2019 Bank of America Celebration at the Station Program

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Photo by Eric Williams

YEARS

17th Annual

Presented by the Kansas City Symphony

SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 at 8 P.M. Union Station and the grounds of the National World War I Museum and Memorial

What a pleasure it is to welcome all of you to our annual Bank of America Celebration at the Station. For 17 years now, we have come together in the very heart of our city to celebrate the very best of our city, with music, fun and purpose. Most importantly, we are here to remember and reflect, and to honor courage and conviction, duty and devotion, service and sacrifice.

With deep gratitude, we pay tribute to the challenges we have faced together as a nation, and the setbacks, triumphs and courageous accomplishments of so many. We remember those who answered the call to battle, and those who fought, and still fight, to keep the peace. We salute the bravery of those who were sent overseas, those we lost, and the homecoming of those who returned — their service endures. And we remember the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing, and the extraordinary strength of those who heeded President John F. Kennedy when he dared Americans to imagine what had only been dreamed, and to travel to the stars.

I am thrilled the dynamically talented Capathia Jenkins is on hand to inspire us and share her music, and to welcome back our friends from the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America. I am also grateful our dear friend and Vietnam vet Jim Birdsall is here to host again tonight as we welcome back Mayor Sly James and many other special guests to our stage during the Armed Forces Salute.

Without the sponsorship by Bank of America, we would not be able to be here together; we thank them for their partnership. I feel privileged for the opportunity to be here with all of you, with your Kansas City Symphony, and to make the case again that music is at the heart of our lives and our commemorations. Too often, from too many corners, we are confronted with growing divisiveness, incivility and suspicion. Not here — I am proud to be right here, in our city, with the wonderful mix of friends and families, neighbors and visitors, young and old, who make Kansas City such a place of unity, pride and strength. We are together. On this Memorial Day, that too seems only fitting to celebrate.

MICHAEL STERN, music director Kansas City Symphony Visit the REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN walls today inside Union Station to honor Missouri and Kansas soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to our country. Thank you to the Gold Star Mothers of Missouri and Kansas.

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Roy Inman Photographs ©

by Patrick Shearn of Poetic Kinetics

SO MUCH TO SEE & DO

at Union Station!

Presented by

• World-Class Touring Exhibitions: Stonehenge Now Open • Reflecting Motion: KC’s largest outdoor art experience • Internationally Awarded Science City: Featuring New Exhibit The Amazing Brain • Maker Faire Kansas City – June 22 & 23 • Extreme Screen Theatre: Educational & Feature Films on Largest Screen in Midwest . . . $5 ticket options • Restaurants, Retail and So Much More!

Ancient Mysteries Modern Discoveries

North American Premiere

NOW OPEN AT SCIENCE CITY

Plan Your Visit: UnionStation.org

Share your experience with us using #CelebrationKC Look for our KCSymphony Snapchat filter!

WELCOME TO UNION STATION

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Welcome to your Union Station — Kansas City’s magnificent monument.

Photo credit Cat Szalkowski We are a proud partner of tonight’s Bank of America Celebration at the Station, presented by the Kansas City Symphony, and are delighted you have joined us for this annual concert honoring veterans and active-duty military and their families.

As you enjoy this remarkable gathering, also soak in what Union Station represents to our city and country. For the second year in a row, Union Station and Science City are honored to have been awarded “Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction,” “Favorite Historical Attraction” and “Favorite Landmark” and, for the first time, “BEST of KC.” This is truly a celebration of our Union Station community and each of you play an important role in our success.

There are so many great things happening this summer at the Station including Reflecting Motion, the stunning outdoor art installation floating out back above Haverty Family Yards. It’s on display now through September 2.

Also, join us this weekend for America’s premiere of Stonehenge — now open in the Bank of America Gallery. And right around the corner is the Ninth Annual Maker Faire Kansas City, June 22-23. Your ticket to Maker Faire includes access both inside and out, including our award-winning science center, Science City powered by Burns & McDonnell.

With every visitor, Union Station is given the opportunity to share a beloved part of Kansas City’s history and inspire lifelong learning for every age. And with every Union Station membership, we further our mission to educate, entertain and celebrate the very best of who we are as Kansas Citians. Please join us in continuing to fulfill our mission by becoming a Union Station member. We guarantee the benefits — including FREE year-round admission to Science City — are incredible, and we pledge to deliver back to you a tremendous return.

We’ve worked hard to earn sustained success and internationally recognized viability and vibrancy! Help us preserve your history. Every donation makes a difference. Give today through Union Station’s Facebook page. Now sit back and enjoy the beauty of your Union Station and the mastery of the Kansas City Symphony.

Ramón Murguía, Chairman of the Board George Guastello, President and CEO

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Wednesday-Friday, Sept. 4-6 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 8 at 3 p.m.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox, Lucasfilm Ltd., and Warner / Chappell Music.

