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Longtime KC Symphony Board Leader Shirley Bush Helzberg to Step Down as Board Chair
The Kansas City Symphony Board of Directors announced that after 18 years of leadership as Chair of the Symphony Board, Shirley Bush Helzberg will step down effective June 30, 2013, and assume the title of Chair Emeritus. Helzberg will be succeeded by former American Century CEO and longtime Kansas City civic leader, Bill Lyons.
“Shirley Helzberg has been a true champion for the Symphony and the arts in Kansas City,” said Kansas City Symphony Executive Director Frank Byrne. “Under Shirley’s strong and consistent leadership for almost two decades, we have achieved remarkable growth, both artistically and organizationally.”
During Shirley’s tenure as Chair of the organization (1995-2013), the Kansas City Symphony has enjoyed many notable accomplishments:
- Dramatic increases in both earned revenues (from ticket sales) and annual charitable contributions
- Wide critical and public acclaim for the artistic growth of the Symphony and the high standard of performance both live and on recordings, as evidenced in concert and audiophile reviews, praise for a nationally broadcast PBS documentary and two Grammy award nominations, including one win
- Expanded educational programs that reach the entire metro area
- Successful transition to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
- Successful relocation of the Symphony offices to the Vitagraph Building
- Hiring of Michael Stern as Music Director in 2005
- Hiring of Frank Byrne as Executive Director in 2002
- Recognition of the orchestra musicians’ union, with full-time contract status
In addition, Helzberg worked to increase the Symphony’s endowment by more than $30 million and ensured the organization remained fiscally responsible through balanced budgets.
“Shirley has truly been a transformational leader for the Kansas City Symphony,” said Music Director Michael Stern. “The deep personal connection that all of us have with Shirley will remain one of the hallmarks of her extraordinary tenure. Her vision for the musical life of Kansas City and her fierce conviction that the arts matter in our lives has been at the heart of all her accomplishments. I applaud her with profound gratitude and affection.”
According to the League of American Orchestras, since the start of the 20th Century, only four individuals have led major American orchestra boards for longer than Helzberg’s 18 years with the Kansas City Symphony. In her role as Chair Emeritus, Helzberg will continue to be active and involved with the organization.
“The great cities throughout history have all had great performing arts organizations and today we can count Kansas City and the Kansas City Symphony among their ranks,” said Helzberg. “I am very pleased with where we are as an organization and take comfort in knowing that the Kansas City Symphony will continue to prosper under the committed leadership of an outstanding board guided by Bill Lyons, artistic leadership under Michael Stern and an outstanding administrative team under Frank Byrne.”
Bill Lyons is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of American Century Companies, Inc., the investment manager of a diversified family of mutual funds and institutional accounts headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Lyons is a director of Morningstar, Inc. (MORN), NIC, Inc. (EGOV) and The NASDAQ Stock Market. In addition to the Symphony Board, Lyons’s current civic and not-for-profit activities include membership on the boards of directors of The Nature Conservancy (Kansas Chapter), The Kansas City Art Institute and The Jacob and Ella Loose Foundation. Lyons also serves on the investment committees of The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. In 2008, Lyons founded Terra Capital, a start-up company focusing on environmentally-responsible investments.
“It is an honor and an enormous privilege to follow in the footsteps of my friend, Shirley Helzberg, as Chair of the Symphony Board,” said Lyons. “Her passion for the Symphony and what it contributes to our community is so strong, and her 18-year legacy of achievement is amazing. I am excited about continuing the upward momentum she created.”
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THE LOCAL SHOW: The Jewish Community Center’s White Theatre
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Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! arrives May 25
Curious George, PBS Local image
The insatiable curiosity of Curious George – the little monkey who has captured the imagination and hearts of millions of children and grown-ups for 65 years – comes to life May 25 to September 8 at Crown Center. The complimentary exhibit, Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! will introduce young children to Curious George’s world and lead visitors on a fun, meaningful interactive math, science and engineering-based adventure. The exhibit will be open in the Crown Center Shops Showplace, located on Level 1 of the Crown Center Shops at 2450 Grand Boulevard.
