This preview brought to you by the Harriman-Jewell Series.
For more than six decades, the Harriman‑Jewell Series has been bringing the world’s artistic treasures to Kansas City‘s doorstep. “We’re really an importer of great culture and art from around the world and bringing artists to Kansas City,” said Harriman-Jewell’s Artistic Director Clark Morris.
That mission has resulted in more than a thousand concerts since 1962, a staggering legacy for any city—let alone a midsize city in the Midwest. As Morris puts it, “It would take so many resources and so much time for people from Kansas City to go out into the world and see these things… to bring them all here so people can sample and see the world’s culture and art is both a privilege and a responsibility.”
Each new season feels a bit like opening a beautifully wrapped package, and the 62nd year is no exception. This year’s lineup is a vivid cross‑section of the performing arts: superstar soloists, beloved ensembles, early‑music royalty, world‑class ballet, and a few once‑in‑a‑lifetime events that Kansas City audiences may never experience again. It’s a typical Harriman-Jewell season of variety and depth, with returning favorites and thrilling debuts. “We love to bring back favorites… but we also love to bring new artists that have never been to town,” Morris said. “It’s about 50/50 next season.”
Opening Night: Alisa Weilerstein & Inon Barnatan — October 9
The season begins with a duo recital by cellist Alisa Weilerstein and pianist Inon Barnatan, two artists whose reputations place them among the most compelling musicians of their generation. Weilerstein’s musical pedigree is legendary—her father was the founding violinist of the Cleveland Quartet, her mother a distinguished pianist, and her brother a conductor and violinist. She made her Cleveland Orchestra debut at 13, and in 2011 received the MacArthur “Genius” Grant.
“She puts a lot of thought into her interpretations and into her programs,” Morris said. “I’m really eager for us to experience her in Kansas City.”
Stars of American Ballet — October 23
Ballet has long been a cornerstone of the Harriman‑Jewell identity, and this season brings back the Stars of American Ballet, a collective of principal dancers from New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and San Francisco Ballet. They perform scenes, pas de deux, and smaller ensemble works—an evening of distilled virtuosity.
“We get to see the very best dancers in the country all on stage at the same time,” Morris said.
Patrick Page: All The Devils Are Here — November 5 and 6
The Series was founded by Richard Harriman, who was a Shakespeare scholar, and over the years it has presented companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company and The Acting Company. In November theater returns in grand fashion with All the Devils Are Here, a one man show starring Patrick Page. The celebrated Shakespearean actor is known for his resonant bass voice and unforgettable turns as Hades in Hadestown, Scar in The Lion King, and Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. All the Devils Are Here, explores Shakespeare’s villains with monologues, commentary, and Page’s signature stagecraft.
Morris calls him “tremendously talented,” adding: “This show is an intimate show… we’re doing two nights of it because we know it’s going to sell out.”
Les Arts Florissants with William Christie and Paul Agnew — November 19
This is an important year for early music on the Harriman-Jewell Series. William Christie returns with Les Arts Florissants, joined by co‑director Paul Agnew. Their program The Magic of Monteverdi promises madrigals and songs shaped by decades of scholarship and artistry.
The Series first presented Christie and his world renowned ensemble in Kansas City in 1990. This upcoming performance is one to be especially treasured.
“I think it’s maybe our last opportunity to see Bill Christie in Kansas City,” Morris said. “I can’t imagine that we’ll ever get to do it again.”
For longtime fans, this is a must‑attend event.
The Swingles — December 19
Founded in Paris in 1962 as Les Swingle Singers, the Swingles are a London‑based vocal ensemble known for their close harmonies, jazz‑inflected phrasing, and inventive arrangements that, well, swing. Their signature bright, buoyant sound has has made them one of the world’s most enduring and beloved a cappella groups.
So why have they not performed on the Harriman-Jewell Series before?
“It was almost a little weird to me that we hadn’t presented them,” Morris said.
That will be remedied when the Swingles perform Together for the Holidays December 19 at the Folly Theater.
