Beethoven walks into a bar...

Michael Stern on Handing Over the Keys

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 10:25:00 -0500

Music Director Michael Stern joins Michael Gordon and concertmaster Jun Iwasaki to talk about his upcoming final season with the Kansas City Symphony. We also talk about his recently announced successor, Matthias Pintscher, and how he feels proud to hand over the keys to the hot-rod orchestra he’s helped to build for the last twenty years.

How to Lie Professionally, with Jim Birdsall

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 25 May 2023 15:44:00 -0500

In this episode we talk with Vietnam veteran, voice artist, actor, musician, and longtime host for the Kansas City Symphony’s Memorial Day Celebration at the Station, Jim Birdsall. From his humble beginnings in North Dakota, to the jungles of Vietnam, to the quiet peacefulness of his home recording studio in Kansas City where he records his voice for the likes of CNBC, and NFL Films, Jim is a man who uses his voice like a musical instrument to draw listeners into any story he tells. Today, he’s using that iconic voice to tell his own fascinating story.

The Resilient Revisited

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 04 May 2023 15:39:00 -0500

As Memorial Day approaches and the KC Symphony prepares for another Celebration at the Station, Beethoven Walks into a Bar revisits our conversation with Tim Donley of the band The Resilient. Tim, Mike, Stephanie, and our pal Jason Seber chat about making music in quarantine, the therapeutic power of art and dirty martinis. Hear Tim and The Resilient live at Celebration at the Station on Sunday, May 28. Visit kcsymphony.org for more information.

Finding your Coffee People with Sasha Cooke

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 11:08:00 -0500

This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar, Mike and Stephanie are joined by mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke who is town to sing Hindemith's When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd with the Kansas City Symphony and Chorus. We talk about Sasha's work with former podcast guests Caroline Shaw, Gabe Kahane, Nico Muhly and Joel Thompson on her Grammy award winning album "How do I Find you?" and discuss exploring "new music" vs. "new to you" music. Sasha also shares how finding a good coffee shop can make her feel at home no matter where she is in the world. We also reveal our Top 5 works for solo voice and orchestra. Listen now for all of this and more, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 705 Playlist

ALBUM: Sasha Cooke: "How Do I Find You?"

Off the Podium with Teddy Abrams

Kansas City Symphony — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 11:25:00 -0500

Teddy Abrams makes his second appearance on Beethoven Walks into a Bar this week, joining Mike and guest hosts Joe LeFevre (tuba) and Jessica Nance (viola). Teddy recently led the orchestra in a program including former podcast guest Caroline Shaw's The Observatory, Holst's The Planets, and Missy Mazzoli's Violin Concerto featuring the dazzling Jenny Koh. Hear how it went, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar!

Off the Podium with Thomas Wilkins

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 11:34:00 -0500

This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar, Mike and Stephanie chat with maestro, educator and all-around inspiring human Thomas Wilkins. The King of acronyms, he is currently artistic advisor for education and community engagement and the Germeshausen Youth and Family Concerts Conductor of the Boston Symphony (AAECEGYFCCBSO) and a winner of the Leonard Bernstein Lifetime Achievement Award for the Elevation of Music in Society (LBLAAFTEOMS). Thomas is in town conducting the Kansas City Symphony in Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, Coleridge-Taylor's Suite from Hiawatha, and Neielsen's "Inextinguishable" Symphony March 31-April 2 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Episode 703 Playlist

Off the Podium with Matthias Pintscher

Kansas City Symphony — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 14:12:00 -0500

This week's episode features an off the podium chat with conductor and composer Matthias Pintscher. Stephanie, Gonzalo and return-guest John Klinghammer grill he maestro on this weekend's program, featuring works by Ravel, Scriabin and LIGETI. Matthias describes the French-inspired program as a lush, colorful garden that we can't wait to hear in Helzberg Hall! He also discusses his time studying with legendary composer Pierre Boulez, and of course has a question for Beethoven while drinking a ~~dirty~~ filthy martini. All this and more, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Off the Podium with Francesco Lecce-Chong

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 09:40:00 -0500

This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar, Gonzalo and Stephanie chat with guest conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong about his upcoming visit to Kansas City. Francesco leads the Kansas City Symphony in a program of Mason Bates, Mozart and Respighi January 13-15 in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. In this episode, we talk about the importance of introducing performers and audiences to new music and Francesco dares to ask Beethoven, "Why the H*@! are there so many fermatas in the first two movements of the fifth symphony?!" Plus, we recommend listening to tunes from bossa nova to The Who. All this and more, this week on Beethoven walks into a Bar.

Episode 701 Playlist

Re-Gifted: Name that Christmas Carol with David and Fabrice

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 09:32:00 -0500

Sometimes the best gifts are re-gifts. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar we revisit this gem from Season Two with KCS musicians David Sullivan and Fabrice Curtis and our good friend Jason Seber. This holiday carol-filled episode is sure to ramp up your holiday spirit! Happy Holidays from all of us here at the Kansas City Symphony and Beethoven Walks into a Bar!

