About Us

The Kansas City Symphony is a major force in the cultural life of Kansas City and the region.  The Symphony's 80 orchestra members are area residents and vital contributors to the artistic life of Kansas City. Now under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Michael Stern, Assistant Conductor Steven Jarvi, and Kansas City Symphony Chorus Director Charles Bruffy, the orchestra performs more than 50 concerts on three series (Classical, Family, and Pops) during a 42-week season, September through June. In addition to its regular schedule, the Symphony performs non-series concerts such as Bank of America Celebration at the Station and Symphony in the Flint Hills, and serves as the orchestra for the Lyric Opera and the Kansas City Ballet.

The Kansas City Symphony is governed by a Board of Directors under the leadership of Board President Shirley Bush Helzberg and is administered by a full-time professional staff. In addition, the Symphony benefits from the dedicated efforts of its volunteer associations. The Symphony's seven auxiliaries, with total membership of more than 700, raise about $1 million annually, making it one of the most successful orchestra volunteer forces in the nation.

Music education is an important element in the mission of the Kansas City Symphony, enabling persons of all ages to learn, create and become inspired through orchestral music and educational programs. To that end, specially-programmed KinderKonzerts and Young People's Concerts are performed in the Lyric Theatre in front of a cumulative audience of 12,000 annually. Several thousand more are educationally involved with the Symphony through activities such as the Open Rehearsal Series, Instrument Petting Zoo program, Master Class Series, Young Artist Competition, and Support School Music program.

The Symphony's Community Connections program features more than 125 events and activities annually, nearly all of which are free to the public. These activities include solo recitals, chamber ensemble performances and master classes, all presented by Symphony musicians.

Classical performances are broadcast weekly on KCUR 89.3 FM during the Kansas City Symphony Hour, Thursdays at 9 pm. For concert calendars, details about special events and to purchase tickets, visit the Kansas City Symphony online at kcsymphony.org.