Sam Wisman
Production Director - 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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The UMKC Conservatory Orchestra performs a magical ballet by Igor Stravinsky. Plus, we'll hear a radiant string quartet by Ludwig van Beethoven performed by the UMKC Graduate fellowship string quartet. -
Of the "Scene by the Brook" movement from his Symphony No. 6, Beethoven said that " the yellow buntings overhead, the quails, the nightingales, and the cuckoos composed with me." -
There are many proven benefits for children who study the performing arts, but this pursuit can come with financial burdens. Thankfully, there are many local organizations that provide free or reduced tuition opportunities for qualifying area youth. -
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. -
In this week’s UMKC Conservatory Hour, a Symphony written and premiered under gunfire, in the apex of World War 2. Plus, a love letter to Spain, with all its colors, rhythms and flavors. -
Whether you're swimming for your life in the open ocean, or evoking the promise of a new world, sometimes all you need is two notes -
UMKC Conservatory students and faculty perform a late masterpiece by Johannes Brahms that features the clarinet, and an early hidden gem by Ludwig van Beethoven. -
The similarities between Erich Wolfgang Korngold's score to "Kings Row," the 1942 film starring Ronald Reagan, and John Williams' "Luke's theme" from Star Wars are hard to miss. -
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. -
The UMKC Conservatory orchestra shines in performances of Ludwig van Beethoven’s revolutionary Symphony No. 3, and the spooky overture from Carl Maria von Weber’s Der Freischütz.
