Libby Hanssen

March 22, 2019

Refreshing and Expressive: San Francisco Symphony Stops in Helzberg Hall on US Tour for an Uplifting Performance

San Francisco Symphony’s performance in Helzberg Hall was breathtaking, certainly, presented with fresh, exploratory curiosity. Thursday night was the orchestra’s third Kansas City appearance, presented..

March 1, 2019

Concert to Come | ‘Nelly Don: The Musical’ at MTH Theater

Nell Donnelly Reed is going from the history books to center stage with the world premiere production of “Nelly Don: The Musical” at MTH Theater in March. It’s a tale that digs into a significant figure in Kansas City’s past: a story of the American dream, female empowerment, Kansas City mobsters and . . . pink gingham, with ruffles.

February 27, 2019

Peace in the Madness, A New Way of Looking

Now in its sixth year, Kansas City Ballet’s New Moves program is an established favorite in the dance season’s calendar. Devon Carney, KCB’s artistic director, consistently finds an exciting cadre of fresh voices to create a program of bold choreography, with world premieres and works new to Kansas City audiences.

February 27, 2019

Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising

In March, the Heartland Men’s Chorus honors the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising as they present the world premiere of “Quiet No More: A Choral Celebration of Stonewall 50.”Co-commissioned with the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, along with over 20 other ensembles, it is the largest co-commissioned project in the history of gay and lesbian choruses.

February 24, 2019

ETHEL + Robert Mirabal Explore Worldwide Themes in “The River”

The deep history of the people who live in Taos Pueblo, dating back over a thousand years, far outstrips that of the string quartet. Yet..

February 17, 2019

Can’t Buy Me Love: Kansas City Ballet’s “Lady of the Camellias”

Kansas City Ballet’s “Lady of the Camellias” is gorgeous. The costuming, the dancing, the sets and lighting evoke a shimmering dream world, enhanced by the..

January 27, 2019

Birds of a Feather: Kansas City Symphony Explores Music of 1919

The Kansas City Symphony journeyed to the past and into imaginary lands with its 1919-focused program in a bold performance Saturday in Helzberg Hall, conducted..

January 20, 2019

“Love and Death”: Behzod Abduraimov, pianist in recital

Midway through pianist Behzod Abduraimov’s recital at the 1900 Building, some mystery object clattered on the floor. Had a program fallen off a lap, or..

January 10, 2019

Arts News: Making Music from a Pile of Junk

If you’ve ever investigated the contents of an old garage, you might spot discarded PVC pipe, some old bike valves, a faucet, an unmatched kitchen..

Author: Libby Hanssen