Name that Christmas Carol Playlist

Off the Podium with Aziz Shokhakimov

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 09:04:00 -0500

Happy Thanksgiving from Beethoven Walks into a Bar! And Happy FIRST Thanksgiving to our guest Aziz Shokhakimov! In this week's episode, we chat off the podium with Aziz who is in town to lead the Kansas City Symphony and fellow Uzbek Behzod Abduraimov in a program of Smetana, Prokofief and Dvořák. Our conversation runs the gamut from programming to jellied cranberry sauce, including a Top 5 things you were doing at age 13. Here's a hint: only one of us was making our conducting debut. All this and more, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Out of the Box with Magic Circle Mimes

Kansas City Symphony — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 13:11:00 -0500

This week's episode of Beethoven Walks into a Bar features a chat (yes, chat) with Magic Circle Mimes Doug MacIntyre and Maggie Peterson. Doug and Maggie have been introducing audiences to the arts of mime and symphonic music for over four decades. We chat about their journeys to becoming mimes and what inspires their unique and educational programs. See them in person with the Kansas City Symphony Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 2pm in their performance of The Listener.

Episode 605 Playlist

Off the Podium with Domingo Hindoyan

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 08:52:00 -0500

On this week's episode of Beethoven Walks into a Bar, we welcome our first guest conductor of the season, Venezuelan Domingo Hindoyan who will conduct the orchestra and Kansas City Symphony Chorus in a program of Mendelssohn, Brahms and Berlioz. We’ll learn all about his upbringing in Venezuela’s El Sistema music schools, his short time as a conductor spy, and how his mother made her way from Aleppo to South America. We also make stomach's grumble with a chat about arepa, chimichurri, ceviche, empanadas, chupe, dulce de leche and other South American cuisines.. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

An Alpine Adventure

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 10:25:00 -0500

This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar, Mike and Stephanie get lost in the Bavarian Alps with two members of the KC Symphony brass section, associate principal trumpet Steven Franklin and bass trombonist Jahleel Smith. As the orchestra prepares to perform An Alipine Symphony, we marvel at Strauss' harmonious orchestration and the feat of actually fitting 106 musicians on stage in Helzberg Hall. Speaking of all these musicians, we wax poetic about the bass trumpet, discuss Wager tuba technique and learn what the heck a heckelphone is. All that and the kitchen sink, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 603 Playlist

Meet the Concertmaster, Jun Iwasaki

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:14:00 -0500

After years of searching, the Kansas City Symphony has a new concertmaster! After running through a veritable gauntlet of auditions, trials and recitals, Jun Iwasaki has landed the coveted role of concertmaster and now calls KC home. We chat about the audition process, the responsibilities of a concertmaster, and help Jun get to know his new KCS colleagues with a fun new game. Get to know Jun Iwasaki this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Welcome to KC, Gonzalo Farias!

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 09:19:00 -0500

Welcome to SEASON SIX of Beethoven Walks into a Bar! This week, we meet the Kansas City Symphony’s new Associate Conductor Gonzalo Farias. Learn about Gonzalo’s journey from Chile to KC, the audition process of a conductor, and his love of vintage wine. We also chat about the Symphony’s upcoming season, opening weekend with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and pay special tribute to a friend mentor we sadly lost this summer. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 601 Playlist

Probing Questions with Larry Rachleff, Beethoven Walks into a Bar: Season 3, Episode 4

Off the Podium with Gemma New

Kansas City Symphony — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 09:19:00 -0500

This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar, New Zealander Gemma New reflects on her week with the Kansas City Symphony conducting Ravel's Mother Goose Suite, a new violin concerto by Chris Rogerson and Saint-Saëns' epic "Organ" Symphony. We chat about her journey from playing violin to conducting orchestras all over the world, including a stint here in Missouri as the resident conductor of the St. Louis Symphony. She also shares her passion for experimenting with concert formats and experiences. Enjoy that and more this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 508 Playlist

https://sounz.org.nz

Knowing the Score with Coach Andy Reid

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 13:08:00 -0500

This week on your favorite podcast, we throw out the playbook, tackle important topics and try not to utter any offensive lines when we're joined by Kansas City's favorite head coach, Andy Reid! Fresh off attending two KC Symphony performances, Coach Reid joins the show to talk about his concert experiences, our incredible Kansas City community and two of its favorite "teams," the Chiefs and the Symphony. Hear about players' superstitions and pre-game/concert rituals along with what Coach Reid would ask the legendary Vince Lombardi. Plus...we play a riveting game of Reed or Reid. All this and more, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar!

Episode 507 Playlist

Off the Podium with Paolo Bortolameolli

Kansas City Symphony — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 10:02:00 -0500

In addition to conducting around the world, maestro Paolo Bortolameolli has somehow found the time to create an insightful video series, author a book and join us for a chat on Beethoven Walks into a Bar. We have a great time discussing growing up in Chile, exploring new music, reaching new audiences, and of course, Chilean wine. Paolo joins the Kansas City Symphony for a weekend of music in Helzberg Hall April 21-23, 2022.

