Company Profile
Kansas City Symphony
Company Overview
The Kansas City Symphony serves a metropolitan population of 2.1 million people. The orchestra’s 80 full-time musicians contribute to the city’s exceptionally strong cultural community. During its 42-week season, the Symphony performs a wide variety of concerts including subscription classical, pops and family, film plus live orchestra, and educational programs. In addition to symphonic music of all kinds, the Symphony has deep roots in chamber music, and travels Kansas City with a mobile stage - the “Mobile Music Box” - throughout the warmer months. The Symphony also performs frequently with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and the Kansas City Ballet.
The Kansas City Symphony is governed by a Board of Directors under the leadership of Board Chair Patrick McCown and is administered by a full-time professional staff led by Executive Director Daniel Beckley. In addition, the Kansas City Symphony benefits from the dedicated efforts of its volunteer associations.
The Symphony recently established a new headquarters, adjacent to the orchestra’s world-class concert hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Occupying a storied 19th century icon of Kansas City, this new modern space - the Shirley Bush Helzberg Symphony House - supports the organization’s creativity, with space for administrative offices, musician practice, chamber performance, and music education. Formerly a restaurant, the building is complete with a commercial kitchen and English pub, presenting the Symphony with an abundance of new opportunities for patron engagement.
Company History
The Kansas City Symphony is the youngest major symphony orchestra in the United States, and one of the most secure. Since its founding in 1982 by R. Crosby Kemper, Jr., the Kansas City Symphony has grown through artistic vision, fiscal discipline, and a culture of trust and excellence in all facets of the organization.
From a budget of $1.5 million in its first season, the Symphony’s annual operating budget has grown to more than $21 million. More than 1,000 gifts from the board, local foundations and members of the community have created an endowment in excess of $120 million. The Symphony’s balance sheet is pristine, with healthy operating reserves and working capital. The Kansas City Symphony is debt-free.