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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Antonín Dvořák’s considerable output displays some of the most wonderful melodies and rhythms imaginable. This program showcases three inspiring Dvořák works including his Symphony No. 8, one of host Frank Byrne's most favorite symphonies. -
Concertos are often thought to be for one or two instruments, but sometimes the entire orchestra is put on display in demanding showpieces. We have two 20th century works by Witold Lutoslawski and Roberto Gerhard that meld modern techniques and indigenous folk melodies. -
Do you believe in time travel? Thanks to the miracle of recorded sound, we can hear ten of the greatest violinists of the early to mid-20th century with recordings from as early as 1903. We’ll get a glimpse into performance traditions of the 19th century and know how Joachim, Ysaye, Sarasate, Kreisler and others actually sounded. -
Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” is one of the most famous works in the orchestral repertoire. Its inspired melodies and marvelous scoring were innovative when composed, and clearly a labor of love. We’ll hear it in a classic 1970 recording by the Boston Symphony that has been restored and remastered with amazing results. -
Dmitri Shostakovich composed powerful music in many genres. We’ll hear a wonderful concerto composed for a dear friend his, and an evocative film score honoring a famous scientist. -
The combination of violin, cello, and piano has long been a favorite of composers, chamber musicians, and audiences. We have two excellent trios, both happen to be in G minor, and both are by incredible women composers – Cecile Chaminade and Clara Schumann. -
For centuries the name of King Arthur has inspired works of art, literature, and music. We have music by three British composers from the 17th to the 20th centuries, each of which captures the spirit and mystery of this legendary sovereign. -
Dance music throughout the ages has been an integral part of life and art. Dances from the Renaissance period were popular music of their day and are reflective, joyful, and can be great fun. We’ll explore music of four of the best Renaissance composers. -
To mark the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, enjoy a program of American music old and new, familiar and refreshingly current. As our nation has changed over time, so has our music. -
We have more themes and variations with music from France, England, and Germany. From massive orchestral moments to equally massive moments on piano alone, we'll works by Vincent d'Indy, Hubert Parry and Johannes Brahms.