Episode 506 Playlist

Ponle Pausa

Off the Podium with Christian Reif

Kansas City Symphony — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 09:15:00 -0500

This week we chat off the podium with German-born conductor Christian Reif. Christian joins the Kansas City Symphony April 1-3, 2022 conducting works by Joan Tower, W.A. Mozart and Stravinsky. We chat about his upcoming trip to KC, the illustrious world of summer music festivals, and an unfortunate slip-of-the-tongue incident in Miami BEACH. Plus, our Top 5 ballet scores. All that and more, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 505 Playlist

Tiny Desk Concert - Julia Bullock and Christian Reif

Brown Baby - Julia Bullock and Christian Reif

Off the Podium with Michael Francis

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 09:49:00 -0500

This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar we have a delightful chat with British conductor-turned-Floridian Michael Francis. Michael's upcoming program with the Kansas City Symphony includes music by Purcell, Mozart and Elgar. Speaking of Mozart, Michael currently leads the Mainly Mozart Festival, which obviously begs the question, "Why not Totally Tchaikovsky or Blatantly Beethoven?" All will be revealed, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 504 Playlist

Off the Podium with Eduardo Strausser

Kansas City Symphony — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 10:59:00 -0500

This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar we chat off the podium with Maestro Eduardo Strausser who joins us from Berlin in advance of his week here with the orchestra. And who knows, maybe we change things up and do the interview in one or more of the 8 languages he’s fluent in (Spoiler alert – we stick with English). This week's Top 5 features the Top 5 Fifth Symphonies. Who makes the cut? Tchaikovsky? Mahler? Haydn? Mozart? Prokofiev? Tune in this week to find out!

Episode 503 Playlist

Joel Thompson, Nina Simone and Beethoven Walk into a Bar...

Kansas City Symphony — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 10:01:00 -0500

This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar, we chat with rising American composer Joel Thompson. Joel is currently best known for his piece for men’s voices, piano and strings Seven Last words of the Unarmed, and is quickly making a name for himself across the country. We chat about the role the arts play in healing, music serving as a vehicle for social change, and Joel’s upcoming visit to Kansas City as the orchestra performs his newest work To Awaken the Sleeper. Next time on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 502 Playlist

Seven Last Words of the Unarmed

sevenlastwords.org

Off the Podium with Joshua Weilerstein

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 11:15:00 -0500

Welcome to Season Five of Beethoven Walks into a Bar! We kick off the season and 2022 with Maestro Joshua Weilerstein. A podcaster in his own right, Joshua explains how his own show, Sticky Notes, came to be. He also chats about his upcoming visit to KC conducting Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F and William Grant Still's Poem. We also take on another Top 5 challenge exploring the Top 5 Most Influential Classical Music Families (excluding the Sterns and the Weilersteins, of course). All that and more this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 501 Playlist

It Wouldn't be Christmas without a Swamp Hen

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 14:51:00 -0500

Beethoven Walks into a Bar celebrates another Holiday season with music from around the world! Experience sounds of the season from Africa, Europe, Australia and the Americas. Plus, our new favorite segment is back with a brand new jingle...Top 5 where Jason, Mike and Stephanie discuss their top 5 holiday movies. Be ready for holiday favorites, some surprise entries, and some public shaming. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 407 Playlist

YouTube Playlist

All about the Bass with Caleb Quillen

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 12:44:00 -0500

This week's episode is all about that bass. The Kansas City Symphony boasts one of the very best bass sections of any American orchestra, and we sit down with one of the members of this prestigious section, Mr. Caleb Quillen. Get ready to unlock all the mysteries of the largest, lowest, and noblest instrument of the orchestra, learn about about French bows vs. German bows, and learn all about the bass section’s knack for style and fashion. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 406 Playlist

Off the Podium with Johannes Debus

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 11:33:00 -0500

This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar, we sit down with another friend of the Symphony, conductor Johannes Debus. We learn all about his dual life and career as an opera and symphonic conductor, and hear about some of the innovative ways in which the Canadian Opera Company is reaching new audiences. We also dispel the myth that Schumann was not a great orchestrator. That and more, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 405 Playlist

Free Canadian Opera Company Subscription

Off the Podium with Peter Oundjian

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 09:41:00 -0500

This week on the podcast, we present the first of several interviews with incoming guest conductors on this season's Classical Series. Maestro Peter Oundjian joins the Kansas City Symphony for an exciting performance featuring works by Florence Price, Richard Strauss and Rimsky-Korsakov. Hear all about his career both as a world class violinist and conductor, how a thoughtful encounter with a conducting icon shaped his future, and find out what he’s been up to since his last visit to KC in early 2020. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 404 Playlist

Episode LIII - Return of the Stern

Kansas City Symphony — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:09:00 -0500

This week's episode marks a FIRST for this podcast - The first time a podcast guest returns for a second visit! Who better to start with very own head honcho, music director Michael Stern. We talk about the exciting season ahead, how the creative process of programming has been shaped by events of the past year and a half, AND we’ll have a special edition of Bar Talk that brings together two fundamental elements of the human experience; music and...bread. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 403 Playlist

Brahms, Reeds and Cupcakes featuring Oboist Alison Chung

Kansas City Symphony — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 11:02:00 -0500

We chat this week with another fabulous member of the Kansas City Symphony family, associate principal oboe Alison Chung. She is not only talented oboist, she is a prolific cook, baker, eater, and food blogger. Learn all about Alison's journey in music, and how her hungry and adventurous online alter ego, “Lil’ Chung” came to be. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 402 Playlist

Father and Son: Jeffrey and Gabriel Kahane

Kansas City Symphony — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 10:27:00 -0500

Welcome to Season Four of Beethoven Walks into a Bar! This week, we visit with pianist Jeffrey Kahane and his son, composer Gabriel Kahane as we gear up to give the world premiere of Heirloom: Concerto for Piano and Chamber Orchestra. Jeffrey and Gabriel team up against Mike and Jason for a game of "Which pair knows each other better?" Spoiler alert: the father/son duo has a definite advantage. Keep tuning in throughout the season for exciting interviews with guest conductors, composers, artists and our amazing Kansas City Symphony musicians, this season on Beethoven Walks into a Bar!

