Kansas City is rich with history, art, and tradition. What better way to celebrate the local community and enhance your journey than by pairing each location with a carefully selected piece of classical music?
As you adventure through this city’s diverse neighborhoods, let the melodies from iconic composers such as Debussy, Dvořák, and Ravel guide you. The sky is the limit, so let your curiosity soar as high as the notes themselves.
The River Market

Located just off the Missouri River, The River Market is a vibrant community that annually springs to life with the fragrant aromas of fresh produce, greenery, and homemade goodies. This bustling market, filled with warm smiles and excitement, serves as a reminder of the kindness in Kansas City’s community and nature’s constant renewal.
Inspired by the works of Tchaikovsky, "The Seasons," by Alexander Glazunov signifies the cycle of nature’s rebirth. The composition embodies a vivid orchestration of hope and a springtime symphony, promising for better days ahead through its bright melodies. If Glazunov were still alive today, he would surely find inspiration for this piece while shopping at the Kansas City River Market.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum

It’s hard to describe the feeling of standing in front of a piece of art that speaks to you. If you’re looking to fawn over your art soulmate, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a reminder of history and cultural variety in the heart of Kansas City. Each brushstroke and sculpture in the museum tells its own story, adding to the power of human creativity.
Felix Mendelssohn knows the impact of beauty’s lasting impressions. Mendelssohn’s meticulous, 3-year development of his "Hebrides Overture" aims to tell his deep impression of his trip to Scotland’s Fingal’s Cave. The piece depicts the image of the initial dark beauty of the cave followed by the crashing waves from an intense storm. "Hebrides Overture" is a picture of Mendelssohn’s artistic inspiration, similar to the many wonders in the Nelson-Atkins. Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to create something of your own after visiting this museum!
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

Have you ever wanted to travel the world without leaving the comforts of your home? The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is a staple in Kansas City, showcasing animals and marine life to the Midwest. The Kansas City Zoo is home to an astounding 1,700 animals (200 different species) with 8,000 fish in the Sobela Ocean Aquarium. With many interactive exhibits and shows, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is perfect for families to learn more about diverse ecosystems while having mountains of fun.
From the clucking of hens and roosters to the weighted steps of an elephant, each of the 14 movements in "The Carnival of the Animals" characterizes the animal kingdom. Movement 7, "Aquarium," even features the twinkling notes of a busy underwater world that would perfectly suit the magic of the Sobela Ocean Aquarium. If you’re planning to visit the Kansas City Zoo, "The Carnival of the Animals" has the perfect theme song for every animal you might encounter.
The WWI Museum

The National WWI Museum and Memorial stands in Kansas City as the only museum in America that preserves history from World War I. Featuring many objects and documents from the 1910s, the museum takes visitors on a journey through the history of the war and the personal stories of those affected.
A classical piece created during and after the First World War is Maurice Ravel’s "Le Tombeau de Couperin." During this war, Ravel worked with the French Army as a truck driver, where he saw the negative impacts of the war firsthand. The composer created each of the six movements of "Le Tombeau de Couperin" as tributes to his friends who passed away in battle. This orchestration, filled with graceful melodies, contours, and rhythmic inflections, shows the immense love Ravel had for his friends despite the tragedy of war.
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures offers some of the largest collections of historic toys and fine-scale miniatures for public viewing. With 38 rooms and more than 72,000 items, visitors can understand differing cultural beliefs, practices, and dreams of children throughout generations. Children have played with toys for centuries, and this Kansas City museum encourages people to think more about the importance of their youth.
"Children’s Corner" is an image of Claude Debussy’s love for his daughter, Claude-Emma (whom he affectionately nicknamed Chouchou). With playful melodies titled “Serenade for the Doll” and “The Little Shepherd,” "Children’s Corner" showcases the importance of child-like innocence and wonder, as well as an appreciation for the little things in life. No matter how small a treasure may be, The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures celebrates every memory.
Jacob L. Loose Park

