,499)
Anonymous (2)
Susan and Ho Anthony Ahn
Joe and Malinda Algaier
Steve and Jeri Allison
Ida B. Anderson
Bruce and Gerry Barker
Scott and Robin Boswell
Tom and Judy Bowser ◊
Cheryl and Barry Brady
Robert and Pamela Bruce
Stephen and Susan Bubb
Gerard and Judy Bukowski
Forrest Chumley and Barbara Valent
Ron and Kim Coker
Jeff Cotter and Karen Suhre
Suzanne Crandall
Una Creditor ◊
Bill Dickinson and Barbara Loots
Carol and Mark Dirkes
Dr. Margaret Estrin Drinkwine and Mr. Frank Drinkwine
Lisa and Buzzah Feingold
Brad and Mary Footh
Bradley and Theresa Freilich
Mark Gardner
Shirley Gaufin and Tim Jackson
Susan and Zack Hangauer
John Hardesty and Marilyn Macha
Charles and Mary Kay Horner
Robert and Anne Hutcherson
M. Indellicate
Mr. Michael Kauphusman and Dr. Sandra Archer
John and Ann Kenney
Allan King and Nancy Bean
Drs. Kathy M. Krause and Robert H. Lee
Ermalyn Kubart and Clinton Ludeman
Larry and Marilyn Lewis
Bruce and Priscilla Long
Tim and Martha Madderom
Donna and Rex Martin
Mr. and Mrs. Barry C. Mayhew
Michael and Julie McCann
William McCollum and Diana Hadl
Julia and Dennis Meyer
Pam and Joe Meyer
Sharon Milens
Donald and Linda Milligan
Teresa and James Minton
Gloria Mueller
Dr. Mark Neustrom
Dr. Jayne Opeña Bumgarner and Mr. Jerry Bumgarner
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Penner
Howard Pitler
Melodie A. Powell and Jerry L. Short
William and Stacy Pratt
Kathryn and James Prevost
Joseph and Kelly Privitera
David Raffel
Philip and Nancy Reicher
Dr. Anne Regier and Dr. Robert Takacs
Dennis and Palle Rilinger ◊
Constance Roeder ◊
Dr. and Mrs. Steven Romondo
Dr. Thomas Russell
Nelson and Rachael Sabates
Glen and Susan Sands
Jim and Barb Scherer
Janice and Mark Schonwetter
Jack and Errett Schmid ◊
Zachary and Christina Shafran
Don W. Shanks ◊
Dr. John Sheets and Dr. Joy Stevenson
Christopher and Lisa Sirridge
Rick and Betsey Solberg ◊
Drs. David E. and Frances G. Sternberg
Connie Stirgus-Marley
Tate Family Foundation
Don and Cathy Thomson
Darrel and Linda Thomssen
Dr. Angela and Mr. Patrick Valadez
Deanna and Larry Van Cleave
Dale E. Walker
Myron and Nicole Wang
Dr. and Mrs. Terrence R. Ward
Mr. and Mrs. William F. Webb
Heinz Wehner and
Judith Biggs
Sheila Wikas ◊
Mark and Heather Winiarski
Jerry and Tammy Wood
Dr. Michael J. and Cindy S. Wurm
John and Carol Yorke
We are grateful for all donations. We make every effort to list donors accurately. Space limitations, however, don’t allow us to print every gift in the program book. If we have omitted a name, or if you would like to modify your listing, please call 816.218.2624.
Premier Senior Living in the Heart of Kansas City
Foundations and Organizations
The list of foundation and organization contributors includes gifts received during our 2024/25 season.
MAESTRO’S CIRCLE
($100,000 and Above)
City of Kansas City, Missouri
DeBruce Foundation
Hall Family Foundation
The Jewel Ball
Kansas City Symphony Alliance
Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation
Bebe and Crosby Kemper Foundation for the Arts, UMB Bank n.a., Trustee
William T. Kemper Foundation — Commerce Bank, Trustee
Missouri Arts Council
Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts — Commerce Bank, Trustee Symphony League
COMPOSER’S CIRCLE
($50,000 to $99,999)
Kansas City Symphony Guild
Kao Family Foundation
National WWI Museum and Memorial
Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, City of Kansas City, Missouri
The Seeley Foundation
MUSICIAN’S CIRCLE
($25,000 to $49,999)
Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation
Curry Family Foundation
Arvin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation, Peter W. Brown, Barton J. Cohen, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustees
Michael and Marlys Haverty Family Foundation Fund
Frank and Margaret G. McGee Fund
National Endowment for the Arts
Pemberton Family Charitable Foundation
J.B. Reynolds Foundation
The Sosland Foundation
Mark Edelman Theater Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City
BENEFACTOR
($10,000 to $24,999)
Anonymous
The Cross Foundation
The Ronald D. Deffenbaugh Foundation
Elsberry Family Foundation
Fondation Foyer, Julie Kemper Foyer and Jean-Charles Foyer
The Ingram Family Foundation
Kirk Foundation
Oppenstein Brothers Foundation
Victor E. and Caroline E. Schutte Foundation
Ralph L. Smith Illumination Fund
PATRON
($5,000 to $9,999)
Almy Legacy Fund
Gerson Family Foundation
McCown Family Foundation
Bill McGlaughlin Education Fund
Louis and Frances Swinken
Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City
SUSTAINER
($1,000 to $4,999)
The Breidenthal-Snyder Foundation
R.A. Long Foundation
Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation
Henry E. Wurst Family Foundation
Business Alliance Corporate Contributions
The list of corporate contributors includes gifts received during our 2024/25 season.
