The Kansas City Civic Orchestra – A Community Tradition for Over 50 Years
In 1959, Hugo Vianello helped establish a community-based orchestra calling on musicians from all walks of life to form the Kansas City Civic Orchestra. The orchestra was created as an artistic venue for both amateur and professional instrumentalists to expand their dedication to music. The longstanding tradition of offering classics has been a defining characteristic of the civic orchestra. Listeners have been enjoying the talents of many featured soloist as well as the orchestra’s extensive repertoire for years.
For more than 50 years this tradition has continued, and the Kansas City Civic Orchestra continues to be one of the premier community orchestras in the Kansas City Area. As we reflect on the rich history of the Kansas City Civic Orchestra, we look forward to the wonderful music the next 50 years will bring!
- Kansas City Civic Orchestra in 1959.
- Kansas City Civic Orchestra in 1961, conductor Hugo Vianello.
- 1962 – Hugo Vianello, conductor
- Kansas City Civic Orchestra in 1970, conductor Jay Decker.
- Kansas City Civic Orchestra in 1972, conductor Bruce McIntyre.
- 1984 Kansas City Civic Orchestra (l-r): Carol Chatelain (concertmaster), Lindsey Merrill (Conservatory Dean), Allison Scheer (violin), Becky Clark (violin), Glenn Block (conductor)
- Kansas City Civic Orchestra in 2001, Conductor Jack Ergo.