THE TEMPTATIONS

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY

THE TEMPTATIONS with the KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY Friday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 15 at 2 p.m

Classical Opening Weekend!

Kansas City Young Audiences benefit concert

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY with the KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY Saturday, Sept. 28 at 8 p.m.

DOROTHY PAPADAKOS, organ

FINLANDIA and SCHUMANN’S PIANO CONCERTO Friday-Saturday, Oct. 4-5 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m.

TOM PETTY

silent film + live organ: THE PHANTOM of the OPERA Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.

A TRIBUTE to TOM PETTY Saturday, Nov. 16 at 8 p.m.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS for these CONCERTS TODAY MUSICAL MEMORIES for EVERYONE 2019/20 SEASON Season tickets available, too — YOUR BEST VALUE!

SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2019 at 8 P.M. The Kansas City Symphony Michael Stern, conductor Capathia Jenkins, special guest vocalist Jim Birdsall, host, United States Army veteran Staff Sergeant Paula Hunt, vocalist, United States Air Force Airman First Class Andrew Szymanek, trumpet, United States Air Force H.C. Palmer, poet, United States Army, Vietnam veteran Brass players from the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America The Honorable Sly James, Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, United States Marine Corps veteran Major General (Retired) Greg Gardner, United States Army and Air National Guard Commander Travis Dvorak, executive officer of the USS Kansas City, United States Navy Colonel Mark A. Riselli, Commander, 509th Maintenance Group, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base Colonel Marne L. Sutten, United States Army, Garrison Fort Leavenworth Color Guard Units United States Army Color Guard from Munson Army Health Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas The United States Marine Corps Recruiting Station of Kansas City The Navy Operation Support Center, Kansas City Honors Guard Air Force Base Honor Guard from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri The United States Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center Color Guard in Topeka, Kansas

TONIGHT’S PROGRAM PAUL MURTHA

Heroic Fanfare

SMITH

“The Star-Spangled Banner”

JOHN WILLIAMS

Liberty Fanfare

JAMES A. BECKEL, JR.

From the Earth to the Moon and Beyond

Brass Players from the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America Staff Sergeant Paula Hunt, vocalist

Jim Birdsall, narrator

Kansas City Symphony co-commision with support from the Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation

COPLAND

Our Town

SMALLS

“Home” from The Wiz

MERCER/DESARE/FIRTH

“Something’s Gotta Give”

GERSHWIN/RANIER

“Summertime” from Porgy and Bess

SOUSA

The Thunderer March

VARIOUS/STEPHENSON

Sing Along, America!

“Yankee Doodle” “Over There” “America” (“My Country ’Tis of Thee”) “You’re a Grand Old Flag”

DVOŘÁK

Jim Birdsall, narrator

Capathia Jenkins, vocalist Capathia Jenkins, vocalist

Capathia Jenkins, vocalist

Staff Sergeant Paula Hunt, vocalist

Symphony No. 9 in E Minor “From the New World” II. Largo “From Selected Note on Beauty” by H.C. Palmer, poet, United States Army, Vietnam veteran Jim Birdsall, narrator

JOHN WILLIAMS VARIOUS/NAUGHTIN

Midway March

Armed Forces Salute

TRADITIONAL

Taps

DON HART

Heroes Lost

WARD/SHOUP

“America the Beautiful”

TCHAIKOVSKY

1812, Overture solennelle, op. 49

SOUSA

The Stars and Stripes Forever

Airman First Class Andrew Szymanek, trumpet Kansas City Symphony commission, world premiere

Capathia Jenkins, vocalist

SING ALONG, AMERICA!

“YANKEE DOODLE” Yankee Doodle went to town, A-riding on a pony, He stuck a feather in his cap And called it Macaroni.

Yankee Doodle, keep it up, Yankee Doodle dandy, Mind the music and the step, And with the girls be handy.

And Fath’r and I went to camp, Along with Captain Good’in, And there we saw the men and boys As thick as hasty pudding.

Yankee Doodle, keep it up, Yankee Doodle dandy, Mind the music and the step, And with the girls be handy.

“OVER THERE” Over there, over there, Send the word, send the word over there, That the Yanks are coming, the Yanks are coming, The drums rumtumming ev’rywhere.

So prepare, say a pray’r, Send the word, send the word to beware, We’ll be over, we’re coming over, And we won’t come back ’til it’s over over there.

“AMERICA” (“MY COUNTRY, ’TIS OF THEE”) My country, ’tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims’ pride, From ev’ry mountainside Let freedom ring.

“YOU’RE A GRAND OLD FLAG” You’re a grand old flag, You’re a high-flying flag; And forever in peace may you wave; You’re the emblem of the land I love, The home of the free and the brave.

