September-October 2025 Performances, Kansas City Symphony 2025-2026 Season by TheIndependentMagazinePA

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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

Michael M. Gentry, Vice Chair

Jeff Hargroves, Vice Chair

Marny Sherman, Vice Chair

Directors

Dr. Scott S. Boswell Sr.

Grant Burcham

Susan Chambers

Timothy P. Cook

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

Operations

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, Orchestra Operations Assistant

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

Mark Laverentz, Manager of Corporate Partnerships

Daniel Morel, Associate Director of Development

Marcy Osburn, Donor Information Specialist

Roslinde Rivera, Annual Fund Manager

Nathan Shields, Manager of Leadership Giving

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

Rupal Gor, Vice President of Sales, PR and Partnerships

Brandon Bamesberger, Video Production Director

Austin Fransisco, Digital Content Specialist

Hannah Goodwin, Digital Marketing Manager

Clare Nunley, Graphic Designer

Box Office

Stephen Borodkin, Manager of Ticketing Services

Sarah Martin, Assistant Manager of Ticketing Services

Nora Kerwin, Receptionist and Office Coordinator

Adeca Chareunsab, Customer Relations Representative

Jacob Bross, Customer Relations Representative

Catherine Cone, Customer Relations Representative

William Landon, Customer Relations Representative

Evan Nelson, Customer Relations Representative

KC Symphony Orchestra Roster

MATTHIAS PINTSCHER, MUSIC DIRECTOR

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

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, Associate Principal Emeritus

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

Mark Watson, Assistant Stage Manager

Kristina Banton, Lighting Designer

* Non-Rotating Musician

^ New Member

‡ On Leave of Absence

∆ One-Year Member

Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience

Tuesday and Wednesday, September 2-3, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Matthias Pintscher, Music Director and Conductor

Heather Crosse, Bass

Adrienne “Lady Adrena” Ervin, Vocals

Adrian “Rev Slim” Forrest, Bass

Jacqueline “Jaxx” Nassar, Guitar and Vocals

Anthony “Big A” Sherrod, Guitar and Vocals

Lee Williams, Drums

Mark Yacovone, Keyboards

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

Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience

MATTHIAS PINTSCHER

MUSIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR

atthias Pintscher is the newly appointed music director of the Kansas City Symphony (KCS) as of the 2024/25 season. He launched his KCS tenure with a highly successful tour with the orchestra to Europe just before opening the season in Kansas City, with concerts at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Berlin Philharmonie and Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie.

Highlights of the 2025/26 season include the world premiere of Pintscher’s new opera Das kalte Herz by the Berlin State Opera, which he composed and will conduct and which will reprise in a French version titled Nuit sans aube at the Opéra-Comique in Paris in the same season. He returns to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra and will be in his sixth year as creative partner at the Cincinnati Symphony.

Pintscher was formerly the music director of the Ensemble Intercontemporain, and has held several titled positions, including nine seasons as BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra’s artist-inassociation, principal conductor of the Lucerne Festival Academy Orchestra, music director for the 2020 Ojai Festival and season creative chair with the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich.

Pintscher’s music is championed by some of today’s finest performing artists, orchestras and conductors, and has been performed by the Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and Orchestre de Paris, among many others. He has been on the composition faculty at the Juilliard School since 2014.

Matthias Pintscher is published exclusively by Bärenreiter and recordings of his works can be found on Kairos, EMI, Teldec, Wergo and Winter & Winter.

Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience

Credits

The Morgan Freeman Symphonic Blues Team:

Morgan Freeman

Symphonic Blues Ambassador, Narrator and Executive Producer

Anthony “Big A” Sherrod, Guitar & Vocals

Jacqueline “Jaxx” Nassar, Guitar & Vocals

Keith Johnson, Guitar, Harmonica & Vocals

Adrienne “Lady Adrena” Ervin, Vocals

Adrian “Rev Slim” Forrest, Bass

Mark Yacovone, Keyboard

Lee Williams, Percussion

Eric Meier, Executive Producer

Howard Stovall, Production Manager and Executive Producer

Nick Talbott, Producer

Alina Scalora, Producer

Martin Gellner, Music Director

Tameal Edwards, Tour Manager

Devi Reddy, Park Avenue Artists - Booking Manager

Joe Brauner, Park Avenue Artists - Booking Manager

SILENT FILM + ORGAN DOROTHY PAPADAKOS: THE LODGER

Wednesday, October 22

To our Creative Collaborators who have contributed to make “Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience” a reality:

MARTIN GELLNER

To our Music Director whose masterful blending of the Blues and the Symphony Orchestra make the most unlikely of musical combinations soar.

