SOLSTICE DREAMS: Kansas City Fills Summer Months with Great Music, Theater, and Dance

Summertime in Kansas City is not only about fun under the sun, BBQ parties, and summer sports. It is also the perfect time for the city’s vibrant arts scene to shine, with a myriad of music, theater, and dance performances lined up. From classical symphonies echoing in the concert halls to Shakespearean dramas brought to life on stage, and contemporary dance performances in the park, Kansas City is in for a memorable summer infused with culture and the arts.

Te Deum: Sacred Banquet

Kicking off the month of June, the city will premiere the world’s first performance of Composer-in-Residence Anthony Maglione’s commissioned setting of the Te Deum text. Renowned music director Matthew Shepard will conduct the choral music of Palestrina, Arvo Pärt, and Olivier Messiaen at the Village Presbyterian Church and Visitation Catholic Church.

Mahler’s ‘Resurrection’ Symphony and Stern’s Farewell

As an emotional farewell, music director Michael Stern will conclude two decades of service with concert sets across two weekends in mid-June. The first will feature Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, followed by a program of Mendelssohn, Barber, and Sibelius. The performances will be held at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Heartland Men’s Chorus: Rise Up!

In celebration of Pride Month, the Heartland Men’s Chorus will present “Rise Up!” at the Folly Theater. This inspiring performance pays tribute to the brave activists who tirelessly fight for equality in an ongoing struggle.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Taking to the city stage from mid-June through early August, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will provide a family-friendly musical adaptation of the beloved tale. This one-hour performance was specially created for Theatre for Young America and includes hit songs from the film along with additional music by Marc Shaiman (with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman).

Heartland Chamber Music Festival

In late July, the city will host the Heartland Chamber Music Festival. This prestigious but affordable local training program includes public performances by students and faculty members and features a guest concert by the Miami String Quartet.

Summerfest: The 32nd season

During July, the Summerfest season will also feature chamber music presented by Kansas City Symphony musicians and friends. The 32nd season will notably perform Beethoven’s Septet Op. 20, Vaughan Williams’ Piano Quintet in C minor, and Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time.

Ensemble Ibérica: La Fuente del Flamenco

On the heels of Independence Day, the city will witness a passionate performance of Flamenco. Guest dancer Sachiko “La Chayi” Nishiuchi will master the rhythm and soul of this traditional dance form at the MTH Theater at Crown Center.

European Tour Send-Off Concert

As a prelude to their European tour, the Kansas City Symphony players will put up an unforgettable performance under the baton of Music Director-Designate Matthias Pintscher with pianist Conrad Tao. The ensemble will present music pieces by Ives, Copland, and Gershwin that will then be performed on prestigious stages in Berlin, Amsterdam, and Hamburg.

In Summary

From choral concerts to symphonic masterpieces, enchanting theater productions to mesmerizing dance performances, Kansas City is all set to offer a summer to remember. The variety of arts showcased in these performances is a testament to Kansas City’s thriving arts scene, surely promising a Solstice Dream filled with music, theater, and dance.