Based on the familiar characters in H.A. and Margret Rey’s classic stories published by Houghton Mifflin, the immersive exhibit environment takes place in the neighborhood where Curious George lives with his friend, The Man with the Yellow Hat. It is most appreciated by children ages 3 to 7. Visitors will recognize familiar characters and places featured in the classic stories and the PBS KIDS television series.
The exhibit was designed and built by Minnesota Children’s Museum in partnership with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. Content is based on educational standards developed by Minnesota Children’s Museum and an expert advisory panel to the PBS KIDS series, as well as national science and math standards for young children.
Visitors can operate wheels to help George climb a building, sort and weigh fruits and vegetables at the produce stand, use science skills to putt a hole of mini golf, have their picture taken with the rocket from George’s space adventure, building a whirligig in the country, and much more.
The exhibit will be open to the public during Crown Center’s regular shopping hours: Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibit is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
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‘Kauffman Center Presents’ Adds Peter Frampton
Peter Frampton, B.B. King and Sunny Landreth to share the stage at Muriel Kauffman Theatre
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts announced that Peter Frampton, famed British rocker with top hits such as Show Me the Way and Baby, I Love Your Way, will perform at the Kauffman Center’s Muriel Kauffman Theatre on Sunday, Aug. 18. Frampton’s Guitar Circus tour features fellow guitar legend B.B. King and will open with slide blues guitarist Sonny Landreth. Tickets go on sale May 31.
“Kauffman Center is excited to have Grammy Award-winning guitarists Peter Frampton and B.B. King share the stage for one very special performance. It is a unique opportunity to hear these two distinguished musicians perform together in Muriel’s Theatre,” said Jane Chu, President & CEO of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Ticket prices for this event range from $59 to $139 and will be available through the Kauffman Center Box Office at (816) 994-7222 or online at www.kauffmancenter.org.
ABOUT PETER FRAMPTON
Beginning his career as a teenager, United Kingdom native Peter Frampton remains one of the most celebrated artist and guitarists in rock history. At age 10, Frampton co-founded one of the first super groups, seminal rock act Humble Pie. At age 16, he was lead singer and guitarist for British teen band, The Herd. His fifth solo album, the electrifying Frampton Comes Alive! is one of the top-selling live records of all time. His 2006 instrumental album Fingerprints won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album.
ABOUT B.B. KING
From the 1950s to today, there has been only one King of the Blues: Riley B. King, affectionately known as B.B. King. Since King started recording in the late 1940s, he has released over 60 albums; many considered blues classics, like 1965′s definitive live blues album Live At The Regal, and 1976′s collaboration with Bobby “Blue” Bland, Together For The First Time. Over the years, King has developed one of the World’s most readily identified guitar styles. He borrowed from Lonnie Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker and others, integrating his precise vocal like string bends and his left hand vibrato, both of which have become indispensable components of the rock guitarist’s vocabulary.
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KC Parks Invites Public Input at Community Forums
All Community Centers to Host Forums May 7-9
The Community Services Division of Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation invites residents to participate in free Public Forums next week at KC Parks community centers. The purpose of these open meetings is to obtain information to assist with improving service and program delivery of the Community Services Division which oversees community centers, athletics and aquatics programming.
PUBLIC FORUM SCHEDULE
Tuesday, May 7
6 p.m.: Gregg Klice Community Center, 1600 John “Buck” O’Neil Way
6 p.m.: Tony Aguirre Community Center, 2050 W. Pennway
7 p.m.: Garrison Community Center, 1124 East 5th St.
Wednesday, May 8
6:30 p.m.: Westport-Roanoke Community Center, 3601 Roanoke Road
7 p.m.: Southeast Community Center, 4201 E 63rd St.