BOO MITCHELL AND ROYAL STUDIOS

To our master of vibe, Boo and his legendary Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee make the sounds of our project come fully to life.

STAX MUSIC ACADEMY

To the joyous kids of the Stax after-school music program who bring a wide smile to our faces whenever they turn up the volume.

DANNY ABRAHAM

To a pastor, sartorial soothsayer and crooner extraordinaire, Danny’s love of life has made us love him even more.

WILLY BEARDEN

To a great southern storyteller, whose words make us all just want to go home to the Delta.

MAUDE SCHUYLER CLAY

To the camera whisperer, whose images bring the wonder of the Mississippi Delta into full focus.

KELLY DACHTLER AND LUMIO STUDIO

To our cinematic virtuoso who perfectly captures the storytelling of the Symphonic Blues Experience.

GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB, CLARKSDALE

Where it all began, the best blues club on the planet. All are welcome!

Credits (cont.)

To our Sponsors who work tirelessly to bring tourism and economic opportunity to the Mississippi Delta:

VISIT MISSISSIPPI

Mississippi, often hailed as the birthplace of America’s music, offers visitors a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, from the legendary blues trails of Clarksdale to the vibrant coastal towns along the Gulf. Its deeprooted musical traditions, historic landmarks, and warm Southern hospitality make it a compelling destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences. By partnering with “Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience,” Mississippi proudly showcases its profound influence on global music and reaffirms its commitment to preserving and celebrating its unique cultural legacy.

MEMPHIS TOURISM

“Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience” is proudly supported by Memphis Tourism, the official destination marketing organization for Memphis and Shelby County. Memphis Tourism helps amplify the city’s rich musical heritage—from the blues of Beale Street to the soul of Stax—by partnering with cultural experiences that celebrate its global influence. Their support ensures that the legacy of Memphis continues to inspire audiences across the country. Learn more about the city’s music, food, and culture.

VISIT CLARKSDALE

“Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience” is honored to partner with Visit Clarksdale, the official tourism organization for Clarksdale, Mississippi—widely recognized as the “Home of the Blues.” Clarksdale’s rich musical heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and iconic landmarks like the Delta Blues Museum and the legendary Crossroads make it a pilgrimage site for blues enthusiasts worldwide. Visit Clarksdale plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting this legacy, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the birthplace of the blues.

CROSSROADS ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

“Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience” is proud to partner with the Crossroads Economic Partnership, a driving force behind Clarksdale, Mississippi’s economic revitalization and cultural preservation. As the city’s leading economic development and chamber organization, the Crossroads Economic Partnership fosters innovation, supports local businesses, and promotes Clarksdale’s rich musical heritage on a global stage. Their commitment to nurturing creative industries and honoring the Delta’s legacy makes them an ideal partner in bringing this transformative musical experience to life.

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

Program Note

A NOTE FROM MORGAN FREEMAN

ey y’all, welcome to our Symphonic Blues Experience, a unique combination of classic orchestral sounds blended with the emotion and authenticity of the blues.

These two music genres couldn’t be more different. One was born in the gilded concert halls of Europe, the other in the sweltering fields of the American South. So when my partners and I set out to work on this project, we asked ourselves, “Could these divergent sounds come together? Could these talented musicians, from all walks of life, strike a resonant chord and find just the right harmony?”

The answer, we believe, is a resounding yes.

Born from struggle and shaped in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, the blues is more than a sound, it’s proof of survival. It’s the story of people who turned hardship into something powerful, who found beauty in their sorrow, and who sang out loud when the world tried to keep them quiet.

But the blues didn’t stay put. It didn’t just linger on the dusty roads or front porches of the Delta. It traveled up the river, across the country, and eventually around the world. With every stop, it left its mark, shaping jazz, rock & roll, R&B, and soul. The blues laid the foundation for so much of the music we know today, but somehow its roots are often forgotten, its storytellers left unsung.

