Sam Wisman
Senior Producer - 91.9 Classical KC / Backup Announcer - KCUR 89.3Sam started listening to jazz on his local NPR affiliate when he was just 13 years old, and his life as a musician and radio guy continues to intertwine. Son of a merchant and a classical musician, he came to Kansas City to attend the UMKC Conservatory. During school, he shelved a lot of records and played “drop the needle” at The Marr Sound Archives, working with KCUR’s own Fish Fry host Chuck Haddix. After graduating Cum Laude with a degree in Percussion Performance, Sam became a versatile fixture in Kansas City’s music scene. He hosted Jazz Afternoon on 90.1 FM KKFI for over 10 years, and currently hosts Jazz Across America - Kansas City on San Diego's KSDS Jazz 88.3. Sam lives with his family in Roeland Park, and has yet to measure the volume of his kids with a decibel meter — but he has thought about it.
Email him at samwisman@classicalkc.org.
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"Washington Women" is a choral cycle featuring the words of American first ladies, members of congress, Supreme Court justices and a Vice-President. The work, which will be performed by the choir at Kansas City's All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, was co-composed by Judith Clurman and David Chase. -
No matter the medium, violinist Itzhak Perlman has a way of connecting with audiences of all ages. As he visits Kansas City for a performance with his "Fiddler's House" project, Perlman spoke with Classical KC's Christy L'Esperance. -
The five-time Grammy winner and Kennedy Center honoree is the editor of "Music and Mind," a collection of essays on how music can positively impact our health. Fleming speaks with KCUR's Steve Kraske about the book and performing in Kansas City. -
Mendelssohn’s score to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is one of the miracles in classical music. Begun as a youthful expression of enthusiasm for the play, he later expanded it while keeping the same enthusiasm and innocence. -
UMKC Conservatory student Beth Christensen spent a year as resident artist at the Claridge Court Independent Living Community in Prairie Village, KS. During her time there, she performed concerts and interacted with residents, who shared stories and insights about how music has improved their lives. One resident adding that "it's better than listening to politics." -
Guitar is a featured instrument in many Latin American traditions particularly popular in Paraguay. And it’s one of the featured instruments of the Jopará Ensemble, a new performing group of Paraguayan musicians based in Kansas. -
During his time in Kansas City studying at Park University's International Center for Music, Behzod Abduraimov formed musical and personal bonds that endure today. During a return trip to the metro to perform with some of those old friends, he reflects on his time in Kansas City. -
Soprano Renée Fleming will portray American painter Georgia O'Keeffe in the Lyric Opera of Kansas City's production of "The Brightness of Light." Baritone Rod Gilfry stars alongside Fleming as O'Keeffe's husband, the photographer Alfred Stieglitz. Christy L'Esperance speaks with Gilfry about his friendship with Fleming and bringing the O'Keeffe-Stieglitz relationship to life on stage. -
Music and the arts have helped international piano star Khatia Buniatishvili remain hopeful. Classical KC's Christy L'Esperance speaks with Buniatishvili about growing up in her home country of Georgia, connecting with audiences and performing in Kansas City. -
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated September 15 through October 15, but in Kansas City, there are opportunities to honor and enjoy this heritage through music all year long.