The Swingles: Together for the Holidays December 19 at the Folly Theater
Masaaki Suzuki, Monteverdi Choir & English Baroque Soloists — February 18
As mentioned earlier, this is a banner year for early music on the Harriman-Jewell Series. What William Christie and Les Arts Florissants are to the French Baroque, Masaaki Suzuki and the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists are to the music of Bach. Suzuki, one of the world’s great Bach experts, will lead these two extraordinary ensembles in Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, a work often described as one of Western civilization’s supreme artistic achievements.
Few artists have lived with this work the way Suzuki has, and the chance to hear his interpretation live is a rare opportunity, indeed. As Morris says, “If you miss it, you may never get to hear it again.”
Masaaki Suzuki leads the Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists in Bach’s St. Matthew Passion February 18 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Wynton Marsalis & Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra — March 9
Wynton Marsalis is one of the defining figures in modern American music—a superb jazz and classical trumpeter, a composer of wide emotional range, and a cultural ambassador whose work has shaped how the nation understands jazz. As the longtime artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, he built an orchestra that sets the global standard for swing, ensemble precision, and historical depth. He has been a beloved presence for decades on the Harriman-Jewell Series, and he will be returning March 9 for what will be his final national tour with Jazz at Lincoln Center. His many local fans will not want to miss what promises to be a memorable and bittersweet concert.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration — March 17
The Harriman-Jewell Series has scored a St. Patrick’s Day coup: On March 17, it’s An Irish Celebration with the Martin Hayes Quartet, pianist Utsav Lal and the acclaimed vocal trio Ye Vagabonds. Hayes’ soulful fiddle playing and the trio’s luminous harmonies will create a rare evening of traditional folk singing, dancing and poetry. It’s a celebration that sold out Carnegie Hall, and it’s in Kansas City for the most Irish night of the year.
Morris beamed with pride when he said: “We’re the only place in the country that will have these musicians on St. Patrick’s Day.”
Lang Lang — April 13
The global piano superstar Lang Lang returns to Kansas City for the first time in years on April 13. Since his last appearance in 2006, Lang Lang has become an even larger phenomenon with sold-out arena concerts, Olympic ceremonies and performances at the pyramids of Egypt.
Morris calls him a “gigastar,” adding: “I didn’t know if it would ever be possible… but we’re able to bring him back.” Lang Lang’s third appearance in Kansas City will be a rare gift. He’ll be performing everything from Mozart to Granados, along with plenty of his legendary showstoppers.
National Symphony Orchestra — April 23
The National Symphony Orchestra, America’s orchestra based at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., makes its long‑awaited Kansas City debut this spring. Under the baton of acclaimed music director Gianandrea Noseda, the ensemble brings its trademark power and polish, joined by violinist Ray Chen, whose career the Series has championed since his teenage years. It’s a landmark evening that pairs national prestige with virtuoso brilliance.
“The National Symphony has never been to Kansas City, we’ve never presented them,” Morris said. “It should be fun.”
Audra McDonald — May 7
The incomparable Audra McDonald returns to Kansas City on May 7, closing the Harriman‑Jewell season with her unmatched artistry. A six‑time Tony Award winner, Grammy recipient, and celebrated star of Broadway, television, and film, McDonald is widely regarded as the most decorated performer of her generation. Her concerts are a masterclass in interpretation—moving seamlessly from classical song to musical theater with warmth, wit, and dazzling vocal power. It’s a rousing finale that promises to leave audiences both exhilarated and deeply moved.
Audra McDonald performs May 7 at the Folly Theater
Coming Soon: The Salon Series
The Salon Series will bring an intimate live music experience featuring three unique artists across three unforgettable nights. Each date brings one artist into an intimate, elevated setting where guests can experience their music up close and personal, surrounded by dramatic lighting and a beautifully curated atmosphere. With limited seating, each Salon Series event is designed to feel exclusive, immersive, and unlike a traditional concert. More details will be announced in late September.
Exciting season. I anticipate attending the Suzuki concert. I’ve become obsessed with the Bach Collegium. Also Les Arts Florissant! And Lang Lang! Whew! What more could one ask?