7 p.m.: Marlborough Community Center, 4201 E 63rd St. (held at Southeast CC)
7 p.m.: Hillcrest Community Center, 10401 Hillcrest Road
Thursday, May 9
7 p.m.: KC North Community Center, 3930 N Antioch Road
7 p.m.: Brush Creek Community Center, 3801 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd.
7 p.m. Line Creek Community Center, 5940 NW Waukomis Dr.
Each forum is anticipated to last 1.5 hours and will be conducted by Pros Consulting, a management consulting and planning firm specializing in government and not-for-profit agencies. For more information, call 816-513-7500 or visit KC Parks website at www.kcparks.org.
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My Name is Asher Lev Extended Due to Popular Demand
My Name is Asher Lev By Aaron Posner
Adapted from the novel by Chaim Potok
Directed by Cynthia Levin
Faith. Art. Identity
Doogin Brown (L) in the title role alongside Mark Robbins as Robbins portrays an artist who mentors young Asher Lev. Photo credit: Cynthia Levin.
The powerful and emotional play My Name is Asher Lev, onstage at Unicorn Theatre, has been extended an extra week and will now play through May 19, rather than ending May 12 as originally scheduled. “With such positive response from the audience, and overwhelming ticket sales, we can’t help but extend the run of the show”, said Cynthia Levin, Unicorn Theatre Producing Artistic Director. Every weekend of the show so far has been sold out.
Due to the extension, Unicorn Theatre will hold an additional “Talk Back” performance on May 14, when the audience is invited to stay after the show for a Q-and-A session with the director and cast. Previous “Talk Back” sessions have been the largest in Unicorn Theatre history, with more than 100 patrons staying to participate.
The story follows the journey of a young painter torn between his religious upbringing and his insatiable need to fulfill his artistic passion. The struggle pits Asher against the will of his family, community and tradition and has moved audiences to tears and standing ovations.
This play is an excellent opportunity for families to see a show together. It is suitable for children ages 12 and up. (One scene includes partial nudity as a woman poses for Asher to paint.) The play touches on themes of faith, art and identity and may spark quite a discussion on the way home!
This new play by Aaron Posner is adapted from the famous novel by Chaim Potok (author of The Chosen). This production is directed by Cynthia Levin, Unicorn Theatre’s producing artistic director. The cast features Doogin Brown, Mark Robbins and Manon Halliburton.
“My Name is Asher Lev” now runs through May 19 at Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. Tickets are now on sale. Call 816-531-PLAY (7529), ext. 10, go online at www.UnicornTheatre.org or buy in person at the box office. Discounts are available for seniors (60+), students and patrons under age 35.
The Director, Cast and Creative Team:
Producing Artistic Director Cynthia Levin is directing this production. She is in her 34th season with Unicorn Theatre where she has served as a director, actor, designer or producer for over 260 productions. Previously this season she has directed Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and The Soul Collector.
Doogin Brown (Asher Lev) has previously appeared at the Unicorn in Next Fall, Speech and Debate and Orson’s Shadow. Doogin has been fortunate enough to work at most theaters in Kansas City including Kansas City Repertory Theatre, American Heartland Theatre, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Coterie Theatre, Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, New Theatre Restaurant and Musical Theatre Heritage.
Mark Robbins (THE MEN) is a founding member of the Kansas City Actors Theatre. At Unicorn Theatre he has appeared in Next Fall and Time Stands Still. He also played the title role in Titus Andronicus at the Living Room Theatre. Mark also directs, including this season’s KC Actors Theatre/Unicorn Theatre co-production of Good People and last season’s co-production of God of Carnage, both here at the Unicorn. He has directed The Mousetrap and The Real Inspector Hound for KC Actors Theatre.
Manon Halliburton (THE WOMEN) is appearing at Unicorn Theatre for the third time. She was in the just-wrapped Good People and previously in Farragut North. Manon has worked all over the country in regional theaters as well as film and television. She’s also a fine artist and professional photographer and keeps busy with teaching acting when she’s not on the stage or behind a lens. Other recent credits include The Kentucky Cycle at the MET, Number the Stars at the Coterie and August: Osage County in last season’s KC Rep production with an all local cast.