While in Kansas City, be sure to stop and smell the roses at Jacob L. Loose Park! The park is historically rich as a battlefield during the American Civil War, and it also serves as a memorial for the founder of the Loose-Wiles Biscuit Company, Jacob Loose. The extravagant fountain at the center, surrounded by roses, is a product of the Kansas City Rose Society’s careful care and generosity. The park is a great place to read, study, or simply relax.
"The Flower Duet" from Lakmé is a well-known opera duet, with two singers beginning in a call-and-response style before their voices intertwine. Tranquil, innocent, and elegant, the duet is an escape from the harshness of reality. Standing in Loose Park emits the same feelings as listening to "The Flower Duet." Let your imagination soar while listening to the blend of two opera singers and the beauty of nature.
Worlds of Fun

Hope you aren’t afraid of heights! Worlds of Fun is the perfect opportunity to chase the thrill of viewing the city while dangling from hundreds of feet in the air. Notable rides include the Mamba and the Zambezi Zinger, but if you’re bringing the family along, Planet Snoopy also has perfect opportunities for kids to enjoy the fun. Included with admission to Worlds of Fun is their waterpark Oceans of Fun - in case you want to beat the heat.
In the spirit of amusement parks, Antonin Dvořák composed the perfect piece for standing in the middle of a crowded carnival in early 20th-century Europe. "Carnival Overture," the third overture in his triptych “Nature, Life, and Love”, invites the energy of dancing, shouting, and celebration. The clangoring of instruments and syncopated rhythm surrounds listeners with the thrill of carnival nightlife. Whether you’re whirring around on a carousel horse or going down the initial drop on a rollercoaster, the animation of a carnival is sure to delight.
Crossroads

It doesn’t have to be First Fridays to spend a night out on the Crossroads. Lined with numerous restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries, this neighborhood in downtown KC celebrates the vibrant artistic culture of the community. The area is essential for unique shopping and dining experiences that satisfy any palate, whether you’re there to be inspired or just stopping by.
An artistic masterpiece that invites a similar, energetic celebration is Arturo Márquez’s "Danzón No. 2." Inspired by the Cuban dance danzón, the piece opens with an iconic clarinet solo that leads to an energetic tango. The piece slowly increases dramatics until it reaches a feverish finale, briefly tamed by a calming trio in the middle section. "Danzón No. 2" is a wild journey from start to finish that mimics the bustling Kansas City Crossroads.
The Museum at Prairiefire

Fire has always captivated the human imagination. Inspired by the uniquely midwestern practice of prairie fire burning, the Museum at Prariefire will catch the eyes of any passerby in the Overland Park area. The building sports a multi-colored, stained glass exterior that mimics vibrant flames, inviting curious passersby to check out what might be inside. With educational traveling exhibits, the goal of the Prariefire Museum is to invite visitors to discover and learn more about cultural and scientific experiences.
Igor Stravinsky’s suite from "The Firebird" also illuminates the flames of creativity. Originally written for ballet, "The Firebird" tells the story of a majestic, rare bird that conquers an evil force. Throughout, Stravinsky combines an unbridled, fiery tune with the simplicity of folk songs to differentiate between mortals and the Firebird. Your imagination will soar when listening to this magical suite, just as the Museum at Prariefire will send you to a world of endless discovery.
Bonus!

While traveling to these destinations in Kansas City, you’ll probably need to take I-35, I-435, or I-71 (sorry!). Sitting bumper-to-bumper with hundreds of other cars is probably not your idea of a fun time. In these moments, you might want nothing more than to grow a pair of wings and fly away, but it is important to remember that you’ll be out of the shared chaos eventually.
To relieve the boredom, Frank Ticheli’s Symphony No. 2 is the perfect prescription. As a 20-minute symphony with three movements, each section depicts the sun, moon, and shooting stars. Symphony No. 2 is filled with explosive energy as the sounds travel through the phases with clusters of bright light. Nestled between the fire is a second movement that is a brief intermission of hope and healing amongst a dark melody, perfect to match the frustrating energy of standstill traffic.
Be sure to follow Classical KC on Spotify for more curated playlists. Listen to all of the songs listed above on the following playlist: