2023 – 2024 Concert Details
Bach is Back! – And Mozart Too
​
September 28, 2023
7:30 p.m.
Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral
Kansas City, MO
We are so excited to begin the season with a blockbuster concert featuring two works for keyboard by two of the greatest European composers of the 18th century! Working in collaboration with the International Center for Music at Park University, Maestro Bruce Sorrell is thrilled to have award winning pianist Kuok-Wai Lio join the orchestra to perform both an amazing early Mozart concerto, and the incredible Bach Brandenburg No. 5 with the orchestra. What a treat it will be to hear both of these great works in one evening, interpreted by this young virtuoso.
​
Michi Wiancko La Follia Theme and Variations after Concerto Grosso by Francesco Geminiani
J.S. Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.5 in D major
Kuok-Wai Lio, piano
W.A. Mozart Piano Concerto No.9 in E-flat major
Kuok-Wai Lio, piano
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Music in the Garden
​
October 8, 2023
6:00 p.m.
John Wornall House Museum
Kansas City, MO
​​
Come early with chairs, blankets and an appetite! The program will include a selection of gorgeous string orchestra tunes, a symphony based on the Don Juan stories, and an exciting horn concerto by Mozart! Join the KCCO musicians and guest conductor Carolyn Watson as they bring you the adventure of live music in the open air!
​
Dabke by Kareem Roustom is based on a celebratory folk dance from Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon. It's an energetic opener and a KCCO premiere! Mendelssohn composed his String Symphony no. 2 when he was twelve years old; it's in a classical style, in contrast with the romantic style he would later develop. Mozart's second Concerto for Horn in E-flat exhibits the composer's famous sense of humor. It's a charming and challenging showpiece for the horn. Boccherini's Symphony Op. 12, no. 4 is nicknamed "La casa del diavolo" because the final movement is an arrangement of a dance from Christoph Willibald Gluck's ballet Don Juan, or, The Stone Guest in which Don Juan is pulled down to Hell after refusing to repent for his life of debauchery.
​
Kareem Roustom Dabke
Felix Mendelssohn String Symphony no. 2 in D Major
W.A. Mozart Concerto no. 2 for Horn and Orchestra in E-flat Major, K. 417
Luigi Boccherini Symphony op. 12, no. 4 in D Minor, “La casa del diavolo,” G. 506
Carolyn Watson, conductor
​
A Very Baroque Christmas
​
December 5, 2023
7:30 p.m.
Old Mission United Methodist Church
Fairway, KS
​
This concert is a rich tapestry of great Baroque music – a very Baroque Christmas! Bach’s Suite No. 3 is a celebration, with exciting trumpets and timpani. It will put you in a festive mood, whatever holiday you celebrate during the season of winter solstice. And the beautiful ‘Air’ in this suite is one of the most famous tunes ever composed.
Bach's 4th Brandenburg Concerto features the delight of 2 solo flutes and a truly exciting and virtuosic violin solo. Telemann’s concerto for the rich-sounding viola embodies the best of the era with aching, heartfelt slow movements, and excitingly rhythmic fast movements. These works give us a chance to highlight great soloists in the orchestra, violinist Anne-Marie Brown and violist Duke Lee.
After opening the season with Michi Wiancko's delightful arrangement of the La Folia variations, we turn to her again for another great setting, this time the Chaconne by Bach from his Partita No. 2 for solo violin arranged for string orchestra.
​
J.S. Bach/arr. M. Wiancko Chaconne from Partita No. 2
G.P. Telemann Viola Concerto
Duke Lee, viola soloist
J.S. Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 4
Anne-Marie Brown, violin soloist
J.S. Bach Suite No. 3
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Music from the Heart!
​
February 14, 2024
7:30 p.m.
The Magnolia - Brookside
Kansas City, MO
​
Let us serenade you at a cozy Valentine celebration! - A concert of gorgeous music by the KC Chamber Orchestra to warm your heart, preceded by a delicious three-course dinner and special entertainment. All followed by our signature Champagne Chocolate Celebration of desserts and a chance to greet musicians and soloists.
​
Conducted by Carolyn Watson, Principal Guest Conductor of the orchestra, the KCCO strings will excite lovers and lovers of music with the program below - a combination of beautiful melodies, virtuosity, dance suites and a legend about
lovers of long ago!
​
Efrain Amaya Angelica
Franz Schubert Rondo in A Major for Violin and Strings
Rena Ishii, violin soloist
Paul Hindemuth Five Pieces for String Orchestra
Leoš Janacek Suite for Strings
Carolyn Watson, conductor
​
Spring into Musical Adventure
​
May 2, 2024
7:30 p.m.
Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral
Kansas City, MO
​
A thrilling and refreshing finale to the chamber orchestra season, and a gorgeous and cozy candlelight celebration! Spring from the Baroque roots of KCCO with another wonderful Bach Brandenburg concerto, and then take wing with spritely melodies and exciting arrangements for string orchestra. Champagne celebration to follow.​​
​​​
Frank Bridge An Irish Melody
Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson Sinfonietta No. 2, “Generations”
J.S. Bach Brandenburg No. 6
Sean Brumble and Duke Lee, soloists
Francesco Geminiani Concerto Grosso in D Minor, H. 143 "La Folia"
arr. Sørensen / Danish String Quartet Nordic Suite
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Bella Notte!