Episode 401 Playlist

Season Three Finale: What Would You Ask Beethoven?

Kansas City Symphony — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0500

In this week’s season finale, we take a deep dive into the question on all of our guests’ minds… “What would you ask Beethoven?” We revisit some of the most intriguing questions asked by our guests over the course of the first three seasons and take a closer look at them. Plus, Jason, Mike and Stephanie each reveal their question for Beethoven. Join us this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar!

Episode 317 Playlist

Cat Music Sample Video

PDQ Bach - Beethoven's 5th Symphony

The President's Own: Service through Music

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 31 May 2021 10:49:00 -0500

In this week's episode, we commemorate Memorial Day by honoring our troops and veterans as we shine a light on our country's premiere military bands. We chat with Gunnery Sergeant Joseph DeLuccio of the United States Marine Band, an oboist in "The President's Own" for the past 16 years. What is it like performing in one of the most prestigious ensembles in the country, in a band that plays gigs like presidential inaugurations and major White House events? Joe shares about getting star-struck, traveling the country and serving as a musical ambassador for the United States. All this and more, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 316 Playlist

Not Your Father's Classical Music Station with Stephen Steigman

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 27 May 2021 09:16:00 -0500

This week's guest puts Mike, Stephanie and Jason to shame with his real-life radio voice. Classical KC director Stephen Steigman talks about launching a classical music station in the year 2020, the importance of highlighting local arts organizations, and making the seamless transition from trombone player to radio broadcaster. Plus, be sure to check out 91.9 Classical KC for Kansas City Symphony performances and all of your other classical music needs.

Kansas City Symphony on Classical KC

Classical KC - From the Archives with Frank Byrne

Juggling Life with Larry Figg

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 17 May 2021 11:21:00 -0500

This week is all about hobbies...whether its knitting, gardening, barbecuing or golfing, our hobbies are what have kept us sane throughout the past year. In this episode of Beethoven Walks into a Bar, we meet the ultimate hobbyist Larry Figg. When he's not playing cello in the Kansas City Symphony, you can find Larry flying radio controlled airplanes, making videos, stargazing, and...juggling! We talk with Larry about all of these hobbies and more, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar!

Anthony Gatto at the Monte Carlo 30th Festival Performance

Anthony Gatto is Better than you can Imagine!

Larry Figg Summertime Juggling Reel

#Trendsetter with Raymond Santos

Kansas City Symphony — Wed, 12 May 2021 20:31:00 -0500

On this week's episode of Beethoven Walks into a Bar, we welcome the captain of the clarinets, Raymond Santos. In addition to talking reeds, auditions, and Beethoven, we explore the equally important topics of cooking lessons, unhealthy sodium intake, and strawberry margaritas. Plus, one of our hosts has finally broken their losing streak on Bar Talk! Find out who is no longer a loser, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 313 Playlist

Spring Short: Michael Gordon and Father Paul Turner

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 03 May 2021 09:15:00 -0500

This week, Mike talks with friend of the symphony, Father Paul Turner. They explore the connections between music, service, and faith. You’ll also learn that you don’t necessarily have to be an elite athlete to letter in high school sports. All this and more, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 312 Spotify Playlist

Spring Short: Stephanie Brimhall and Alex Espy

Kansas City Symphony — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 18:46:00 -0500

This week's episode features a chat between Stephanie and fellow local arts educator Alex Espy. Alex is a great friend of the Symphony having joined the orchestra on stage for a number of educational performances over the past decade. He and Stephanie reminisce about giant toy boxes, cardboard cities, and the insane antics of local KC mascots playing it up in Helzberg Hall. Plus, they discuss the many ways art can become a child's voice, safe place, and so much more, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Mesner Puppet Theater

Spring Short: Jason Seber and Teddy Abrams

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 10:54:00 -0500

In our first Beethoven Walks into a Bar "Spring Short," Jason sits down with his old boss and good friend Teddy Abrams, Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra. We hear all about Teddy's creative and adaptive programming at the LO this year (with not only the pandemic, but in the aftermath of Breonna Taylor's death in Louisville," where they see orchestras heading in the future, and they catch up on all things whiskey related in the bourbon capital of the world. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Rolling Stone The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time

Podversation with Yo-Yo Ma and Teddy Abrams

NPR Interview with Teddy Abrams, Jecorey Arthur, and Ari Shapiro

The Perfect Date Night

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 20:20:00 -0500

Have you ever wondered why the KC Symphony is the envy of the orchestra world? What makes us tick? Well, in addition to world class musicians, an incredible staff, and an extremely supportive community, we are blessed to have a dynamic Board of Directors. We have the honor of sitting down this week with one of our incredible board members, Gena Williams. We learn how she fell in love with music, what she and her colleagues on the board are doing behind the scenes to keep this orchestra at the top of its game, and why a night at the Symphony makes the perfect date night. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Kansas City Symphony MUSIC TALK Videos

Mobile Music Box

Happy Birthday to Us!