This is their story: the sound of America’s past and present, the heartbeat of a culture that refused to be forgotten.

So please, sit back, relax and enjoy the Symphonic Blues Experience.

Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience

Musician Bios

MORGAN FREEMAN

Morgan Freeman, a proud son of the Mississippi Delta, is renowned not only as an Academy Award®-winning actor and narrator of unforgettable gravitas, but also as a tireless champion of the music and culture that shaped his upbringing. Raised amid the soulful rhythms and storytelling traditions of the Delta, Freeman’s lifelong love for the blues runs as deep as his iconic voice. Beyond his legendary film career, he has dedicated himself to preserving this musical heritage, most notably as co-founder of the Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, a lively sanctuary for authentic Delta blues and a launchpad for local talent.

As co-producer of “Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience,” he brings his vision and unmistakable presence to the stage, blending cinematic flair with the heart of the blues. As Freeman likes to say, “If you want to understand the blues, you don’t just listen — you feel it. And if you’re lucky, you get to narrate it too.”

HEATHER CROSSE, Bass

Heather Crosse was born and raised in Louisiana and picked up her first instrument at age 10. In 2008, she moved to Clarksdale, Mississippi to chase her musical dreams, and she’s been making her mark ever since. With over four decades of experience, Heather is a seasoned singer, songwriter, bass player and music teacher, as well as the band leader of her longtime soul-blues band, Heavy Suga’ & The SweeTones, which she’s led for 18 years. She also plays with Big A & The Allstars and teaches bass at the Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshop. In 2014, she signed with the German blues label Ruf Records, which released her debut album “Groovin’ At The Crosse Roads.” The following year, she hit the road with Ruf’s “Blues Caravan: Girls With Guitars” tour. Wherever she goes, Heather proudly represents Clarksdale on stages around the world.

ADRIENNE “LADY ADRENA” ERVIN, Vocals

Lady Adrena’s music is making waves across the U.S., France and the U.K., blending life stories into powerful blues tunes. From 2015 to 2016, she lit up stages alongside legends like Anthony Hamilton, Betty Wright, The BarKays and Lakeside. In 2018, she took second place at the Vicksburg International Blues Challenge, which inspired her to return to her gospel roots and take a deeper dive into traditional blues. Her first blues single, “Good Girl Gone Bad,” was produced by Mr. Sipp, followed by the hit “Recipe for the Blues” with Sweet Success Records in 2021. That same year, she added the title “Lady” to her name, stepping boldly into the spotlight as a true blues artist. Her latest album, “Better Days,” recorded at Memphis’ iconic Royal Studios and produced by Boo Mitchell, reflects her mission to bring healing through music. You’ll hear the influence of greats like Koko Taylor and Aretha Franklin — soul and grit in perfect harmony.

ADRIAN “REV SLIM” FORREST, Bass

Adrian Miles Forrest, better known as Rev Slim, was born and raised in Grenada, Mississippi, where he grew up surrounded by gospel quartet music. After graduating from Grenada High, Slim studied music education at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi, where he sharpened his skills in arranging and recording. Adrian’s career has taken him across genres, from hiphop and gospel to Southern soul and traditional blues. He’s worked with big names like Ice T, Bootsy Collins, Kierra Sheard, Eminem, Willie Clayton and more. In 2022, he earned Grammy® recognition for his work with Sir the Baptist and Tennessee State University. That same project was honored on the House Floor in D.C. and added to the Congressional Book of Records. He’s also been recognized at home, earning honors from the City of Grenada and the Grenada Baptist District.

Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience

Musician Bios (cont.)

JACQUELINE “JAXX” NASSAR, Guitar and Vocals

Jacqueline “Jaxx” Nassar is a powerhouse guitarist, vocalist and songwriter hailing from Clarksdale, Mississippi — the very heart of the Delta Blues. A former standout of the Delta Blues Museum’s education program, Jaxx was personally awarded the inaugural Robert Johnson Award for Youth Excellence by Morgan Freeman. Over the years, she’s taken the stage alongside legends like B.B. King and Paul Simon, captivating audiences with her fierce musicianship and magnetic stage presence. Rooted in the Blues but unbound by genre, Jaxx brings a raw, soulful energy to every performance, channeling the spirit of the Delta with every note.