​
June 30, 2024
6:00 p.m.
Bella Napoli
Kansas City, MO
​
This incredible event is a 5 course meal with paired Italian wines and beautiful Italian music by the KC Chamber Orchestra string quartet - a real celebration of the end of the 2024 season and great way to launch and support the 2024 - 25 concert season of KC's professional chamber orchestra!
​
Held at Bella Napoli restaurant in Brookside, this limited seating event will feature a specially curated menu and wines with information from the wine makers and wine expert Avery Bailey, accompanied by some of the best iconic Italian classical tunes and exciting Baroque favorites. Music Director Bruce Sorrell will host the evening and a small silent auction will add some special surprises. Please join us!
​
Musical Selections: from Vivaldi, Geminiani, Puccini, Verdi, and Respighi - including Summer from the Four Seasons, and some of your favorite opera tunes, and a wonderful Baroque Concerto Grosso by Geminiani!
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
2022 – 2023 Concert Details
Escape with Musical Pairings
​
September 29, 2021
7:30 p.m.
Old Mission Methodist Church
Fairway, KS
Join the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra as we launch a brand new season back at one of our favorite venues. Maestro Bruce Sorrell will “serenade” you with great musical pairings new and old to celebrate a full season back in the concert hall!
​
Don't miss the pairing of one of Haydn's most exciting symphonies, a great new work by one of the most important American composers of our time, and the lush, tuneful Serenade for Strings by Dvorak - perfect to revisit at this moment when beauty is so important.
​
Caroline Shaw Entr’acte
Franz Joseph Haydn Symphony No. 43 in E-flat Major “Mercury”
Anton DvoÅ™ák Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22​​
Bruce Sorrell, Conductor
​
Music in the Garden
​
October 9, 2022
6:00 p.m.
John Wornall House Museum
Kansas City, MO
​​
This free concert event in the beautiful gardens of the historic Wornall home is FREE for all ages and appropriate for families. Come early with chairs, blankets and an appetite - food trucks open at 5 p.m.! The program will include Mozart, Vivaldi and Piazzolla with exciting soloists, incredible tunes and some of the best players in town. Join the KCCO musicians and conductor Carolyn Watson as they bring great live music to Kansas City neighborhoods this fall!
​
Carolyn Watson, conductor
​
Virtuoso Pairings
​
November 4, 2022
7:30 p.m.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
Kansas City, MO
​
Join the KC Chamber Orchestra as we feature two amazing award-winning soloists from Park University International Center for Music with the orchestra in a great Mozart concerto and thrilling Paganini, all under the direction of Maestro Bruce Sorrell – a triple virtuoso threat!
Experience Van Cliburn Finalist Ilya Schmukler’s artistry in his winning Mozart Concerto before he is presented at Carnegie Hall this December… and feel the emotion and virtuosity of Paganini performed by incredible violinist Ilkhom Mukhiddinov --all in a stunning candlelight performance!
​
Felix Mendelssohn Hebrides Overture
Niccolò Paganini Violin Concerto No. 1
Ilkhom Mukhiddinov, violin soloist
W.A. Mozart Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor, K. 466
Ilya Shmuker, piano soloist
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
The House Without a Christmas Tree
​
December 5, 2022
7:30 p.m.
Gano Hall
William Jewell College
​
December 6, 2022
7:30 p.m.
Folly Theater
​
Bringing back the joy of the KCCO traditional holiday concert with a twist! This heartwarming opera by Ricky Ian Gordon brings to life the story of a family and a small town who find joy after loss. Appropriate for the whole family and a Midwest premiere!
Maestro Bruce Sorrell and up and coming young professional singers from the Graduate Artist Diploma program in Voice at William Jewell College will bring this great holiday tale to life with the orchestra. With program direction and mentorship by well known baritone Daniel Belcher and the savvy stage arts of Linda Ade Brand, this musical Christmas card will be a joy to behold.
​
The House Without a Christmas Tree
Ricky Ian Gordon, composer
Royce Vavrek, librettist
Danny Belcher, baritone and Artist Diploma Program Director
Linda Ade Brand, Stage Director
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
For the Love of Music
​
February 14, 2023
6:30 p.m.
The Magnolia - Brookside
Kansas City, MO
​
Long a tradition with the KC Chamber Orchestra, our valentine to the city will feature gorgeous music for lovers and lovers of music! – and will include a concert along with our signature Champagne Chocolate Celebration, and a chance for attendees to greet our musicians and soloists.​​
​​
John Rutter Suite for Strings
George Walker Lyric for Strings
Amy Beach Romance for Violin, Harp and String Orchestra
Anne Marie Brown, violin​ soloist
Ottorino Respighi Il Tramonto (The Sunset)
Kelly Morel, mezzo soprano soloist
J.S. Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048
Carolyn Watson, conductor
​
Musical Pairings for Spring!
