Libby Hanssen

Libby Hanssen covers the performing arts in Kansas City. She maintains the culture blog, “Proust Eats a Sandwich,” and writes poetry and children’s books. She holds a master’s degree in trombone performance from UMKC Conservatory and currently works at UMKC’s Music/Media Library.

Tasty Tidbits: Lyric Opera of Kansas City’s “Opera in Eight Parts”

The Lyric Opera of Kansas City’s newest venture, which will undoubtedly please their loyal patron base, is “Opera in Eight Parts,” a sort of hybrid recital/tasting menu which introduces the major points of opera’s development from the 16th into the 21st century. As the pandemic and social isolation have dragged on, three things are apparent. […]

October 22, 2020
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Beethoven or Bust: Opus 76 presents The Kansas City Beethoven Cycle

With a larger-than-life bust of a glowering Ludwig van Beethoven on one side and a sorrowful crucifix on the other, Kansas City ensemble Opus 76 performed the final concert in The Kansas City Beethoven Cycle, the complete string quartets. This series commemorates the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, occurring December 17, 2020. It was an […]

September 21, 2020
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Arts in Brief, September/October 2020

A second sculpture by German artist Ewerdt Hilgemann has been installed on the grounds of the Kansas City Art Institute. Hilgemann’s “Double Stack,” a 20-foot-tall piece in stainless and corten steel, is on loan to the college from the artist and Zahner Metal Conservation. The firm previously lent the artist’s “Dancers” to KCAI as part of a plan to site large-scale works on campus on a changing basis.

September 16, 2020
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Honors: Stacy Busch

As a musician and activist, performing artist Stacy Busch knows the life-changing — and saving — power of empathy: listening deeply, sharing honestly and giving generously of oneself to help others. Busch is a composer and performer, and a Charlotte Street Foundation 2020 Generative Performing Artist Fellow.

September 8, 2020
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Yes, the Arts Scene is on the Ropes, But It Won’t Be a Total Knockout

In an overture, you hear themes and harmonic threads, little hints leading into the drama and suspense of the main event. Consider these last six months the overture. In July, the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Harriman-Jewell Series cancelled their Kauffman Center performances until January 2021.

September 1, 2020
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Arts News: New Ensemble Caters to Marginalized Communities

Colectiva Huēhuecoyōtl is a new ensemble in the region, with a mission to combine music, education and social justice. The organization provides free-of-cost entertainment for nonprofit organizations that cater specifically to marginalized communities.

July 28, 2020
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