This story was first published in Classical KC's "Take Note" newsletter. You can sign up to receive stories like this in your inbox the first Wednesday of every month.
Inspired by The Beatles, Brazilian-born composer Rodrigo Camargo wanted to be a rock star.
Starting on guitar, Rodrigo was later drawn to classical music by piano and composing rock star George Gershwin, and his Hey-Jude-level crowd-pleaser of 1924, “Rhapsody In Blue.” After hearing a recording of “Rhapsody” for the first time at a friend's house, “I immediately knew I had to pursue (composition),” says Camargo.
His academic studies began at the Federal University in Rio de Janeiro, but the potential for artistic growth drew him to the United States. Camargo received a Masters in Music - Composition at Louisiana State University, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition at the UMKC Conservatory.
“There’s a lot of artistic opportunities (at the UMKC Conservatory),” says Camargo. “All the students are very talented and hard-working, and I'm really glad I’m in such an inspiring environment.”
In his role as Classical KC’s Graduate Assistant for Broadcast Curation & Coordination, Camargo is digging through the Conservatory’s vast library of performance recordings, and curating programs – many of which will be heard on Classical KC – that showcase students, faculty and alumni.
“It’s been great to go through UMKC’s archival recordings and listen to so many great performances,” Camargo says, “It’s an opportunity to break the university ‘bubble’ and reach the community.”
Of the immense supply of recordings, there are a few that he’s particularly excited for the Classical KC audience to hear, including Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 played by the Conservatory Orchestra, several performances by the Conservatory Graduate Fellowship String Quartet, and dozens of recordings from student recitals. These programs will debut on Classical KC throughout 2026.
As Camargo prepares content for broadcast later in 2026, his work in public radio is a full circle moment.
“When I was ‘discovering’ classical music, public radio was my primary source of education, so working at Classical KC has an inevitable feeling of pride and gratitude,” says Camargo. “Classical KC’s mission and purpose resonates deeply with me,” he adds, “as I truly believe that music is a vital community asset.”
Support comes from the UMKC Friends of the Conservatory. Learn more about the Conservatory at conservatory.umkc.edu.