The look and feel of the show are designed by: Gary Mosby (scenic design), Alex Perry (lighting design), Arwen Thomas (costume design), Caitlin Hall (prop design), Greg Mackender (music composer) and Michael Heuer (sound design). Tanya Brown is Stage Manager.
About the Playwright & Author:
Aaron Posner has adapted for the stage two beloved works of fiction by Chaim Potok. Potok worked with Posner as a co-writer for the script of The Chosen. After Potok died, Posner collaborated with Potok’s widow as he adapted My Name is Asher Lev. Posner is also a theater administrator and director in the Washington D.C. area, with an emphasis on Shakespeare.
Chaim Potok began his career as a novelist in 1967 with the publication of The Chosen, the first book from a major publisher to portray Orthodox Judaism in the United States. Throughout his writing career Potok continued to examine the conflict between secular and religious interests. During the 1950s, he became a conservative Rabbi and later he also taught at several universities. Potok died in 2002.
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New Special Exhibition Explores Origins of World War I
Road to War: World Power and Imperialism, 1904-1914. Opens May 3, 2013, at the National World War I Museum
Examine the pivotal events that led to the outbreak of history’s first global conflict in the National World War I Museum’s new exhibition, Road to War: World Power and Imperialism, 1904-1914.
Opening Friday, May 3, 2013, in Exhibit Hall, the Museum’s inaugural Centennial special exhibition explores the 10 years leading to the outbreak of World War I, a decade that witnessed a series of conflicts between the major European powers over territory in Europe and overseas possessions. Visitors will learn about many other contributing factors including European colonialism, American imperialism, the rise of nationalism, cultural awareness and the social divides which led to unrest and revolt against the imperial monarchies.
“As we prepare to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I, we are proud to share the fascinating stories that led to this important time in history,” said Dr. Mary Davidson Cohen, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National World War I Museum. “From Manchuria on the Asian Pacific Coast to North Africa and the Balkans, Road to War embarks on an extraordinary journey you won’t want to miss.”
Remarkable objects, documents and photographs of 1904-1914 colorfully illustrate many of the events, countries and people of the period. Drawing upon the Museum’s extensive collection as well as those of other museums and sources, the exhibition includes many items never before seen at the Museum.
From a nearly-complete Japanese infantry uniform, backpack and original documents of a soldier who served in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 to a Belgian art medal in honor of King Leopold II which celebrated the annexation of Congo by Belgium in 1909, the exhibition offers a thought-provoking experience for visitors of all ages.
Other highlights include:
- A distinctive uniform, worn by a male servant of an upper-class household, as an example of the division between the classes in the Imperial Powers of Europe and the wealth held by a few. It consists of a vest and breeches made of red velvet with embroidered edging of the coat of arms of Graf (Count) von Faber-Castell, Nuremburg, Bavaria.
- Numerous quotes from individuals of the time and historians of the period that give personal connections to the objects and events.
- A Russian periodical cartoon that features Serbia and Bulgaria butting heads over territory while the Russian bear and Austro-Hungarian wolf look on with great interest. Additionally, a scrapbook with an article dated January 9, 1911, shows the potential confrontation between Greece and the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) in the Balkans.
Road to War, open through April 20, 2014, is included with admission and free for Museum members.
For more information on the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, visit www.theworldwar.org.
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Ink’s Middle of the Map Film Fest takes place on May 1-5
Ink magazine and The Record Machine, a pioneering, homegrown indie record label, are pleased to announce the kickoff of Ink’s Middle of the Map Film Fest presented by KC Chevy Dealers. This year’s title sponsor is Chipotle.
