Our Kansas City Symphony to Make Historic Debut in Europe Under New Director Matthias Pintscher

The Kansas City Symphony is set to embark on its first European concert tour in August 2024. This is a significant event in the orchestra's 42-year history. The Symphony's incoming Music Director, Matthias Pintscher, will lead the tour. Performances are scheduled at Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie, and the Musikfest Berlin at the Berlin Philharmonie. The Symphony will primarily perform American works, representing Kansas City, Missouri's performing arts scene.

Danny Beckley, the Symphony's President and CEO, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to perform at these renowned venues. He views the European tour as a reflection of the orchestra’s artistic accomplishments and a chance to demonstrate their symphonic skills. The audience can look forward to classical masterpieces.

Matthias Pintscher's appointment as Music Director in spring 2023 has attracted global attention and invitations from esteemed venues and festivals. Pintscher is excited about the tour and believes that performing in Europe's top halls will allow the orchestra to highlight their musical identity. He also mentioned the challenge of adjusting their sound to different venues and the opportunity for team bonding.

Pintscher recalled his past experience of conducting at the new hall in Hamburg and writing the first piece performed there. He views the upcoming tour as a tribute to the people of Kansas City, with the Symphony acting as ambassadors. Beckley stated their goal is to present concerts in Europe that showcase Kansas City as a cultural hub.

Renowned pianist Conrad Tao will accompany the orchestra on the tour, performing George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Tao, a recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant and a Gilmore Young Artist, has been acknowledged by New York Magazine as a musician shaping the future of classical music. The tour will include performances in Amsterdam, Berlin, and Hamburg, featuring works by Ives, Gershwin, Bernstein, Ravel, and Copland.

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