ANTHONY “BIG A” SHERROD, Guitar and Vocals

Anthony “Big A” Sherrod is a multiinstrumentalist and international touring artist who personifies the living legacy of Delta Blues. A native of Clarksdale, Mississippi, Sherrod’s journey began at just 5 years old when he picked up the bass under the guidance of his mentor, the legendary Mr. Johnnie Billington. As the godson of blues icon Big Jack Johnson and a proud graduate of the Delta Blues Museum’s educational program, Sherrod embodies a direct line to the greats who shaped the genre. His performances carry the soul of the Delta in every note, keeping the tradition alive while inspiring the next generation of blues artists.

LEE WILLIAMS, Drums

Lee Williams was born and raised in Clarksdale, Mississippi, right in the heart of a musical legacy. He got his start banging on buckets in the street at just 8 years old, until his cousin, Anthony Sherrod, brought him into Mr. Johnnie Billington’s School of Blues. Over the years, Lee has played in bands like Razorblade & The Deep Cuts with Josh “Razorblade” Stewart, Dr. Mike and Big T, and The Family with Terry “Big T” Williams. He’s been a regular at Ground Zero Blues Club since day one, sharing the stage with blues legends like Charlie Musselwhite and Bob Margolin. These days, Lee gives back by teaching drums at the Delta Blues Museum’s Music Education Program and the Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshop. He’s also been a core part of Heavy Suga’ & The SweeTones for the past 18 years, contributing to songwriting, arrangements and vocals. You can also catch him playing with Big A & The Allstars … and with anyone else who needs a drummer.

MARK YACOVONE, Keyboards

Mark Yacovone is a Mississippi-based keyboardist and recording artist best known for his soulful work on piano, organ and accordion, and for a brief cameo on the reality series “Gene Simmons: Family Jewels.” A longtime member of the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour house band, he’s shared stages and studios with artists like Mojo Nixon, Jody Williams, Joe Osborn, Buddy Cage, Maria Muldaur and Jack Sonni of Dire Straits. Mark brings decades of groove, grit and musical range to every performance.

Musician Bios (cont.)

MARTIN GELLNER, Composer, Conductor and Music Director

Martin Gellner is an acclaimed Austrian composer, conductor and orchestrator whose work bridges classical precision with cinematic flair. Trained at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg and the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Gellner has collaborated with renowned ensembles including the Vienna Philharmonic and the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. A creative force behind large-scale productions, he brings depth and dynamism to every score — most recently serving as arranger for “Hans Zimmer Live.” With “Symphonic Blues,” Gellner lends his mastery to reimagining Delta classics with sweeping orchestral power, creating a sound that’s both rooted and revelatory.

FILM + LIVE ORCHESTRA

Friday through Sunday, October 17-19

A Royal Albert Hall production in association with esk film.

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.

At Unity Village, we’re committed to helping you host unforgettable events.

Ask about the new R.D. Goppert Event Center

Windborne’s The Music of Journey

Friday and Saturday, September 19-20, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Brent Havens, Guest Conductor and Arranger

Juan Del Castillo, Lead Vocals

Justin Avery, Keyboards/Background Vocals

George Cintron, Guitar/Background Vocals

Dan Clemens, Bass/Background Vocals

Powell Randolph, Drums/Background 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

Windborne’s The Music of Journey

BRENT HAVENS

GUEST CONDUCTOR AND ARRANGER

erklee-trained arranger/ conductor Brent Havens has written music for orchestras, feature films and virtually every kind of television. His TV work includes movies for networks such as ABC, CBS and ABC Family Channel Network, commercials, sports music for networks such as ESPN and even cartoons. Havens has also worked with the Doobie Brothers and the Milwaukee Symphony, arranging and conducting the combined group for Harley Davidson’s 100th Anniversary Birthday Party Finale attended by over 150,000 fans. He has worked with some of the world’s greatest orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic and BBC Concert Orchestra in London, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (Birmingham, England), Malaysian Philharmonic, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, Nashville Symphony, Orchestra of Opera North in Leeds, England and countless others.

