Guitar is a featured instrument in many Latin American traditions particularly popular in Paraguay. And it’s one of the featured instruments of the Jopará Ensemble, a new performing group of Paraguayan musicians based in Kansas.

During his time in Kansas City studying at Park University's International Center for Music, Behzod Abduraimov formed musical and personal bonds that endure today. During a return trip to the metro to perform with some of those old friends, he reflects on his time in Kansas City.

Soprano Renée Fleming will portray American painter Georgia O'Keeffe in the Lyric Opera of Kansas City's production of "The Brightness of Light." Baritone Rod Gilfry stars alongside Fleming as O'Keeffe's husband, the photographer Alfred Stieglitz. Christy L'Esperance speaks with Gilfry about his friendship with Fleming and bringing the O'Keeffe-Stieglitz relationship to life on stage.

Music and the arts have helped international piano star Khatia Buniatishvili remain hopeful. Classical KC's Christy L'Esperance speaks with Buniatishvili about growing up in her home country of Georgia, connecting with audiences and performing in Kansas City.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated September 15 through October 15, but in Kansas City, there are opportunities to honor and enjoy this heritage through music all year long.

The Topeka Symphony Orchestra has been making classical music fun and accessible in northeast Kansas since its founding in 1945. Classical KC's Christy L'Esperance speaks with music director Kyle Wiley Pickett, just the fourth music director in the orchestra's history, about the group's ethos and upcoming performance season.