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 15:33:00 -0500

Can you believe it? Beethoven Walks into a Bar is one year old and still going strong 41 episodes later. As we celebrate the birth and growth of the Kansas City Symphony's podcast, we also celebrate the arrival of Spring. Join us this week as we chat about our favorite Spring-inspired music, memorable performances, Spring-themed drinks and Jason's impeccable French. All that and more in this episode of Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 308 Playlist

Say "Cello" to Susie Yang

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 10:15:00 -0500

We meet yet another fabulous Kansas City Symphony colleague this week, associate Principal Cellist Susie Yang. We chat about her work both on and off the stage, her time in the New World Symphony and the dreaded audition scene. We also lighten things up with another exciting game of Bar Talk - will Jason or Stephanie EVER win this game? Find out this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 307 Spotify Playlist

Bach Dance Project Videos

Celebrating Composers of Color

Kansas City Symphony — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 14:30:00 -0500

The year 2020 was challenging for the entire world. We were not only facing the largest pandemic in a century, but here in America we were also continuing the fight toward true equality. And this is certainly true in the musical world as it is in so many fields. For too long, many incredibly gifted composers have not had their powerful voices heard and represented enough in the vast canon of orchestral literature. In this week’s episode Mike, Stephanie, and Jason share with you our list of 10 composers of color whose music you should know. We hope that you will find their work as compelling, beautiful, and rich as we do. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Celebrating Composers of Color – YouTube Playlist

Celebrating Composers of Color – Spotify Playlist

· Michael Abels

· Terence Blanchard

· Valerie Coleman

· Gabriela Lena Frank

Adam Schoenberg Still Likes Tequila

Kansas City Symphony — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 19:48:00 -0500

You may remember way back in Episode Two we talked about American composer Adam Schoenberg, but hadn’t yet figured out how to incorporate guests into the podcast. This week we finally get the opportunity to chat with Adam in person about his current orchestral, film and tv projects, recording with the Kansas City Symphony and aged tequila, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 305 Playlist

Adam Schoenberg One Acquainted with the Night

Adam Schoenberg Symphony No. 2 "Migration"

Anna Meredith Nautilus Official Video

Yves Dahramaj performs Dido's Lament "I Can't Breathe"

Probing Questions with Larry Rachleff

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 13:59:00 -0500

We chat this week with one of Stephanie and Mike's most influential teachers at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music, Maestro Larry Rachleff. Larry has conducted all over the world including right here with the Kansas City Symphony, but many musicians know him best as the conductor of the student orchestras at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music. He has touched the lives of an untold number of aspiring young musicians. We chat with Larry and learn more about how he has truly shaped the culture of music, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 304 Playlist

Debussy La Mer - Recommended by Michael Gordon

J.S. Bach B Minor Mass - "Dona Nobis Pacem" - Recommended by Jason Seber

Beethoven Symphony No. 5 - Recommended by Larry Rachleff

Prokofiev Suite from Romeo and Juliet - Recommended by Stephanie Brimhall

Kristi Velicer - THE MC Hammer

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 11:00:00 -0500

In order to be highly successful, a professional symphony orchestra needs excellent leadership in many areas, artistically and administratively. One of those key leadership positions you might not have thought about is the head of the Musicians Committee. We sit down this week with the current head of the MC of the KC Symphony, Acting Associate Principal 2nd Kristi Velicer. Kristi tells all about this vital committee and what happens behind the scenes to ensure that our musicians are set up for success. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 303 Playlist

From NASCAR to Wynton Marsalis with Julian Kaplan

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 12:41:00 -0500

This week we meet the boss of the brass, the Kansas City Symphony's principal trumpet Julian Kaplan. Hear about his recent solo appearance with the Symphony, his huge trumpet collection and his dreams of becoming a NASCAR driver, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 302 Playlist

Season Three Premiere with Danny Beckley

Kansas City Symphony — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 10:48:00 -0500

Season Three of Beethoven Walks into a Bar is here! This week, we chat with Symphony Executive Director Danny Beckley about the state of the Symphony, our new streaming platform MySymphonySeat.org, and plans for the future. Also, what the heck is a Horsefeather? Learn all this and more, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 301 Playlist

Schoenberg Chamber Symphony No. 2

Year in Review: 2020

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 15:23:00 -0500

It's here -- the end of 2020! While this may have been a year of challenges, it has also been a year of reinvention for the Kansas City Symphony. And as luck may have it, part of that includes this very podcast! In this week's season finale, we revisit some of our favorite moments of 2020. The podcast returns in January 2021 for season three!

Name that Christmas Carol with David and Fabrice

Kansas City Symphony — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 12:07:00 -0500

This holiday season, KCS elves David Sullivan and Fabrice Curtis have been hard at work creating a virtual musical advent calendar filled with your favorite holiday carols. In this episode, we learn how they selected the featured carols, created arrangements for various instrumentations and even edited the audio and video content. Plus, hear who wins an incredibly competitive game of "Name that Christmas Carol," this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Name that Christmas Carol

25 Days of KCS

Music for the Moment with Nico Muhly

Kansas City Symphony — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 10:03:00 -0500

This week we are visiting with one of the most versatile young composers in America, Nico Muhly. Inspired particularly by minimalism, as well as music of the Renaissance, he has written operas, film scores, chamber music, and even ringtones! Most recently, Nico worked as a collaborative partner on Throughline, a San Francisco Symphony commission written specifically for a digital medium and filmed in locations around the world. We learn about this piece and much more, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 212 Playlist

Throughline: San Francisco Symphony-From Hall to Home

http://nicomuhly.com/news/2015/thoughts-on-being-well/

Gait by Nico Muhly

It's settled...the Harp is a Percussion Instrument

Kansas City Symphony — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 11:20:00 -0500

