Frank Byrne
Host, From the ArchivesFrank Byrne has spent his life in music administration, first as the senior administrator of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington, DC, and later as Executive Director of the Kansas City Symphony. In addition to his administrative work, Byrne was also a professional tuba player and student of legendary Chicago Symphony tubist Arnold Jacobs. He has lived the music business on stage and in the office, and has retained his passion for great music and the people who make it.
His passion is fueled by intense curiosity and a desire to understand what makes some performances extraordinary. As a picture is worth a thousand words, some special recordings convey qualities that go beyond words, with their own power and compelling message. Finding and sharing those special performances remains a lifelong hobby and obsession. He also believes that Classical KC provides a wonderful opportunity to share great music with an entirely new audience and hopes to help make that a reality.
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Maurice Ravel was a virtuoso orchestrator who did with music what a great artist does with paints and pastels. One of his most frequently performed works was intended as an homage to Johann Strauss II – The Waltz King – but it changed into a powerful tone poem that took the waltz to new and curious places. We’ll hear four recordings of “La Valse,” each of which will reveal a different perspective. -
Ukrainian composer Reinhold Glière was captivated by the story of the 10th century hero-knight Ilya Muromets. He wrote his third symphony to express the size and scope of the historic story and created a smashing, technicolor thrill ride in four compelling tone poems. -
With over 120 to his credit, John Williams is best known for his inspiring film scores, but he also composed substantial concert music. We’ll hear some of his non-film music as well as an “adventurous” excerpt from one of his most beloved film scores. -
One of the world’s great pianists, Alfred Brendel, died on June 17, 2025 at age 94. He had elected to stop performing in public 17 years prior at age 77, but continued to be active as a lecturer and mentor at masterclasses. Two composers with whom he was particularly associated were Beethoven and Schubert, so in his memory both are represented on this episode. -
Mozart’s music has been adapted in myriad ways – in his lifetime and to this day. We’ll hear two exquisite chamber works in different, but effective instrumentations that Mozart would probably have found intriguing. -
Czech composer Josef Suk, whose summers were always a time for composition, crafted a remarkable and substantial work inspired by summer. -
Lord Byron’s dramatic poem "Manfred" inspired Peter Tchaikovsky to write a sweeping symphonic work based on what Byron called a “metaphysical drama.” The result is a massive tone poem that evokes all the emotions that the printed word could only imply. -
Franz Liszt was a piano superstar and a remarkable composer. His over 700 works included many demanding showpieces for his own international piano recitals. We’ll hear three of his very best. -
We have an all-American program for Independence Day including music by Roy Harris, Katherine Ward and Samuel Bates. Plus, no celebration would be complete without marches by John Philip Sousa. -
Kurt Weill is best remembered for his score to Bertolt Brecht’s “Threepenny Opera” which is featured this week, along with his remarkable Symphony No. 2. We’ll hear two sides of this incredibly creative and gifted composer.
