CANON JOHN’S CONCERTS OF THE WEEK
MAY 12 to MAY 19
By John Schaefer
Good day.
I attended the Crescendo concert presented by the UMKC CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC and was thoroughly impressed and refreshed. There was so much good about the evening. Performances were uniformly fine; the transitions from 'event to event' were effortless; and the number of performers was amazing - perhaps as many as two hundred. The Conservatory is doing superb work training its musicians and dancers. And, I think that any concert or recital you and I attend at White Hall or Grant Hall will be very satisfying. Please see the Conservatory Calendar for all the possibilities.
This week, members of the Kansas City Symphony present a HAPPY HOUR concert at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday the 14th. The concert is free admission, and is always a jolly occasion. It is wise to make your reservation(s) in advance. The phone number for the Symphony ticket is 816-471-0400. I prefer to talk to someone to get my tickets! The Symphony staff is always kind and eager to help.
RACHEL PRIEST had to postpone her February noontime recital at Village Presbterian Church. This Thursday the 15th, she will sing her songs at 12:15 p.m. in the Village Church sanctuary. There is no charge for admission.
Thursday evening the 15th, tenor J.W. KECKLEY and pianist KURT KNECHT will perform Robert Schumann's "Dichterliebe" in a recital at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Main Street. I have played the cycle myself and know how beautiful it is. The recital begins at 7:00 p.m. and is free.
Friday the 16th at noon, organist JAN KRAYBILL will play the Brown Bag recital at Westport Presbyterian Church. It is always a joy to hear Jan play. Her playing is always meticulous and vivacious. She also has a knack for discovering organ colors that one may not have ever heard. There is no admission charge.
Friday evening the 16th at 7:30 p.m., The KANSAS CITY CHORALE presents a concert entitled "The Lost Birds: An Extinction Elegy." The music "pays tribute to bird species driven to extinction." This is a paid admission event, and well worth it. The concert is at Village Presbyterian Church!
Saturday afternoon the 17th at 2:00 p.m. at the Gem Theatre, the KANSAS CITY WOMEN'S CHORUS will sing a concert entitled "Wild and Tamed Voices: A Choral Tribute to All Creatures." Please do visit the Chorus's website to read a tender description of what the concert will offer - and to secure your tickets.
Sunday afternoon the 18th at 2:00 p.m. the PINNACLE WINDS and the DOUG TALLEY QUARTET will make music together for a program entitled "Gotta Dance." The concert will take place at the First Church of the Nazarene. Of special interest to me is some music composed by TIM BREWER, bassist for the Quartet. The ticket prices are very modest.
These may not be the only concerts/recitals to hear. Indeed, I know of several that I am sad to miss. But, I am drawn rather more to the above.
Composer of the week: Ernest Bloch. Works prompting this choice: his Piano Quintet and his Concerto Grosso No. 1.
Dr. William Osler wrote: Courage and cheerfulness will not only carry you over the rough places in life, but will enable you to bring comfort and help to the weak-hearted and will console you in the sad hours.
Warmest good wishes,
John Schaefer