Kansas City Symphony has announced its 2021-22 season, which starts in September and runs through May 2022.

“We’ve missed performing in Helzberg Hall in front of live audiences so much” said Executive Director Danny Beckley in a press release. “There is a spark that happens when musicians perform before a live audience. You can see and hear our musicians’ passion. And we see on your face how the music makes you feel. It’s a unique connection unlike any other, something we crave, something we are all ready to experience again. We’ve programmed a season full of unique and special moments. We’ll be joined by an exciting group of guest conductors and soloists, we’ll feature world premieres and commissions, plus some of the greatest classical pieces ever written, including Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony and Beethoven’s Ninth performed with the Kansas City Symphony Chorus.”

For the purposes of this article, our focus will be on vocal and operatic performances.

The holiday concert series will feature a performance of Händel’s “Messiah” conducted by Patrick Dupré Quigley with chorus director Charles Bruffy. 

Performance Dates: Dec. 10-12, 2021

Vocalist Ashley Brown will perform as part of the “Christmas Festival.”

Performance Dates: Dec. 16-19, 2021 

Vocalists Tony DeSare and Capathia Jenkins will perform “Frank and Ella, Together Again.” Jack Everly conducts.

Performance Dates: April 7-9, 2022

The company will present a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Händel’s “Zadok the Priest” Coronation Anthem No. 1, and Montgomery’s Piano Concerto. The performance will feature Caitlin Lynch, Kelley O’Connor, and Derrek Stark. The performance will be conducted by Michael Stern.

Performance Dates: June 24-26, 2022

The company will also present several pop performances as well as special presentations of major films accompanied by the orchestra.