​
April 28, 2023
8:00 p.m.
Old Mission United Methodist Church
Fairway, Kansas
​
Our season finale concert celebrates spring with Mozart's amazing Sinfonia Concertante, Haydn's "Fire" Symphony No. 59, and more!
​
Great music, soloists and KC's beloved professional chamber orchestra come together to create the pairing of two iconic classical period works AND two amazing soloists, along with an exciting 20th century work for strings to celebrate the return of spring and the blockbuster ending to a wonderful season of concerts by KC's top instrumentalists.
Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson ​​Sinfonietta No. 1 For Strings​
Franz Joseph Haydn Symphony No. 59 in A Major "Fire"​
W.A. Mozart Sinfonia Concertante
Tamamo Gibbs, violin soloist and Christine Grossman, viola soloist
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
2021 – 2022 Concert Details
KC Celebrates Kenny Broberg
​
September 14, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Helzberg Hall
​​
In his first concert appearance since winning the coveted American Pianists Awards this summer, pianist Kenny Broberg will be celebrated by Kansas City audiences in a performance with the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. This is your chance to experience the amazing artistry of this Park University graduate student here in KC at Helzberg Hall before he launches a career across the globe this fall. Featuring the gorgeous Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 and the fiery virtuosity of the Dante Sonata by Lizst, this is a concert not to be missed!​
​
Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 “Pathétique”
Nikolai Medtner Fairy Tales Op. 20, No. 1; Op. 26, No. 2, 3
Frantz Liszt Après une lecture du Dante – Fantasia Quasi Sonata
Kenny Broberg, piano
​
Ludwig van Beethoven Overture to “Egmont,” Op. 84
Kansas City Chamber Orchestra
Frédéric Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11
Kansas Chamber Orchestra with Kenny Broberg, piano​​
​
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Music in the Garden
​
October 10, 2021
6:00 p.m.
John Wornall House Museum
Kansas City, MO
​​
This one hour free concert in the beautiful gardens of the historic Wornall home is FREE for all ages and appropriate for families. Come early with chairs, blankets and an appetite! The program will include a selection of lively string orchestra tunes from Vivaldi and Purcell to exciting soloists and rousing dances by George Palmer. Join the KCCO musicians and conductor Carolyn Watson as they bring live music back to Kansas City this fall!
​
Carolyn Watson, conductor
​
Joyful Holidays
​
December 7, 2021
6:00 p.m.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Kansas City, MO
​
Bringing back the joy of the KCCO traditional holiday concert of gorgeous classical music. A favorite Baroque violin concerto by Bach and the festive and exciting Pulcinella Suite by Stravinsky are joined by both old and new musings on the theme of peace: a beautiful Vivaldi motet for soprano, and Forrest Pierce's Jasmin Arrow Symphony. With the full chamber orchestra, great soloists and conductor Carolyn Watson, you can be sure it will be an evening of candlelit magic to warm your holidays.
​
J.S. Bach Violin Concerto in E Major
Tony DeMarco, violin soloist
A. Vivaldi In nulla pax sincera, RV 630
Kayleigh Aytes, soprano soloist
Forrest Pierce Jasmin Arrow Symphony
Igor Stravinsky Pulcinella Suite
and more!
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
For the Love of Music
​
February 14, 2022
7:30 p.m.
Magnolia Brookside Event Space
Kansas City, MO
​
What better way to warm up on a wintry night than with beautiful chamber music! Long a tradition with the KC Chamber Orchestra, our valentine to the city will feature gorgeous music for lovers and lovers of music! – AND will include a concert preceded by a cozy supper at the beautiful Magnolia venue in Brookside, and followed by our signature Champagne Chocolate Celebration. Start your Valentine week off right with the KCCO!
​
Vaughan Williams Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus
Richard Strauss Duet-Concertino for clarinet and bassoon in F major, TrV 293
Jane Carl, clarinet and Eric Stomberg, bassoon
John Corigliano Voyage (for string orchestra) (1976)
W.A. Mozart Serenade No. 6 for Orchestra in D major, Serenata Notturna, K. 239
Carolyn Watson, conductor
​
Celebrate the Seasons
​
April 29, 2022
8:00 p.m.
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral
Kansas City, MO
​
The KCCO return to one of the most beloved and well known concertos for violin will be a blockbuster season finale featuring award winning young soloists from the International Center for Music, Park University! The 4 soloists were all mentored by founding concertmaster Ben Sayevich, and with a different violinist joining the orchestra for each season, the variety of sound will be truly exciting!​​
​
Jessie Montgomery Strum
W.A. Mozart Symphony No. 25 in G minor
A. Vivaldi The Four Seasons​
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
2020 – 2021 Concert Details
Music in the Park
​
September 20, 2020
6:60 p.m.
Ironwoods Park
Leawood, KS
​
A beautiful selection of lively string orchestra tunes will fill the air in this concert for all ages. Enjoythis FREE outdoor event in the lovely Ironwoods Park Amphitheater. Grab food and beverage fromsome of KC’s most popular food trucks
beginning at 5 p.m.
​​
Music in the Garden
​
October 11, 2020
6:00 p.m.
