Christopher Kelts, Conductor
Greetings friends of the Kansas City Civic Orchestra! We put the finishing touches on our 54th season, and it promises to be another spectacular year. We will be giving five concerts (plus one holiday encore).
Before I dive into details about this coming season, I want to reflect on our 53rd season we just completed. This past season the orchestra grew in quality, a little in size and continues to become closer in relationship and wonderful music making. It remains a great pleasure to serve as the orchestra’s Music Director. You, the audience, have made a particularly monumental impact this past season. When I took the helm in 2008, our audience was a great size, 400 – 500 average, and for an orchestra like ours, that’s really great. This past season we averaged between 800 – 1000 in our concert attendance, which is absolutely stunning! As a musician, I can speak for the entire orchestra when I say nothing brings more excitement than to play for a packed house!
As you know, the Kansas City Civic Orchestra continues to give concerts at no charge, and through some generous patrons and grants, we are able to continue to do so. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how important your presence is at our concerts. I hope that your experiences hearing our orchestra is wonderful – and if you are able to give a monetary gift – we appreciate that side of your patronage as well. Our wish is to continue with this mission for many more years to come. (Remember, KCCO is a non-for-profit, so all donations are tax deductible). Now, on to the season’s highlights!
Our 54th season opens with Beginnings. This concert will feature two symphonies: Beethoven’s classical-era inspired Symphony No. 1, followed by the first symphony of Brahms! Both made their mark in the symphonic literature. How? You can find out at one the Pre-Concert Talks that will be happening before this performance. Come learn a bit and listen a lot for our October 13, 7:30 p.m., Atonement Lutheran Church.
After giving our first pops style concert last season, and given its popularity, we wanted to give our audience another themed concert of fun and spirited music. KCCO will be joined by violinist Diana Seitz. Her amazing technique and her wonderful musical integrity will capture your ear and amaze your eyes. We have chosen a Latin style concert. Come hear KCCO at the historic Folly Theatre on a Sunday afternoon, November 18, 3:00 p.m., and…Set your Seitz on Latin Rhythm!
What do Ravel, Albinoni, Hanson and Weber have in common? Well, that would take too long to figure out – but they are all making an appearance in our March 2, 7:30 p.m., Atonement Lutheran Church performance entitled Sounds Embrace. Each piece offers a different experience for your ear. From the traditional Romantic to the lush sounds of Howard Hanson’s Symphony No. 2 “Romantic.” We will be coming out of the winter months, so choose this opportunity to come and warm yourselves and give your ears a fresh new perspective.
Our season finale will happen on Saturday, April 27, 7:30 p.m., Atonement Lutheran Church – and before we all know we will close another season of the Kansas City Civic Orchestra! WOW! This concert will utilize the different sizes of the orchestra. Of course everyone will recognize Greig’s In the Hall of the Mountain King. Stay 25,000 feet above sea level for Hovannes’ wonderful Symphony No. 2, Mysterious Mountain. We will end that evening’s performance with Haydn’s Symphony No. 45 – named his “Farewell” symphony. Why is it called this? I can’t give everything away. Some celebrate with a Fond Farewell.
…OH I ALMOST FORGOT! Our annual SOUNDS OF THE SEASON will happen in December. However, you will get two opportunities. We will give our annual holiday concert on Friday, December 14 and Saturday December 15 at Atonement Lutheran Church. Can you come to both? Of course! We wanted to make sure everyone had an opportunity to enjoy this fun, meaningful and joyous musical time of year. Our silent auction will be up for your pleasure and we will of course have a few surprises up our sleeves.
Come and hear the Kansas City Civic Orchestra. Stay connected through our Facebook page, or our newly designed website: www.kccivic.org. I look forward to seeing you, and I know you are looking forward to hearing us in our 54th concert season!
– Christopher Kelts, Music Director