BUSINESS ALLIANCE
MAESTRO’S CIRCLE
($100,000 and Above)
Bank of America
Hallmark Corporate Foundation
BUSINESS ALLIANCE
COMPOSER’S CIRCLE
($50,000 to $99,999)
Ford Motor Company
Kansas City PBS
Webster House Garage, LLC
BUSINESS ALLIANCE PLATINUM PARTNER
($25,000 to $49,999)
The H & R Block Foundation
Helzberg
PNC Foundation
Union Station
BUSINESS ALLIANCE
GOLD PARTNER
($10,000 to $24,999)
AdventHealth
BlueScope Foundation
Cerris
Evergy
JE Dunn Construction Company
KC Parks and Recreation
Kissick Construction Company
McCownGordon Construction
Spencer Fane LLP
BUSINESS ALLIANCE PRINCIPAL PARTNER
($5,000 to $9,999)
Ash Grove Cement Company
Burns & McDonnell
Country Club Bank
Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe
Forvis Mazars
HMXLive
Humana
Kansas City Life Insurance Company
Kansas City University
Mark One Electric Company, Inc.
Optum
Parisi Coffee
Renewal by Andersen
Restless Spirits Distilling
U.S. Engineering Holdings
BUSINESS ALLIANCE PARTNER
($3,000 to $4,999)
Adams Brown Wealth Consultants
Black & McDonald
Brown & Brown
Blue Bird Bistro
CBIZ
EPR Properties
Fannie’s West African Cuisine
Foley Equipment
Fountain City Winery
Global Prairie
Kansas City Bier Co.
KurlCultureKC
J. Rieger & Co.
Lamp RynearsonCivil Engineering & Land Surveying
MC Realty Group, LLC
Polsinelli PC
Price Brothers Management Company
Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.
State Street
Straub Construction Company, Inc.
BUSINESS FRIEND
($500 to $2,999)
Alice Scooper’s Ice Cream Co.
American Century Investments
AM CPA
Amos Family Funeral Home
Anderson and Associates
Argana Investments
Arterra KC Apartments
Atomic Cowboy
Assured Partners
Bach to Rock
Beer Kitchen
Bizz & Weezy Confections
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City
BRR Architecture
CB Construction Services
Creative Planning
Dillingham Enterprises, Inc.
DL & CL Investments
Excel Constructors
Fairway Creamery
Footprints Heroes Home Gate
Garmin
Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
Heavenly Homes Team Real Estate
HFG Architecture
His & Her Fitness
J. Rieger & Co.
Katie Grimes CrossCountry Mortgage
KC Strings
Lifted Spirits Distillery
Lockton Companies Inc.
Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop
Mariner
McQuaid Brothers Remodeling
Merrill Lynch/David Voysey
Metcalf Auto Plaza
Michelle Deutch DDS
Mission Farms
Mixture
Neon Palm Ice
No Coast Real Estate
Oak & Steel
Payne & Jones, Chartered Foundation
Pulse Design Group
Reliant Financial Services
SageView Advisory - Kansas City
SHS MedTech Consulting
Terrasi Living & Scandia Home
The Homesteader Cafe LLC
Taco Naco KC
TouchBase Chiropractic & Wellness
Walz Tetrick Advertising
Wandering Vine Warriors’ Ascent
West Bottoms Whiskey Co.
Wis-Pak Brands - BUBBL’R
Union Horse Distilling Co.
Union on the Hill
For more information about the Kansas City Symphony Business Alliance, please contact Mark Laverentz, Manager of Corporate Partnerships, at 816.218.2601 or mlaverentz@kcsymphony.org.
RHAPSODY IN BLUE
JUNE 19-21
Peter Oundjian, guest conductor
Michelle Cann, piano
816.471.0400 | kcsymphony.org
Michelle Cann
Emergency Evacuation Procedure
The Kauffman Center is equipped with advanced life-safety early alert systems. Each performance hall is designed with emergency exits in case of an evacuation. In the event of severe weather, shelter in place inside the hall, not in a lobby area, and await further instructions.
In the event of an emergency, the performance will be interrupted. Horns and strobes will sound. Emergency instructions will be delivered from the stage.
Please remain seated as staff use an appropriate amount of investigational time to verify the source of the alarm.* Should an evacuation be necessary, lighted red (Muriel Kauffman Theatre) and green (Helzberg Hall) exit signs will lead patrons to one of eight emergency exit paths.
Patrons who are not able to safely and comfortably navigate stairs should remain in the venue near one of the marked “Emergency Evacuation Assistance” areas. First responders will evacuate those requiring assistance immediately upon their arrival.
Elevators, primary entrances and the Brandmeyer Great Hall staircase are NOT used in the case of an emergency evacuation.
For more information on emergency evacuation procedures, visit kauffmancenter.org/policies.
*Kauffman Center’s emergency egress plan, which includes an appropriate amount of investigational time to verify the source of an alarm, was developed with the assistance of the Kansas City, MO Fire Marshall’s Office.
INTERNATIONAL
UPCOMING CONCERTS
April 17, 2026, 7 P.M.
Park ICM Orchestra Season Finale
Guest Conductor Jason Seber
April 24, 2026, 7 P.M.
ICM String Studios in recital
May 1, 2026, 7 P.M.
Behzod Abduraimov, Piano in concert
GRAHAM TYLER MEMORIAL CHAPEL Parkville, MO
1900 BUILDING Mission Woods, KS
LEAWOOD TOWN CENTER PLAZA • OAK PARK MALL
LIBERTY WILSHIRE PLAZA • 39TH STREET—INDEPENDENCE
SUMMITWOODS CROSSING • ZONA ROSA