If you’ve been to a Kansas City Symphony concert in the last couple years, you know that we have been blessed with an influx of some incredible new musicians in the orchestra. One of those artists is our Principal Harp, Katherine Siochi. This week, we sit down with Katherine and learn all about this most magnificent of orchestral instruments, her career, her adorable pup Brooklyn, and her awesome ensemble for our Mobile Music Box series. We also find out which family the harp really belongs to and whose pup would win Best in Show, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 211 Playlist

www.katherinesiochi.com

Name that Percussion Instrument with Buckets N Boards

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 10:30:00 -0500

This week’s guests are two of the funniest and most musical guys we’ve ever met. Gareth and Matt are the comedy percussion duo Buckets N Boards and perform regularly in Branson, MO, on Disney Cruiselines and have even graced the Helzberg Hall stage with the Kansas City Symphony. They're best known for bucket drumming, tap dancing, writing songs for squeaky turtles and playing recorders with their noses. Plus, we play a rousing game of "Name that Percussion Instrument," this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 210 Playlist

When You Wish Upon a Star

Beethoven Walks into a Bah - with Aram Demirjian

Kansas City Symphony — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 13:35:00 -0500

This week we're talking with one of our favorite Boston sports fans, former associate conductor of the Kansas City Symphony, and CURRENT music director of the Knoxville Symphony, Aram Demirjian. Aram talks about fond memories in KC, his new ventures in Knoxville and his path from "backseat conductor" to Music Director. Plus, we have a special New England version of "Bah Talk," this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 209 Playlist

https://www.aramdemirjian.com/

Percussion Jedi Josh Jones

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 10:16:00 -0500

In this week’s episode, we meet the Kansas City Symphony’s very own Jedi, principal percussionist Josh Jones! Josh is the most recent winner of a Kansas City Symphony audition and he talks to us about his audition experience, working with members of the Chicago Symphony as a kid, his upcoming nuptials and life in KC so far. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 208 Playlist

www.drummojo.com

How to Parallel Park a Stage

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 17:53:00 -0500

Have you ever wondered what really goes on backstage at the Kansas City Symphony? This week we pull back the curtain during our conversation with the Symphony's incredible stage manager Dave Tebow. Dave tells us what it's like to parallel park the new 33 foot Mobile Music Box trailer and what goes on behind the scenes in Helzberg Hall before, during and after a performance. All that, plus a spirited game of Bar Talk -- who will win a BBQ lunch with Jason? Find out this week on Beethoven Walks Into a Bar!

Episode 207 Playlist

Beethoven Goes to Prison with Leigh Lynch from Arts in Prison

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 13:42:00 -0500

This week, we're joined by the special woman who sent Mike and Jason to prison. Leigh Lynch runs a program at Lansing Correctional Facility called “Arts in prison”, and she is committed to the idea that the arts are an essential part of helping inmates cope with the stress of prison, and preparing them to reenter society as more peaceful, and constructive citizens. We’ll also find out if anyone really wears orange and how Beethoven made his way into Lansing Correctional Facility -- this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 206 Playlist

Florestan's Aria from Beethoven's Fidelio

Prisoners' Corus from Fidelio featuring the East Hill Singers

3 Mojitos in with Beethoven, featuring violinist Nancy Zhou

Kansas City Symphony — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 17:01:00 -0500

This year we have been celebrating what would’ve been the 100th birthday of legendary violinist Isaac Stern. Back in January we were fortunate to have an extraordinary violinist perform with the Kansas City Symphony, Nancy Zhou. Nancy was the first prize winner in the 2018 Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition, and she performed the Mendelssohn Concerto with guest conductor Peter Oundjian and the Symphony. In this episode, we talk with Nancy about her career, how she’s spending her time during Covid-19, mojitos, Tex-Mex and much more -- this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 205 Playlist

Partly Cloudy with a Chance of Beethoven with KMBC's Chief Meteorologist Bryan Busby

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 10:10:00 -0500

Music doesn’t have to be your primary gig for it to be a huge part of your life. Kansas City's favorite meteorologist Bryan Busby also happens to be a tremendously talented percussionist and plays timpani with groups throughout the metro area. We have a great chat about music, weather and play a surprise game of "Song Title or Storm Name," this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar!

Episode 204 Playlist

Bryan Busby's Wonderful World of Weather

Pipe Dreams with organist Jan Kraybill

Kansas City Symphony — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 15:57:00 -0500

This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar we sit down with one of KC's most treasured musicians, organist Jan Kraybill. Jan tells us all about the Kauffman Center's beautiful Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant organ, including what it's like to play and maintain such a mammoth instrument. Plus, Stephanie gets her first shot at hosting a rousing game of Bar Talk!

Episode 203 Playlist

Hitting all the Chai Notes with Selene Hernandez

Kansas City Symphony — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 11:16:00 -0500

This week, we're talking with one of the hardest working music educators in the business, Selene Hernandez. When she’s not busy running an orchestra program in Independence, MO, she fills her time teaching even more students for Harmony Project KC, a program which brings the gift of music to underprivileged children in Northeast Kansas City.

We’ll learn how music has shaped her life and how her personal journey inspires her teaching. This week, on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Episode 202 Playlist

Excerpt from Vienna Philharmonic, John Williams and Anne-Sophie Mutter

Yo-Yo Ma plays Bach

Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra plays "Mambo"

Two in a Million: Symphony Spouses John and Maria

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 10:39:00 -0500

We're back!! Season Two of Beethoven Walks into a Bar is here! In this episode, we sit down with one of our favorite Symphony pairs, clarinetist John Klinghammer and cellist Maria Crosby. John and Maria tell us about the porch concerts they've presented in their neighborhood throughout the summer, how the orchestra has grown in their time here in KC, and we have a great time playing our own version of the Newlywed Game.

