Conductor and host Bill McGlaughlin reflects on Kansas City: 'One of my favorite places in the world'

By Sam Wisman

Published September 17, 2025 at 10:32 AM CDT

Conductor, composer and host Bill McGlaughlin

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.

Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin can be heard weeknights at 7pm on Classical KC and is made possible with financial support from listeners. Make a contribution HERE.

Program

Fanfare for the Common Man
by Aaron Copland
Bill McGlaughlin and the Kansas City Symphony

Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
by Leonard Bernstein
Bill McGlaughlin and the Kansas City Symphony

Symphony No. 8 in Eb major - "Symphony of a Thousand"
Tempo 1
Infirma Nostri Corporis
Accende Lumen Sensibus
Qui Paraclitus Diceris
Gloria Patri Domino
by Gustav Mahler
Simon Rattle and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra/Chorus/Youth Chorus; London Symphony Chorus; Toronto Children's Choir
Birgit Remmert (mezzo-soprano), Juliane Banse (soprano), Christine Brewer (soprano), David Wilson-Johnson (baritone), Jane Henschel (contralto), Jane Henschel (mezzo-soprano), John Relyea (bass), Jon Villars (tenor), Soile Isokoski (soprano)

Thanks to the team at WFMT and Exploring Music for their assistance.