John Wornall House Museum
Kansas City, MO
​
Set back time and an enjoy an old-fashioned evening of fun when the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra presents a free “Concert in the Garden" outdoors at the John Wornall House Museum.
This FREE family-friendly event will offer a sampling of classical favorites performed by local musicians with food and drink available for purchase from the Waffler and Touring Taps food trucks prior to the performance beginning at 5 p.m. Come early to find your spot – there is loads of room to distance and spread out in the gardens and lawn of this historic home.
​
A beautiful selection of lively string orchestra tunes and a Telemann Concerto with oboist Margaret Marco will float through the autumn air. Join your favorite KCCO players and guest conductor Carolyn Watson as we bring live music back to KC!
​
Music in the Biergarten
​
October 15, 2019
6:00 p.m.
Kansas City Bier Company
​​
Join the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra and guest conductor Carolyn Watson for an evening of music and craft bier in the Biergarten at KC Bier Co. in Waldo! Come early to grab a good spot and enjoy a selection of authentic German-style bier, brats, pretzels and sides. Soft drinks and kids snacks available too. Along with great music like Autumn from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, a selection of authentic German brats, pretzels and salads and sides are available along with KC Bier's amazing selection of handmade German style beers. Soft drinks and kids snacks available too. "Ein prost"to great music!​
​
Sunset Serenade
​
November 8, 2020
5:00 p.m.
The Magnolia - Brookside
Kansas City, MO
​
Our postponed autumn celebration event is back with a new date! Although the weather will not allow us to be on the rooftops looking over the city, we will gather in a lovely indoor/outdoor climate-controlled venue in Brookside with plenty of room to spread out and relish the fall air as weather permits. This will be the final installment of our Bringing Back the Music series and a celebration of our musicians and hardworking staff.
​
Bringing the Music Home​
​
December 20, 2020
7:00 p.m.
A live online experience on Zoom
​​
A holiday virtual concert video of great performances, interviews, carols and more from the KC Chamber Orchestra, choir and guest soloists. Cozy up to your fireplace and join us for a journey through great performances and holiday concert highlights with commentary by Music Director Bruce Sorrell, and guest interviews with Arnold Epley and folk singer Connie Dover. The orchestra is joined by Musica Vocale choral ensemble, award winning young pianist Kenny Broberg and more.
​
For the Love of Music
​
March 13, 2021
7:00 p.m.
A live online experience on Zoom
​
Beautiful violin, viola, cello and piano duo performances by some of our favorite musician couples in the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra.
What better way to warm up on a wintry night than with beautiful chamber music by string duos! With a gorgeous variety of tunes and composers, some of our long term principal players are bringing you violin, viola, cello and piano performances by musical couples that live and play together! Banish a cold night or welcome the first whispers of spring with this great music, and get to know our players with short interviews and fun stories from their years with the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. Free to register, suggested donation greatly appreciated to support us continuing to Bring the Music Back!
​
Playing in the Park
​
June 26, 2021
7:00 p.m.
A live online experience on Zoom
​
Premiere of the live concert recording of festive May 30 concert in the Lawrence Arts Center with intro and commentary.
Summer is here and the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra musicians want to come out and play! Celebrate the season with the gorgeous sounds of KC’s best string players as they come back together on stage at the Lawrence Arts Center. The live concert recording will showcase the KCCO strings and two amazing KU musicians: conductor Carolyn Watson and oboe soloist Margaret Marco — from Baroque tunes of Respighi and a joyous concerto by Vivaldi to the contemplative sounds of American composer John Corigliano and rousing dances by George Palmer.
2019 – 2020 Concert Details
Night Reflections
​
September 26, 2019
7:30 p.m.
Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral
Kansas City, MO
​
Kicking off the season with guest conductor Anthony Maglione and a constellation of beautiful music both old and new! Including Haydn’s Symphony No. 44 “Trauer”, one of his favorites, Arensky’s popular tribute to Tchaikovsky, the meditative reflection on evening prayer by Arvo Pärt, Trisagion, and contemporary woman composer Jessie Montgomery’s energetic Starburst. Let the shimmering strings and lusty winds of the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra charm you and fill your autumn evening with soothing, dramatic, and exciting music!
​
Anton Arensky Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky
Franz Joseph Haydn Symphony No. 44 "Trauer"
Jessie Montgomery Starburst
Arvo Pärt Trisagion
​
Magnificent Holidays
​
December 10, 2019
7:30 p.m.
Old Mission United Methodist Church
Fairway, KS
​
​​
Come home to great music for the holidays! The KCCO returns to J.S. Bach's incredible Magnificat for their holiday Baroque by Candlelight concert. Including over 25 musicians, 30 singers, 5 of the best Bach soloists in the country, Maestro Bruce Sorrell, a beautiful Telemann concerto for Oboe d'amore and one beloved magnificent work for chorus and orchestra - this will be a great way to kick off your holidays. Come into our "home" and the warm candlelit sound of Old Mission Methodist Church just off the Plaza and celebrate the season with great music.
