Missouri Classical Music News and Notes

Her peeps are playing it cool, but Julia Irene Kauffman needs help.

Kauffman, the daughter of Ewing and Muriel Kauffman, wants to build a breathtaking performing arts center for the symphony, ballet and opera. Foundations under her control have pledged $105 million toward the $304 million project. Her significant other, Ken Dworak, is the project manager.

The dream has not been easy to realize. Land for the performing arts center was purchased five years ago, but no earth has turned. At one point, groundbreaking was scheduled for April 2003. Then it was April 2004. Now it's slated for August 2005.