Havens recently completed the score for the film “Quo Vadis,” a Premier Pictures remake of the 1956 gladiator film. In 2013 he worked with the Baltimore Symphony and the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens to arrange and produce the music for the Thanksgiving Day halftime show between the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, adapting both classical music and rock songs into a single four-minute show. Havens is arranger and guest conductor for all of Windborne Music’s symphonic rock programs.

JUAN DEL CASTILLO

LEAD VOCALS

uan Del Castillo is a singersongwriter born and raised in San Diego, California. He began making music at a very young age. As a child, Juan sang in choir and performed in plays and musicals. He also acted in television shows and commercials throughout his teens. Juan is a polished, dynamic showman whose passion for performing, natural charisma and innate ability to completely captivate audiences with his stage presence have led him down a path of artistry and success. A recording artist, formerly on Sony’s BMG US Latin label, Juan’s vocal timbre, range and fierce control have more recently drawn comparisons to former Journey frontman Steve Perry.

Juan is also the founder and lead vocalist for the internationally touring DSB Band, hailed by Ryan Seacrest and Mark Cuban’s AXS TV as “The World’s Greatest Journey Tribute Band.”

Juan is thrilled to share his talents and honored to perform with Windborne and Journey’s catalogue of timeless classics.

The Orchestra Games

Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Daniel Wiley, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

John Klinghammer, Narrator

John Williams

Gregory Smith

George Bizet

Olympic Fanfare and Theme

The Orchestra Games

John Klinghammer, narrator

Jeux d’enfants, op. 22

I. March

II. Berceuse

III. Impromptu

V. Gallop

Vangelis Chariots of Fire arr. Henry Mancini

Albert von Tilzer “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” arr. Steven Rosenhaus

The 2025/26 season is generously sponsored by SHIRLEY and BARNETT C. HELZBERG, JR.

Additional support provided by

The Orchestra Games

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.

JOHN KLINGHAMMER

NARRATOR AND KCS THIRD/BASS CLARINET

hird/Bass Clarinetist with the Kansas City Symphony since 2017, John Klinghammer has also served as Acting Associate Principal/E-flat Clarinet for the KCS during the 2014/15 and 2016/17 seasons. From 2001 through 2014 he held the position of Assistant Principal/E-flat Clarinet with the Omaha Symphony. John received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Southern California. He is a student of Yehuda Gilad.

As a younger man in high school and college, John spent much of his time acting in plays and musicals in various hometown community theaters and at the University of Oregon. Productions included The Grapes of Wrath, Into the Woods, Macbeth, Orphans and Working, among others. He has been lucky enough to exercise his theater muscles over the years in countless orchestral educational productions, including narrating the Kansas City Symphony’s recent production of Lemony Snicket’s The Composer Is Dead.

John lives in Brookside with his wife, Kansas City Symphony cellist Maria Crosby, and their two sons.

Check out our other Family concerts this season!

Carnival of the Animals

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2025

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2026

Chicken-Fried Rock

Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.

Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Luke Poeppel, David T. Beals III Assistant Conductor

Travis Birch, Vocals

Chris Blem, Vocals

Carole J. Bufford, Vocals

Scott Coulter, Vocals

John Boswell, Piano

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

Musician Bios

TRAVIS BIRCH, Vocals

With deep roots in Christian and country music, Travis Birch’s range and tone allow him to cross into various other genres as well. Residing in Nashville for the past 25 years, Birch has performed at nearly every notable venue, from the bustling streets of Broadway to the intimate setting of the Bluebird Cafe. He has had the privilege of opening for, and sharing stages with, iconic artists like Martina McBride, Merle Haggard, Kenny Chesney and The Oak Ridge Boys.

CHRIS BLEM, Vocals

Chris Blem is one of Disney’s favorite voices and has traveled the globe singing with some of the world’s most prestigious symphony orchestras including the Tokyo Philharmonic, Evergreen Orchestra (Taipei), Metropolitan Orchestra (Singapore), Neverland Orchestra (Tokyo), Buffalo Philharmonic, Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Encore Orchestra (Walt Disney World). He is the founder and creative director of The Network, which helps artists amplify their voices through thoughtful curation of their visual and online story. He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music.