​
Telemann Concerto for Oboe d'amore
Bach Magnificat
​
Enchanted Strings
​
February 12, 2020
7:30 p.m.
Folly Theater
​
Fall in love with great music this Valentine’s with a program full of heartwarming works for string orchestra, including the passion and beauty of Debussy’s Sacred and Profane Dances with solo harp, the incredible Lark Ascending by Vaughn Williams with violin soloist, and the creative youth and passion of Schubert's Symphony No. 5! Round out your evening with our Champagne and Chocolate Celebration immediately following the concert at the Folly. Join us for mid-week musical magic in the city!
Elena Kats-Chernin Moon Feather Magic
Claude Debussy Sacred and Profane Dances
Katherine Siochi, harp soloist
Pietro Mascagni Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana
Maurice Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte
Ralph Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending
Tamamo Someya Gibbs, violin soloist
Franz Schubert Symphony No. 5
​
Mystical Seasons
​
Cancelled
​
A season finale concert with one of classical music's most beloved works - Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and a blockbuster list of exciting young soloists from the International Center for Music! ​Including concertos for cello and piano, plus four talented violinists who each take a "season" of the Vivaldi, the concert will be full of the beauty and thrill of spring brought to you by the shimmering strings of the KCCO and music from Boccherini to Shostakovich! Award winning pianist Kenny Broberg, violinist Igor Khukhua, and others will join the orchestra to provide the magic!
Vivaldi Four Seasons
Boccherini Concerto for Cello in B-flat Major
Shostakovich Concerto in C Minor for Piano, Trumpet, and Strings
2018 – 2019 Concert Details
Musical Passages
​
September 27, 2018
7:30 p.m.
Old Mission United Methodist Church
Fairway, KS
​
Join us in celebrating our first concert of the season as we bridge cultures, styles, and centuries. Music Director Bruce Sorrell will pair signature joyful Baroque and Classical repertoire with local contemporary composer Jean Belmont Ford’s beautiful Vocalise, featuring Grammy-award winning soloist Sarah Tannehill Anderson and some of the best musicians in Kansas City!
​
Johann Sebastian Bach Suite No. 1 in C major
Franz Joseph Haydn Symphony No. 7 "Le Midi" (Noon)
Jean Belmont Ford Vocalise
Sarah Tannehill Anderson, soprano soloist
Franz Joseph Haydn Overture to "Lo Speziale"
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Bach Home for the Holidays​
December 4, 2018
7:30 p.m.
Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral
Kansas City, MO
​
​​
A rare performance of J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio by the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra with Musica Vocale, conducted by Arnold Epley. The performance features vocal soloists Jay Carter, Kyle Stegall, Jason Steigerwalt and Lindsey Lang. Kick off the holiday season with this Christmas narrative as seen through the eyes of the angels, shepherds, and magi – some of Bach's most sublime music!
​
J.S. Bach Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248, parts 1 - 3
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Bridges of the Heart
​
February 13, 2019
7:30 p.m.
Folly Theater
​
Our signature Valentine’s concert for lovers of great music! A concert in partnership with Park University International Center for Music, featuring award-winning soloists Dilshod Narzillaev (cello), Laurel Gagnon (violin), Igor Khukhua (violin), and Vladislav Kosminov (piano).
​
Caroline Shaw Entr’acte
Haydn Concerto for Cello in C Major
Dilshod Narzillaev, cello soloist
Saint-Saens Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
Igor Khukhua, violin soloist
Kreisler Liebesfreud
Igor Khukhua, violin soloist
Tchaikovsky Valse Scherzo, Op. 34
Laurel Gagnon, violin soloist
Kreisler Caprice Viennois, Op. 2
Laurel Gagnon, violin soloist
Chopin Variations on Là ci darem la mano, Op.2
Vladislav Kosminov, piano soloist
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Spanning the Centuries
​
May 4, 2019
8:00 p.m.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Kansas City, MO
​
With an inspiring range of music from Mozart to modern, this season finale will be both intimate and enthralling. Including iconic works like Mozart's Symphony No. 40, a beautiful string work Virtuosities by award-winning contemporary composer Dorothy Chang, beloved opera arias and more, the KCCO connects Classical and Romantic favorites of the ages with the excitement of classical music today!
​
Beethoven Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus, Op. 43
Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33 Rossini: Overture to La Scala di Seta
Dorothy Chang Virtuosities
Mozart Symphony No. 40 in G minor, KV. 550
Mozart Arias
​
Jazz Nights on the Boulevard!
​
June 30, 2019
5:30 p.m.
Crossroads Hotel
Kansas City, MO
​
A jumpin' jazz era, old KC event with music from KCCO, a jazz band, singer and more - PLUS dinner, cocktails and an auction! Bruce says "you better be there - and the password is Mozart is the Bee's Knees!"
2017 – 2018 Concert Details
Autumn Winds​
​
October 5, 2017
7:30 p.m.
Medallion Theater
Kansas City, MO
​
Wonderful celebratory works by Mozart and a piece written for the Chamber Orchestra by composer Forrest Pierce. Set in the beautifully restored Medallion Theater, the concert will also feature soloist Margaret Marco on oboe d'amore. Celebrating a new fall season with the warmth and beauty of great music!