Ink’s Middle of the Map Fest expands this year to include its first film fest taking place May 1 – 5 at the Alamo Drafthouse at 14th and Main in downtown Kansas City, Mo. The Middle of the Map Film Fest will screen a diverse cross section of curated films. Special guests and fanfare parties will also be hosted throughout the fest. Events include local band Soft Reeds playing a David Bowie cover set before a screening of the 80′s classic film Labyrinth.
The fest’s closing party will feature a band playing as Sex Bob-omb, the fictional band from the cult hit Scott Pilgrim Vs The World before a screening of that film. The first 50 badge holders to arrive at 5pm on Wednesday night, May 1, will win passes to either the opening night of Iron Man 3 on Thursday, May 2 or a pre-screening of The Great Gatsby on Monday, May 6.
With 25+ films of all kinds; feature films, independent flicks, award-winning movies, rockumentaries, documentaries, fanfare parties, Alamo Drafthouse experiences and shorts programs, Ink’s Middle of the Map Film Fest is simply aimed at rewarding audiences with excellent cinematic experiences. After the screenings of locally produced films Corporate FM, The Equation and We Are Superman, there will be Q&A sessions with the cast and directors.
Director Michael Mohan will present his film Save The Date, starring Alison Brie, Lizzy Caplan, Martin Starr. Chipotle is presenting Eating Alabama, a film about an Alabama family that tries to eat nothing but locally grown food. Cyclists are encouraged to make use of Alamo’s Bike Valet to see Where the Trail Ends, an insanely beautiful Free Ride Mountain Bike film from Red Bull.
This year’s film fest line-up includes:
Labyrinth, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, Miami Connection, Save The Date (with director Michael Mohan), Awful Nice, Andrew Bird: Fever Year, Minecraft: The Story of Mojang, This is Martin Bonner, A Band Called Death, War Witch, Greetings From Tim Buckley, Somebody Up There Likes Me, The Lesser Blessed, The Ghost of Piramida, The Kitchen, Picture Day, The History of Future Folk, In the Deep Shade, Eating Alabama, Another Version of the Truth, KCAI Shorts Program, UMKC Shorts Program, We are Superman, The Equation, Corporate FM, The Rep, Where The Trail Ends and I Declare War.
Lineup and guests subject to change.
Tickets
Tickets are available for purchase online atmiddleofthemapfest.com
- $25 for a five-day pass
- $10 for an individual screening at the door
Advance tickets will go off sale on May 1, but will be available at the door.
Alamo Parking Information
H&R Block parking garage at 13th and Main – after 6pm on weekdays, after noon on Saturday and all day Sunday – all free with Alamo validation
Cosentino’s Downtown parking garage at 13th and Main – free parking Sunday to Wednesday and $2 parking Thursday to Saturday with Alamo validation
There is also plenty of free street-parking starting after 6 p.m.
About Ink’s Middle of the Map Fest
Ink’s Middle of the Map Fest annually curates and cultivates the unique arts and creative culture of the Midwest, bringing together a sense of community in local and national talent in an annual festival featuring music, forum and film.
Tickets
Tickets are available for purchase online at middleofthemapfest.com.
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Shirley Bush Helzberg Named Chair of Nelson-Atkins Board of Trustees
To Succeed Sarah J. Rowland, Who Will Remain on Board
Sarah F. Rowland, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The
Sarah Rowland Photo by Bob Greenspan
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, announced at the April meeting of the Board that as part of a planned transition in leadership, she will step down as Chair and will be succeeded by civic leader and arts patron Shirley Bush Helzberg, effective May 1. Mrs. Rowland, who has been Chair for the past four years, will remain on the Board.
“We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Helzberg to this important
Shirley Helzberg photo by David Riffel
role, and we know she will lead the Nelson-Atkins into the future, with ever-increasing community engagement,” said museum Director & CEO Julián Zugazagoitia. “This is a transition that builds on the great legacy of Sarah Rowland and that continues the Board of Trustees governance at the highest level.”