CAROLE J. BUFFORD, Vocals

Carole J. Bufford has become one of the most sought-after young performers in the New York cabaret and jazz scene and in 2020 was awarded the prestigious American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal. Her recent shows, “Speak Easy” (featuring the Grammy® Award-winning Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks) and “Body & Soul,” earned her rave reviews across the board, including from the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Carole is the recipient of Nightlife, Bistro and BroadwayWorld Awards for outstanding vocalist.

SCOTT COULTER, Vocals

Scott Coulter is one of New York’s most honored vocalists, having received five MAC Awards, five Bistro Awards and two Nightlife Awards for outstanding vocalist and an Emmy® nomination for his performance in “American Song” on PBS. He spent a record-setting eight months at Feinstein’s in New York City performing the revue “11 O’Clock Numbers at 11 O’Clock,” which he also co-created, directed and musically arranged. Academy Award®-winner Stephen Schwartz has said, “One of the greatest things that can happen to a composer is to have his music interpreted by Scott Coulter.” Scott is founder and owner of Spot-On Entertainment and Spot-On Arts Academy.

JOHN BOSWELL, Piano

John Boswell has served as musical director for Judy Collins, Andy Williams, Bob Newhart, Scott Coulter, Maude Maggart, Faith Prince, Carmen Cusack, Babbie Green, Jason Graae and a host of other fine talents. Recent concerts with symphonies have included “Jerry Herman: The Broadway Legacy Concert,” “Blockbuster Broadway!,” “Sheena Easton and Scott Coulter: The Spy Who Loved Me” and “Scott Coulter’s Music of the Knights.” While a student at UCLA, John received the Frank Sinatra Award for popular instrumentalists.

SPOT-ON ENTERTAINMENT

Scott Coulter’s Spot-On Entertainment is a concert production and booking company based in New York City. Special composer tribute shows include “Defying Gravity: Stephen Schwartz and Friends” and “Jerry Herman: The Broadway Legacy Concert” (which is co-produced by Spot-On and the ASCAP Foundation). Spot-On concerts often feature an educational component that results in local artists appearing on stage with members of the Spot-On family. It is our goal to inspire and pass the torch to the next generation.

About the Kansas City Symphony

only its 43rd 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 ◊

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

J.B.† and Anne Hodgdon

Min and Fan Kao

Mr.† and Mrs. Stuart Knutson

Bill and Peggy Lyons ◊

Lorraine Martin ◊

Jean and Tom McDonnell

Virginia Merrill†

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

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

Sue Ann and Richard Fagerberg

Michael D. Fields ◊

Bill and Christy Gautreaux

Michael and Sara Gentry

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

Dr. James M. and Grace G. 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 ◊

George and Wendy Powell ◊

Gary C. Robb and Anita Porte Robb

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

Warren and Jenny Erdman

Michael and Melanie Fenske

Byron and Dana Fink

Shelly Freeman and Kimberly Jones

Suzanne Frisse ◊

Jacob Gerson

James Gerson

John and Lynn Gerson

Levi and Emily Gerson

Gregory E. Gille

Peter and Chris Godfrey

Myonza Gray

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

Linda Houston Foundation

Beth Ingram

Roger and Sandy Jackson

Tom and Madeline Johnson

Steve Joss ◊

Nancy L. Kain ◊

Dr. Andrew Kao

Julie Kemper Foyer and Jean-Charles Foyer

Bruce and Janet Kernes

Kirk Foundation

James C. Kogel ◊

Mordy Kopperman

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

Dr. Ron and Donna Patton ◊

John and Linda Perkins

Drs. Sanford and Elizabeth Peterson

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

Mary and Al Tikwart

Robert and Merrill Walz ◊

Gena and Steven Williams

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 ◊

Mary Canham

Robert L. Claassen

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

Marilyn A.W. and Norman E. Gaar, Esq.† ◊

Mark and Nancy Gilman

Dr. and Mrs.

Charles W. Gorodetzky

Dr. Robert Graham and Dr. Jane E. Henney

Denise Griffey and Leon Langlitz ◊

Dr. Allen and Mrs. Gail Gutovitz

Chuck and Karen Haber

Katie and Aaron Hackman

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

Dr. Barbara Lukert and Estate of Mary Stoskopf

Martha, Greg, and Terri Maddux

Pete and Michelle Mirakian

Pam and Jim Nolan

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

Janice White

John and Mary Sue Williams

Claire† and Russell Wilson

George and Beverley Wilson

Dave and Shirley Wurth

Bernie Young and Sandra Holt

Karl and Beth Zobrist

Symphony Society Contributors (cont.)