Mozart Symphony No. 29 in A Major
Forrest Pierce A Siege of Herons
Margaret Marco, oboe d’amore soloist
Mozart Divertimento No. 11 in D Major
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
St. Nicolas!
​
December 5, 2017
7:30 p.m.
Old Mission United Methodist Church
Fairway, KS
​​​​
The beloved Bach Concerto for Violin and Oboe and Vivaldi's vibrant Concerto for 4 Violins in B minor open this beautiful celebration of great music for the holidays by the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. The Musica Vocale choral ensemble joins the KCCO for Benjamin Britten's Saint Nicolas cantata for orchestra, chorus and soloists. David Adams sings the leading role in this glorious retelling of the life of the real historic figure.
​
J.S. Bach Concerto for Violin and Oboe
Antonio Vivaldi Concerto for 4 Violins in B minor
Benjamin Britten Saint Nicolas cantata
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Valentine Serenades​
​
February 13, 2018
6:30 p.m.
Californos event space
Kansas City, MO
​
Our signature Valentine’s concert for lovers of great music! A concert in partnership with Park University International Center for Music, featuring award-winning soloists Dilshod Narzillaev (cello), Laurel Gagnon (violin), Igor Khukhua (violin), and Vladislav Kosminov (piano).
​
J.S. Bach Coffee Cantata
Suzanne Anderson, soprano
Joshua Lawlor, baritone
Frank Fleschner, tenor
Johannes Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes
Arthur Foote A Night Piece
Christina Webster, flute
Ward Holmquist, guest conductor
​
New Spring Horizons
​
April 27, 2018
8:00 p.m.
Kauffman Center
Helzberg Hall
​
The Kansas City Chamber Orchestra and the incredible young talent from the International Center for Music at Park University present a captivating evening featuring some of the most iconic classical concertos. Travel the road from the playfulness and vivacity of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, to the heart melting solo cello lines of the Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations, and finally the mountain-top experience of the Beethoven “Emperor” Concerto, truly one of the great achievements in western music.
​
Beethoven Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus, Op. 43
Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33
Mansur Kadirov, cello soloist
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op.64
Igor Khukhua, violin soloist
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73, “Emperor”
Kenny Broberg, piano soloist
Conducted by Maestro Bruce Sorrell and Steven McDonald, ICM Director of Orchestral Activities
​
Musical Mystery on Broadway
​
June 24, 2018
5:30 p.m.
Grand Street Café Event Space
Kansas City, MO
​​
The Kansas City Chamber Orchestra hosts a charming evening of music, merriment and mystery – Musical Mystery on Broadway! It will be great fun and a fabulous way to support the KCCO and our upcoming season and Classical Adventures Education Program. We promise a festive evening of wonderful food, signature cocktails, a select silent auction, and a variety of entertaining performances including a classic Broadway surprise or two.
2016 – 2017 Concert Details
Beethoven Triple!
​
August 27, 2016
8:00 p.m.
Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center
Kansas City, MO
​
A spectacular opening concert featuring founding KCCO concertmaster Ben Sayevich, pianist Lolita Lisovskaya, and cellist Daniel Veis perfoming the Beethoven Triple Concerto in cooperation with the International Center for Music Park University.
Beethoven Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano, Op. 56
Ben Sayevich, Daniel Veis, Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich, soloists
Chopin Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante, Op. 22
Tchaikovsky Pezzo Capriccioso, Op. 62
Wieniawski Polonaise Brillante No. 2 in A Major, Op. 21
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Milestones – Music and Movement
​
October 27, 2016
7:30 p.m.
Polsky Theatre, JCCC
Overland Park, KS
​​​​
An exciting collaboration with Owen/Cox Dance brings music to life in movement, while the KCCO inspires these talented dancers to new heights. “Milestones” features Chamber Orchestra favorites chosen specifically for their choreographic inspiration. Experience these delightful works in a totally new and fresh way, along with the KCCO premiere of Shostakovich’s haunting and powerful String Quartet No. 8 arranged for orchestra. Two great artistic companies, one fabulous performance!
​
Vivaldi Concerto for 2 Cellos in G minor
Larry Figg, Allen Probus soloists
Benjamin Britten Simple Symphony
Shostakovich String Quartet No. 8, arranged for String Orchestra
J.S. Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 3
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
A Very English Christmas​
​
December 6, 2016
7:30 p.m.
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral
Kansas City, MO
​
Featuring Musica Vocale Choral Ensemble and soloist Daniel Belcher in beautiful and festive holiday music by candlelight!
​
Robert Bridges beautiful Christmas Eve poem is set to glorious music by Gerald Finzi, capturing the awe of wandering the English landscape on a “frosty Christmas Eve”. Coupled with two gorgeous works for strings by Vaughan Williams, and a lively suite by Henry Purcell, the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra will warm your heart for a season of good cheer.