Episode 201 Playlist

John and Maria's Covid-64 Video

Season One Finale: Ask Us Anything!

Kansas City Symphony — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 11:46:00 -0500

This week in our Season One Finale, we will be answering YOUR questions. Many of you have submitted excellent questions over the past month or so, inquiring about careers at the Symphony, audition tips, the rehearsal process, performance practice, and much more. We dive in and answer as many of them as possible this week in our Ask Us Anything episode.

Look for all new episodes of Beethoven Walks into a Bar as we kick off Season Two in early September! Enjoy your August and thanks for listening!

“Two Flutes and Orange Soups” with Shannon Finney, associate principal flute

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:13:00 -0500

This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar, it’s all about flutes and food. We go for another round of Bar Talk with associate principal flute, Shannon Finney. She’s gathered up quite a following for her weekly porch concerts in front of her home in Waldo. We also learn about her passion for cooking, and what it’s like to sit next to Mike for 13 long years.

Spotify Playlist

Kansas City Symphony – Britten’s Orchestra

EMMANUEL PAHUD | Flute solo from "Daphnis et Chloé" by Ravel

Dance of the Seven Veils from Salome by R. Strauss

Beethoven Symphony No. 7 Flute Solo

Tuba or Not To Be, with Principal Tuba Joe LeFevre

Kansas City Symphony — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 14:20:00 -0500

This week, meet the biggest and baddest brass instrument of all, the Tuba! Principal Tuba Joe LeFevre joins us for another riveting round of Bar Talk and we get the low down on the lowest brass instrument in the band. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Spotify Playlist

Mussorgsky/Ravel Bydlo from Pictures at an Exhibition

Symphony fantastique, Op. 14: V. Songe d'une nuit de sabbat

Bar Talk with Elena Lence Talley, principal librarian

Kansas City Symphony — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 17:25:00 -0500

Each season our musicians need thousands of individual pieces of printed music prepared, delivered to them for preparation, and placed on-stage for concerts. This week, we talk with Kansas City Symphony principal librarian, Elena Lence Tally and learn what it takes to make this massive task happen smoothly for every performance week in, and week out. We cap off the conversation with another round of Bar Talk and discuss mojitos and chocolate cookie recipes this week on Beethoven Walks Into a Bar.

Spotify Playlist

Ode to…Tequila?

Kansas City Symphony — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 17:25:00 -0500

The podcast is called “Beethoven Walks into a Bar,” which means we have to talk about the big man, LVB, every so often. This week, we discuss Beethoven’s epic ninth symphony, chat with our good friend and president of the Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Kim Gear, and learn a not-so-secret family cocktail recipe that you’ll be sippin’ all summer long.

Spotify Playlist

Benjamin Britten conducts his War Requiem

Sunburns, Otters and Pulitzer Prizes – featuring Caroline Shaw

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 17:13:00 -0500

This week, we sit down with one of our favorite American composers and Mike’s fellow Rice classmate, Caroline Shaw. Caroline is without a doubt one of the most versatile and creative musicians in the Classical world right now and is also the youngest composer to ever win the Pulitzer Prize in Music at age 30. Hear about her unique works for a variety of ensembles as well as her love of the Beethoven Harp Quartet and otters.

Spotify Playlist

Roomful of Teeth: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Kanye West – Say You Will ft. Caroline Shaw

From the Paris without the Plains – featuring Hermon Mehari

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 03:30:00 -0500

Kansas City has a lot to be proud of – the KC Symphony, the Super-Bowl winning Chiefs, burnt ends… but something that is all too often overlooked if you’re not from here is the city’s incredible jazz scene. This week we talk with our good friend and a powerful force in the jazz trumpet universe, Hermon Mehari. We look into the crossover between the jazz and classical worlds, hear all about Hermon’s brand new album “A Change for the Dreamlike”, and talk about the natural wine, fine cuisine, and the jazz scene in Paris.

Spotify Playlist

Hermon Mehari – A Change for the Dreamlike

Claude Bolling Suite No. 1

Bobby Watson plays Amazing Grace on the Best of Bank of America Celebration at the Station

Bar Talk with Albert Suarez, Principal Horn

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 12:30:00 -0500

This week, we’re talking to our good friend and Principal Horn of the Kansas City Symphony, Albert Suarez. Albert will tell us why the horn is not only the greatest We also have some fun playing our own version of “Around the Horn” with Albert, this week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar.

Spotify Playlist

Berlin Philharmonic Digital Concert Hall – Shostakovich Symphony No. 5

Schumann Konzertstuck for Four Horns and Orchestra

Strauss Second Horn Concerto – Radovan Vlatkovic

Ask Us Anything! Your question may be answered on a future episode of “Beethoven Walks into a Bar!”

Would Beethoven drink a Sternini?

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 28 May 2020 07:30:00 -0500

Service through music is at the heart of everything we do. It’s a big topic, and a big topic deserves a big guest, the maestro himself, our music director Michael Stern. As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Issac Stern’s birth, we talk about his legacy of advocacy for the arts, and how Michael continues the family tradition here in Kansas City, and all over the world.