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

Steve and Sally Burk

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

Sally Groves

Susan and Zack Hangauer

John Hardesty and Marilyn Macha

Charles and Mary Kay Horner

M. Indellicate

Drs. Kathy M. Krause and Robert H. Lee

Norman and Margaret Kressmann ◊

Ermalyn Kubart and Clinton Ludeman

Dr. and Mrs. Steven B. Laster

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

Linda and George Neill

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

Dr. and Mrs. Steven Romondo

Dr. Thomas Russell

Nelson and Rachael Sabates

Glen and Susan Sands

Jim and Barb Scherer

Janice and Mark Schonwetter

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

Charles and Linda Wells

Sheila Wikas ◊

Mark and Heather Winiarski

Jerry and Tammy Wood

Dr. Michael J. and Cindy S. Wurm

John and Carol Yorke FANFARE CIRCLE ($2,500 to $3,499)

Mr. Michael Kauphusman and Dr. Sandra Archer

John and Ann Kenney

Allan King and Nancy Bean

Philip and Nancy Reicher

Dennis and Palle Rilinger ◊

Constance Roeder ◊

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

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

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 Diamonds

PNC Foundation

Union Station

BUSINESS ALLIANCE

GOLD PARTNER

($10,000 to $24,999)

AdventHealth

BlueScope Foundation

Cerris

Edgar Law Firm LLC / John and Mary Ann Edgar

Evergy

JE Dunn Construction Company

KC Parks and Recreation

Kissick Construction Company

Kornitzer Capital Management / Carol and John Kornitzer

McCownGordon Construction

Spencer Fane LLP

UMB Bank, n.a.

BUSINESS ALLIANCE

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

($5,000 to $9,999)

Ash Grove Cement Company

Associated Audiologists, Inc.

Burns & McDonnell

Claridge Court

Country Club Bank

Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe

Forvis Mazars

Hallmark Cards, Inc.

HMXLive

Humana

Kansas City Life Insurance Company

Kansas City University

Mark One Electric Company, Inc.

Optum

Parisi Coffee

Polsinelli

Renewal by Andersen

Restless Spirits Distilling

U.S. Engineering Holdings

BUSINESS ALLIANCE PARTNER

($3,000 to $4,999)

Adams Brown Wealth Consultants

Atomic Cowboy

Black & McDonald

Brown & Brown

CBIZ

Commerce Bank

EPR Properties

Foley Equipment

Gill Studios, Inc.

Global Prairie

Kansas City Bier Company

KurlCultureKC

Lamp RynearsonCivil Engineering & Land Surveying

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

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Bizz & Weezy Confections

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City

Blue Sky Advisors, LLC

BRR Architecture

Dillingham Enterprises, Inc.

DL & CL Investments

Excel Constructors

Fairway Creamery

Footprints Heroes Home Gate

Garmin

Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce

Green Dirt on Oak

Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Heavenly Homes Team Real Estate

HFG Architecture

His & Her Fitness

J. Rieger & Co.

John Rufenacht Assoc. Inc.

Katie Grimes CrossCountry Mortgage

Lifted Spirits Distillery

LI Wednesday, October 29

Lockton Companies Inc.

LuLu’s Thai Noodle Shop

McQuaid Brothers Remodeling

Merrill Lynch/David Voysey

Metcalf Auto Plaza

Michelle Deutch D.D.S.

Mission Farms

Mixture

Neon Palm Ice

Northern Trust

Oak & Steel

Payne & Jones, Chartered Foundation

Pulse Design Group

Rank & Roberts Real Estate

Reliant Financial Services

SageView Advisory - Kansas City

SHS MedTech Consulting

Sugar + Sky LLC

Taco Naco KC

The Homesteader Cafe LLC

Union on the Hill

Walz Tetrick Advertising

Wandering Vine

Warriors’ Ascent

West Bottoms Whiskey Co.

Wis-Pak Brands - BUBBL’R

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.

POPS CONCERT 90s MIXTAPE

Friday through Sunday, October 24-26