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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Among Christoph von Dohnányi’s many posts over his long career, his 18 years as Music Director of the Cleveland Orchestra was remarkable. He took this great orchestra to new heights, expanded its repertoire, and took it around the world. In this final show remembering him, we’ll hear studio and live recordings from his time in Cleveland – a tribute to his musical leadership. -
One of the world’s great conductors passed away in September 2025. Christoph von Dohnányi became known to American audiences during his tenure as Music Director of the Cleveland Orchestra, but he had an impressive career in opera prior to that time. We’ll hear music from opera and from the symphonic literature that he knew and interpreted so well. -
There is an abundance of classical music themed by the seasons. This week we have two works by Russian composers, Glazunov and Tchaikovsky, inspired by the season of winter. Come in out of the cold and enjoy the music. -
Conductor Pierre Monteux lived a long and active musical life. Among his many accomplishments was conducting the 1912 world premiere of Maurice Ravel’s score to the ballet Daphnis and Chloe. When Monteux made this recording 47 years later, he invested a lifetime of familiarity to create an unforgettable musical experience. -
Over his 89 years, conductor Pierre Monteux led the world’s great orchestras and was chief conductor of over six. His total understanding of the scores and his intimate knowledge of many of the composers he conducted made him a favorite of musicians everywhere. He was both respected and loved by those who played for him and they called him “Maître,” the French word equivalent to the Italian “Maestro.” -
Have you ever heard music by Johannes Brahms conducted by someone who actually met Brahms in person? In the first of three shows about the great French conductor Pierre Monteux, we will hear Brahms’ Second Symphony interpreted by someone who knew the composer. Monteux will also interpret one of the most famous works in the classical repertoire. -
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.
