UMKC Conservatory

As one of the most-performed living composers, the Pulitzer winner and former Composer Laureate for the UMKC Barr Institute, insists that her music communicate to everyone — from farmers to children to the classical music intelligentsia.

From the Top is America’s largest national platform celebrating young, classically trained musicians. In a special Kansas City episode, we'll hear performances by five area musicians.

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 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.

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.

Summerfest is the annual series of concerts that brings some of the best chamber musicians in the region to Kansas City to perform together each July. Brooke Knoll speaks with Summerfest musicians and artistic advisors Jane Carl and Evan Halloin about the upcoming season. We'll hear music from Ludwig van Beethoven and Olivier Messiaen.

Summerfest is a sunny Kansas City tradition. On this Classical KC Concert Hall broadcast, enjoy selections from Summerfest's 2023 season including works by Charles Martin Loeffler, Henriëtte Bosmans, Joseph Bologne and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.