Missouri Classical Music News

The Kansas City Symphony begins its 2005-06 season this weekend with more than the usual buzz of anticipation.

First, Michael Stern will officially assume his new duties as conductor and music director. Second, the program includes a world premiere of “The Enlightened,” a 12-minute piece by the Beijing-born Zhou Long, who teaches at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Stern and Zhou enjoy international renown, and the fact that they are also local figures suggests our symphony may be ready to advance to the next level in virtuosity and stature.

Michael Stern devised his opening program as music director of the Kansas City Symphony to show off the group’s range and capabilities, and that’s exactly what Friday’s concert did.

Beginning with a world premiere specially commissioned for the occasion, this tour of virtuosic dazzlers brought a packed Lyric Theatre audience to its feet twice.

It was some of the best-sounding playing this orchestra has ever produced, with good balances, feathery pianissimos and terrific solo playing by several of the principals.