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ekvRjJF5SLssDgHurbZ7U?si=yZprZWcGR0uML-sbW0muuQ

Isaac Stern - Life’s Virtuoso

Isaac Stern performing Bach’s Chaconne in D Minor

Kansas City Symphony Mixology

Resilient, indeed

Kansas City Symphony — Fri, 22 May 2020 10:00:00 -0500

This week’s guest lost both his legs in an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan. Music helped him get his life back. USMC Corporal Tim Donley talks about the role music played in his rehabilitation and how he and his bandmates came together through MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band and The Resilient.

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6rxI6UY7mRnq1UcdNtwyGc?si=sggwPEHGSqif41pnVrToYg

MusiCorps Wounded Warrior Band and Oleta Adams perform Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” with the Kansas City Symphony in 2013

Five Minutes to Fame: Auditions

Kansas City Symphony — Fri, 15 May 2020 08:00:00 -0500

Auditions are how we musicians get jobs. Ever competed for a job and had five minutes to make your case without ever sharing anything about yourself? Not even your name? We’ll break down the whole process for you, and then we’ll be joined by Justin White, personnel manager of the Kansas City Symphony. He’ll tell you all about why he thinks auditions are fun. Can’t wait to hear that. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar…

Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7CgBCRxfWi9Xf9ikcr7DQY?si=3MrsefMqSCe6HkeEoi47vg

Other Recommended listening:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dfr8BpB2boc

Film + Live Orchestra…how do we do it?

Kansas City Symphony — Fri, 08 May 2020 13:00:00 -0500

What would our favorite movies be like without music? We shudder to think. This week on Beethoven Walks Into a Bar, we take a look at how the Kansas City Symphony’s Film + Live Orchestra concerts come together, and Jason will tell you what all those flashes and lines and weird symbols mean on his screen to help coordinate a live orchestra with a movie.

Spotify Playlist

Makin' it Rain at the Symphony

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 17:00:00 -0500

This week it’s all about the young people. We take a deep dive on how to bring classical music to students of a variety of ages, and talk with local music teacher Kim Jackson about engaging kids in music all the way from infancy through college! Then you’ll learn how we make it rain inside Helzberg Hall without even getting the seats wet.

Spotify Playlist

Other Recommended Listening

The Art of the Concert Program

Kansas City Symphony — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0500

The gang is joined by Kansas City Symphony bassist Evan Halloin in an episode that provides a backstage look into how conductors and artistic staff put together the musical selections that make up a concert program.

Referenced in this episode:

Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5szvgWbLk1cwQ68G3IOKFO?si=ZoQGAkdhRCyvaJZLFZf1QA

Additional recommendations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrvo6oveugo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7f5TJlRbs0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoAQLuM8eeE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96bgojFa0KM

Death Metal Baby Shark and other catchy tunes

Kansas City Symphony — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 10:15:00 -0500

The gang takes a look at different "earworms" in both pop and classical music, and talks about what makes a tune stick in the memory of the listener.

The spotify playlist is HERE.

They've also recommending the Bernstein Beethoven Symphony recordings which may be accessed HERE.

Oh no, my tux is at the cleaners!

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 08:45:00 -0500

Jason, Mike and Stephanie expose the what its really like to go to a classical music concert, which really isn't all that different than going to a rock concert... just more comfortable seating, life-changing sound, and better drinks.

Links referred to in this episode:

Keeping Score with the San Francisco Symphony and Michael Tilson Thomas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkDZtvmz8cw

Episode 4 Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ANbgksCbiphjfJWNenDjS?si=66wMV6PdQiCG_pZXx-LD_A

Is playing a concerto like drinking alone?

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 18:00:00 -0500

Stephanie, Mike, and Jason chat about what its like to be a famous classical music soloist. Joining them this week is Sean Chen, one of Kansas City's premiere classical music soloists.

The gang recommends the following listening to accompany this episode:

Beethoven Symphony No. 4 – Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Nikolaus Harnoncourt

Sabine Meyer plays Mozart, Debussy and Takemitsu with the Berlin Philharmonic and Claudio Abbado

Spotify playlist including those recordings HERE.

Also recommended are the following sites:

https://www.seanchenpiano.com/

https://www.digitalconcerthall.com/en/home

Adam Schoenberg’s bar is closed.

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 12:15:00 -0500

Jason, Stephanie, and Mike quiz each other on one-hit wonders of classical music, (and rather embarrassingly for Mike, some pop wonders too). The gang also looks at the music of young composer Adam Schoenberg, and continues the ever important discussion of cocktails and music.

Links to music referenced in this episode:

Adam Schoenberg: American Symphony, Finding Rothko and Picture Studies with the Kansas City Symphony

Copland Symphony No. 3 with the San Francisco Symphony and Michael Tilson Thomas

Vanilla Ice: Ice Ice Baby

A-ha: Take on Me

Los Del Rio: Macarena

Chabrier: Espana

Khachaturian: Sabre Dance

Fucik: Entrance of the Gladiators

Dukas: Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Albinoni: Adagio in G Minor

Hey handsome, what are you drinking?

Kansas City Symphony — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 17:45:00 -0500

In our debut episode of Beethoven Walks Into A Bar, our hosts ask a critical question that has stumped musicologists for years: We know Beethoven spend oodles of time with a drink in his hand... what was it?

Hear that question answered from Associate Conductor of the Kansas City Symphony Jason Seber, along with Principal Flute Mike Gordon and Education Goddess Stephanie Brimhall, along with a discussion of the orchestra, what its like to be stuck at home due to the pandemic, and much more.