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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. -
Jason Gray/SLSOSLSO Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin, leads the orchestra in Elgar’s majestic First Symphony and the U.S. premiere of his own composition. Emanuel Ax, Slatkin’s dear friend and one of the most accomplished pianists of our time, takes the solo spotlight for Mozart’s adventurous Piano Concerto No. 25, a masterpiece described by Ax as pure magic.
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Whether it's leading top orchestras or hosting his nationally syndicated radio show Exploring Music, Bill McGlaughlin is a passionate advocate for music and public support for the arts. Bill speaks with Classical KC's Sam Wisman about his time conducting the Kansas City Symphony and some of his favorite classical repertoire. -
There are many classical music fans whose passion for the music began as children in music lessons. For RadioActive raffle winner Kara Kezios, the love of the music has endured long after the piano lessons have stopped. Kara has curated an hour of great music to get in touch with the inner-piano-student in all of us. -
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. -
Whether it's admiring fresh blooms or a vigorous weeding session, enjoy an hour of music to be paired with gardening curated by Classical KC Ovation Circle member Alleen VanBebber. We'll hear works by Gabriel Fauré, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ralph Vaughan Williams and more.