Mrs. Helzberg, who has been involved with the leadership of the Nelson-Atkins since 1996, is known as one of Kansas City’s most active community leaders and a supporter of dozens of civic efforts and service groups. She has been the President of the Board of Directors of the Kansas City Symphony since 1995, and she has served as Chairman of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, President of Starlight Theatre and Founding Chairman of the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City.
She and her husband, Barnett C. Helzberg Jr., former Chairman of the Board of Helzberg Diamonds, own, enjoy and appreciate African art and helped endow the African gallery in the Bloch Building. They co-founded University Academy Charter School, serving more than 1,000 students in Kansas City, and they were named Kansas Citians of the Year in 2002. Helzberg Hall, the magnificent concert venue at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, carries their name as well.
Beyond her passion for the arts, Mrs. Helzberg brings professional experience in the areas of marketing, advertising and real estate. She led the restoration of Webster House, a Romanesque-style school next door to the Kauffman Center, which is now a destination for shopping and dining, as well as other renovated and adaptive reuse projects in downtown properties.
“I am honored to serve along with other extremely dedicated members of the Board of Trustees, civic leaders, a fine-tuned administrative staff, and a gifted and talented curatorial team that brings scholarship and international recognition to the Nelson-Atkins and the Kansas City region,” Mrs. Helzberg said. “The enjoyment of art has had a profound experience on my life. I will enjoy working on the areas of our new strategic plan to continue to bring art to the community for the enjoyment of all and to build on the sturdy foundation of past leadership. Education, diversity and increased audiences will continue to be a most important area of my interest.”
Mrs. Helzberg assumes the role of Chair that has been held since 2009 by Mrs. Rowland, who took over the position following the death of Harry C. McCray Jr. Mrs. Rowland led the museum through the celebration of the esteemed tenure of Director Emeritus Marc F. Wilson and the search for the museum’s new Director, Zugazagoitia.
“We have all been privileged to work with Mrs. Rowland during this time of transition, as she strengthened our governance and as we worked to complete our strategic plan,” Zugazagoitia said. “Together we have embraced a new vision for the future, of bringing the highest art to everyone, unleashing the power of art and engaging with the spirit of the community.”
Mrs. Rowland and her husband, Landon, have been longtime supporters of the museum and have provided significant funding for the remodeling and reinstallation of the American galleries, unveiled in 2009. In 2002, they established The Ever Glades Fund, a permanent endowment fund for the acquisition of American art.
“The privilege and opportunity to follow remarkable and gifted civic leaders in their quest to enlarge and enliven the museum is an opportunity for which I am most grateful,” said Mrs. Rowland. “With an exquisite collection, a gifted staff of scholars and museum professionals and an enthusiastic and supportive constituency, the institution is positioned for extraordinary achievements in the century ahead. I am delighted to have been a part of that quest.”
A graduate of Smith College, Northampton, Mass., Mrs. Rowland’s professional experience was in publishing and in development for not-for-profit organizations. Her volunteer associations and board services in Kansas City have focused on historic preservation and the visual and performing arts. She is a farmer, a horsewoman and an amateur musician.
The museum begins its fiscal year May 1 with the following members on the Board of Trustees: Mrs. Helzberg, Mrs. Rowland, Charles S. Sosland, Mary Atterbury, Robert Bernstein, Paul DeBruce, Laura Fields, David Fowler, J. Scott Francis, J. Peter Gattermeir, Richard C. Green Jr., Julia Irene Kauffman, Alan R. Marsh, Kent Sunderland, Elizabeth Bloch Uhlmann, Adelaide C. Ward, Maurice Watson, and Chairs Emeriti Henry W. Bloch, Donald J. Hall and Estelle Sosland.
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Park University’s International Center for Music Season Finale Concert Features Sayevich and Lisovskaya-Sayevich
The International Center for Music at Park University will hold its final concert of its 2012-13 concert season on Friday, May 10. The concert will feature violinist Ben Sayevich, Park professor of music/violin, and his wife, pianist Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich, ICM collaborative pianist. The concert will be held in Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel on the University’s Parkville Campus starting at 7:30 p.m.