​
Finzi In Terra Pax
with Musica Vocale Choral Ensemble and Daniel Belcher, baritone soloist
Vaughan Williams Fantasia on Greensleeves
Vaughan Williams Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
Warlock Capriol Suite
Purcell Suite from Abdelazer
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
A Valentine from the Maestro
​
October 14, 2017
7:30 p.m.
Folly Theater
Kansas City, MO
​
Maestro Sorrell’s Valentine to Kansas City is an elegant evening of romantic music for strings and soloists in the sumptuous surroundings of the Folly Theater. Revel in the gorgeous sounds of Tchaikovsky and for Valentines, and feast on settings of great romantic poetry by Kansas City’s own Jean Belmont Ford, featuring Sarah Tannehill Anderson, soprano.
​
Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings
Belmont Ford Remembrance
Sarah Anderson, soprano soloist
Finzi Eclogue
Bruce Sorrell, piano soloist
Villa-Lobos Bachianas Brasileiras No. 9
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Spring Celebration!
​
April 21, 2016
8:00 p.m.
Old Mission Union Methodist Church
Fairway, KS
​​
A candlelight celebration of great soloists from the KCCO, featuring music by Mozart, Vivaldi, Handel, and Telemann, and a rare performance of Samuel Barber's baroque-style masterpiece, the Capricorn Concerto.
​
Mozart Horn Concerto No. 3, K. 447
David Sullivan, soloist
Vivaldi Concerto for 2 Violins and Cello in D Minor, Op. 3/11
Anne-Marie Brown, Tony DeMarco, Larry Figg, soloists
G.F. Handel Water Music Suite No. 3 in G Major
Samuel Barber Capricorn Concerto
Christina Webster, Margaret Marco, Julian Kaplan, soloists
Georg Philipp Telemann Overture des Nations anciens et modernes
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
2015 – 2016 Concert Details
Mozart and Mendelssohn: Reaching for the Stars
​
September 4, 2015
8:00 p.m.
Kauffman Center
Helzberg Hall
​​
Mozart’s great final Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter” and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 1 make a spectacular Labor Day
weekend celebration!
Gioachino Antonio Rossini Overture to La scala di seta'
Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 11
W.A. Mozart Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551 “Jupiter”
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Shakespeare as Muse
​
November 6, 2015
8:00 p.m.
Old Mission United Methodist Church
Fairway, KS
​​​​
If music be the food of love … music inspired by the plays and poetry of the immortal Bard! The gorgeous language mimics music itself, and one of Kansas City’s finest actors, Robert Gibby Brand, brings to life the beauty and drama of the poetry in the spoken word, accompanied by music from three of England’s greatest composers.
A world premiere of a new work composed especially for soprano Sarah Anderson and the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra by Jean Belmont Ford completes this concert. This work for voice without text heightens the emotion and drama of pure music.
Join us for a dramatic journey through great poetry, great music, coupled with a world premiere by a revered master composer who lives among us. If music be the food of love, play on!!
​​
Walton Two Pieces for String Orchestra – Henry V
Purcell Music from “The Fairy Queen”
Belmont Ford Vocalise (World Premiere)
Sarah Tannehill Anderson, soloist
Finzi Music for ‘Love’s Labours Lost’
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Gloria!
​
December 8, 2015
7:30 p.m.
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral
Kansas City, MO
​
Music from the Baroque, thrillingly performed by soloists, choir, and the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, will put you in the holiday spirit! Vivaldi’s Gloria is one of the most loved works for the holidays, paired with Corelli’s “Christmas” Concerto, with its famous pastoral ending and Bach’s incomparable Brandenburg Concerto No. 1.
​
Vivaldi Gloria
Sarah Tannehill Anderson and Jay Carter, soloists
Trinity Choir of Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, John Schaefer director
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 1
Vivaldi Flute Concerto in D Major “Il Gardellino” (The Goldfinch)
Christina Webster, soloist
Corelli Christmas Concerto
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Valentine Serenades and Suites!
​
February 14, 2016
5:00 p.m.
Simpson House
Kansas City, MO
​​
Romantic music for all performed in original chamber orchestra style in a beautiful KC home – a marvelous Valentine’s Day celebration with food and drink!
​
Benjamin Britten Simple Symphony
Tchaikovsky Andante Cantabile
Gustav Holst St. Paul's Suite
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Baroque Amore!
​
April 28, 2016
7:30 p.m.
Old Mission Union Methodist Church
Fairway, KS
​​
Handel’s famous “Water Music” contains some of the most familiar tunes ever penned by one of history’s greatest composers. Though less frequently performed, Haydn’s symphonies are an absolute delight to hear performed. Don’t miss this chance to hear one live! And the KCCO’s second world premiere this season, this time featuring oboist Margaret Marco in a thrilling new work by Forrest Pierce.
​
Rameau Overture from Pygmalion
Handel Water Music Suite No. 1 in D Major
Forrest Pierce A Siege of Herons – Concerto for Oboe d’amore
Haydn Symphony No. 60 in C Major ‘Il Distratto’
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
2014 – 2015 Concert Details
Inspired Journeys: Heroes and Landscapes
​
August 23, 2014
8:00 p.m.
