Mindfulness

Exercise and sport are sometimes seen as antithetical to classical music, but there’s a lot to be gained by maintaining a workout regime, with health benefits transferable to music making.

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.

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."

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.

Music isn't just a treat for the ears—it can be a remedy for the entire body. Dive into what makes the perfect soundtrack for healing.

There are fewer performance opportunities for dancers and dance lovers during the summer months, but Moving Arts hopes to give the scene a lift. Christy L'Esperance speaks with Co-Founder/Artistic Director Logan Pachciarz and choreographer Heather Nichols about the group’s mission as well creating movement to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and Giovanni Pergolesi.

Kansas City has a rich accordion history thanks in large part to Joan Cochran Sommers. She's an iconic figure in the accordion world who, at 90 years old, is still conducting, teaching and yes, playing her accordion. Classical KC’s Christy L’Esperance spoke with Joan about creating an accordion program at the UMKC Conservatory and taking her group of Kansas City accordionists on multiple USO and world tours.

Classical KC's Christy L'Esperance speaks with Dr. Rebecca Lepping about her work at the KU Medical Center, local collaborations in the field of neuroaesthetics and her life as a pianist.

While in Kansas City, cello superstar and arts advocate Yo-Yo Ma spoke with Classical KC's Sam Wisman about his decades-long friendship with Michael Stern, finding joy in learning an instrument, how music affects human wellness and recording a premiere for an upcoming Kansas City Symphony album.