The duo is scheduled to perform Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Sonata K. 454” and Edvard Grieg’s “Sonata No. 3, Op 45 in C Minor.” In the second half of the concert, the Sayevichs will be joined by Kansas City Symphony principal violist Christine Grossman, violinist David Radzynski, graduate student in violin performance and ICM teaching assistant, and Daniel Veis, visiting assistant professor of music/cello, in a performance of Johannes Brahms’ “Piano Quintet, Op. 34 in F Minor.”
The Lithuanian-Israeli Sayevich has established himself as one of the most distinguished violinists and teachers of his generation. He is featured as the soloist in a recording of Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” with the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, and at the New England Conservatory, he was chosen to play the “Violin Concerto” by Alban Berg for the celebration of the composer’s centenary.
Originally from Uzbekistan, Lisovskaya-Sayevich is an accomplished pianist. She won first prize at the Chopin International Piano Competition in Göttingen, Germany, in 1993; the Nikolai Rubinstein International Piano Competition in 1996; and the Iowa Piano International Competition in 2007. She studied under Stanislav Ioudenitch in the ICM, earning a graduate certificate in 2008.
Admission to the concert is $15 for the general public; $10 for senior citizens (age 60 and older); and $5 for children (age 12 and under). Park University students, faculty and staff are admitted free with their Park ID. To purchase tickets in advance, call (816) 584-6202 before 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 9.
The International Center for Music at Park University was established to foster the exchange of master teacher/performers, renowned young musicians and programs from countries across the globe. The education of emerging musicians is at the philosophical core of the Center’s mission and the quality of that training crucial to great artistry. The focus of the Center is on piano and strings performance. Ingrid Stolzel is the director of the ICM.
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Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City’s 25th Season Finale Concert Set for May 5
The Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City, which is celebrating its 25th season, will hold its season finale concert, “Victory and Triumph,” on Sunday, May 5. The concert, which will be held in the Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel on Park University’s Parkville Campus, begins at 3 p.m.
The program is scheduled to include Wagner’s Prelude to Die Meistersinger, conducted by the Theodore Albrecht, Ph.D., founder of the Philharmonia and a former Park University music instructor. Ashley Tini, a past winner of the Philharmonia’s Collegiate Solo Honors Competition, will perform Rosauro’s Marimba Concerto. In addition, the concert will include Dvorak’s exciting Symphony No. 8 in G Major. Following the concert, there will be a post-concert talk with the Philharmonia’s conductor/music director Travis Jürgens and various orchestra members.
Jürgens is in his third season as conductor and music director of the Philharmonia. Jürgens, who took second place in the American Prize in Conducting – Orchestra Division in 2011, is also the assistant conductor of the Boulder (Colo.) Philharmonic. He recently served as associate conductor of the Lamont Symphony Orchestra and Opera Theatre in Denver. Visit www.kcphilharmonia.org/#!our-conductor/c3zs for a complete biography on Jürgens.
Admission to the concert is $15 for reserved front seating ($10 for senior citizens 65 and older); $10 for adult general admission; and $5 for students and senior citizens 65 and older. Park University students, faculty and staff (with their Park ID), as well as children age 12 and younger, are admitted free. For an additional $10, concert-goers can attend the post-concert talk. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.kcphilharmonia.org.
The Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit community orchestra sponsored in part by Park University, is comprised of members who are drawn from the Kansas City metropolitan area. It provides talented musicians an opportunity to satisfy their love of classical music while providing affordable and accessible high quality entertainment to a variety of audiences. Membership in the orchestra is open by audition to qualified adults and students who rehearse weekly under the guidance of area professional musicians. The mission of the Philharmonia is to engage communities by entertaining and educating through music. The Philharmonia is funded in part by a Missouri Arts Council grant, a state agency and division of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
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