Kauffman Center
Helzberg Hall
​​
Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony, inspired by the heroic ideal that Napoleon represented, is one of the greatest works ever composed. Hearing it in the grand Helzberg Hall, but with the intimacy of a chamber orchestra, all the wonderful internal workings of Beethoven’s great mastery become evident to the ear.
The gorgeous Italian countryside served as muse for Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony, reflecting place and experience and radiating the joy he felt as he toured Italy. Sunny, dramatic, reverent – it is truly one of the most pleasurable symphonies to hear in the entire canon.
Mozart Overture to the Marriage of Figaro
Beethoven Symphony No. 3 "Eroica"
Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4 “Italian”
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
The Muse
​
October 30, 2014
7:30 p.m.
Old Mission United Methodist Church
Fairway, KS
​​​​
The first of two concerts exploring the muse in our own time! Including gorgeous and virtuosic works for solo voice and oboe, the concert will also feature Copland’s inventive Appalacian Spring, a “fountain of musical images evoking pastoral America” and inspired by the dance work of Martha Graham. Gerald Finzi’s A Severn Rhapsody contributes a lush English sound with its luminous textures and folksong influences.
Forrest Pierce’s The Twelve Kisses is a thrilling setting of Hebrew and English texts from the Song of Solomon written for the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, and the solo will be performed by Sarah Tannehill Anderson, the soprano whose virtuosic, expressive singing inspired it! The exquisite, beautiful voice of the oboe d’amore will be featured in J.S. Bach’s Concerto for Oboe d’Amore with soloist Margaret Marco.
​​
Finzi A Severn Rhapsody
Forrest Pierce The Twelve Kisses
Sarah Tannehill Anderson, soprano soloist
Bach Concerto for Oboe d’Amore
Margaret Marco, soloist
Aaron Copland Appalachian Spring
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Bach for the Holidays
​
December 9, 2014
7:30 p.m.
Old Mission United Methodist Church
Fairway, KS
​​
“...among the most human, most spiritual music ever composed.”​
​
Bach’s great orchestral works are full of great dance rhythms, thrilling virtuosity, and beautifully expressive moments. In the candlelit elegance of Old Mission Church, it’s the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit!
Bach was a practical man. Composer, teacher, performer, father, husband – there was no time to waste. His music is extraordinarily intellectual, but is without a doubt, among the most human, most spiritual music ever composed. The Brandenburg Concertos were inspired by the players Bach had at hand, obviously highly gifted performers in the court orchestra.
The 3rd and 4th Brandenburg Concertos and the 1st Suite represent a highly inspired and truly creative mind, melding the best that the baroque period had to offer – great dance rhythms that propel the action forward, highly expressive slow movements, virtuosic writing for strings, and highly effective use of flutes, oboes, and bassoon. Join us for this inspiring concert of favorites.
​
Bach Suite No. 1
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 3
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 4
Bach Sinfonia from Cantata 42
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Mozart and Haydn
​
April 17, 2015
8:00 p.m.
Unity Temple on the Plaza
Kansas City, MO
​​
April on the Plaza -Gorgeous melodies! A perfect spring evening!
The gorgeous melodies of Mozart and the elegance, drama, and wit of Haydn make for an unparalleled concert experience when performed by The Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante” for solo violin and viola is one of his most sublimely beautiful works, a perennial favorite. Join us for a perfect spring evening!
“Bruce Sorrell was born to conduct Mozart.”
~The Kansas City Star
Mozart Symphony No. 33
Haydn Symphony No. 83 “The Hen”
Mozart Sinfonia Concertante
Anne-Marie Brown, violin soloist and Duke Lee, viola soloist
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
​
Vivaldi's Four Seasons!
​
June 12, 2015
8:00 p.m.
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral
Kansas City, MO
​​
One of the most popular and fascinating pieces of music in the classical canon is Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”, a set of four concertos for solo violin. Part of the fascination is not just that he so accurately captures in sound the various moods of nature depicted, but that the moods change dramatically within movements. This is unusual in the Baroque era, where “unity of mood” tends to prevail throughout a movement. So, the depiction of temperate winds fighting strong north winds, leading to a storm (as if Vivaldi were a Midwesterner!), or the many different characterizations in winter, from chattering teeth to slipping on ice, are varied and wildly evocative. With minimal forces at his command (just solo violin, strings, and a harpsichord) he brings the colors to life, as in the haunting “Summer” depiction of flies lazily swarming in the heat as distant thunder peals threateningly. We invite you on this fabulous journey through the Four Seasons, as a first-timer, or as a veteran remembering the thrill of why this is a great masterpiece.
​
Vivaldi Four Seasons
Cristian Fatu, David Radzynski, Maria Iodenitch, and Laurel Gagnon, soloists
Dvorak Nocturne
Dvorak Two Waltzes, Op. 54
Juan Baptista de Plaza Fuga Romantica and Fuga criolla
Bruce Sorrell, conductor
Follow Us
205 W. 65th Street
Kansas City, MO, 64113​
Click here to fill out a contact form and never miss an update!
Office: 816-960-1324
©2021 by Kansas City Chamber Orchestra