Ev’ry heart beats true under Red, White and Blue, Where there’s never a boast or brag; But, should auld acquaintance be forgot, Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY FUN FACT

40,000 NUMBER OF CHILDREN WHO PARTICIPATE IN SYMPHONY EDUCATION PROGRAMS ANNUALLY

2019 ARTISTS and SPECIAL GUESTS Michael Stern, conductor Music Director Michael Stern is in his 14th season with the Kansas City Symphony, hailed for its remarkable artistic growth and development since his tenure began. Stern also serves as the founding artistic director and principal conductor of the IRIS Orchestra in Germantown, Tennessee. His other positions have included chief conductor of Germany’s Saarbrücken Radio Symphony Orchestra, permanent guest conductor of the Orchestre National de Lyon in France, and a stint as the principal guest conductor of the Orchestre National de Lille, France. He also has led many other orchestras throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Stern received his music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and he is a 1981 graduate of Harvard University, where he earned a degree in American history.

Capathia Jenkins, special guest vocalist Brooklyn-born and raised actor and singer Capathia Jenkins has had a love affair with performing since childhood. She regularly appeared in school productions, sang in her church choir and began studying classical music in 3rd grade. She later was accepted into New York’s prestigious High School of Music and Art, featured in the hit movie “Fame.”

After high school, she ventured beyond her classical training to develop her own style as a jazz vocal major at Temple University. She auditioned for and was cast as Aretha Franklin for Uptown Saturday Night, a Motown-style musical revue in Bermuda. In 1999, she made her Broadway debut as Harriet Tubman in The Civil War. She then starred in the off-Broadway 2000 revival of Godspell, wowing audiences with her rendition of “Turn Back, O Man.” She returned to Broadway in The Look of Love and received critical acclaim for her performances of the Bacharach/David hits. Jenkins then originated the roles of The Washing Machine in Caroline, Or Change and Frieda May in Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me. In 2007, she starred in (mis)Understanding Mammy: The Hattie McDaniel Story, for which she was nominated for a Drama Desk Award. More recently, she starred as Medda in the Disney production of Newsies on Broadway.

Her television credits include “30 Rock,” “The Practice,” “The Sopranos,” “Law & Order” and “Law & Order SVU.” She appeared in the 2012 film “Musical Chairs” and NBC’s live broadcast of The Wiz. She can be heard on the soundtracks of “Nine,” “Chicago” and “Legally Blonde 2.” To learn more, visit capathiajenkins.com.

Jim Birdsall, host, United States Army veteran Jim Birdsall served in Vietnam with the First Cavalry and the 101st Airborne divisions. He finished his education with help from the GI Bill, then moved to Kansas City and began his career as an actor and announcer. He has appeared on stage at nearly every theater in Kansas City.

As a voiceover artist, Birdsall is the signature voice of the CNBC Network

and proudly the voice of the Hallmark Hall of Fame. Birdsall is also one of the lead narrators for NFL Films. Country music fans may recognize him as the voice of WSM, home of the Grand Ole Opry, as well as many television and radio commercials.

Staff Sergeant Paula Hunt, vocalist United States Air Force Band of Mid-America Staff Sergeant Paula R. Hunt is a vocalist with the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America as part of the “Starlifter” popular music ensemble. In addition to her duties as a musician, she is a master resiliency trainer, head of the social media team and a marketing representative.

Born and raised in Bellevue, Nebraska, Hunt began her Air Force career in 2011 as a vocalist with the Heartland of America Band at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

While part of the Heartland of America Band, she served as a vocalist with the popular music ensemble “Nightwing” and as a public affairs assistant and operations tour director. In 2014, she participated on the hit TV show “American Idol” for Season 13. Through several rounds of the competition she was influential as a representative of both the Air Force and the USAF Bands. The segment featuring Hunt and the Heartland of America Band reached 11.42 million viewers on the first night.

Airman First Class Andrew Szymanek, trumpet United States Air Force Band of Mid-America Airman First Class Andrew Szymanek plays trumpet with the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America. He performs with the concert band and the Airlifter Brass Quintet. He joined the band in October 2017. Aside from his involvement with the Air Force Band, he performs as an associate musician in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.

Originally from Naperville, Illinois, Szymanek finished his bachelor’s degree in music performance at Northern Illinois University in 2013. He then went on to complete his master’s degree in music performance at DePaul University in 2016. While at DePaul, he worked as a busy freelancer in the Chicago area. Most notably, he served as a substitute and extra musician for the Lyric Opera Orchestra of Chicago. He has held principal positions with the DuPage Symphony Orchestra in Naperville, Illinois, as well as the Wheaton Municipal Band in Wheaton, Illinois. He has played under the batons of conductors including Colonel Tim Foley, Colonel Michael J. Colburn and Colonel John R. Bourgeois of the U.S. Marine Band, Colonel Arnald D. Gabriel and Colonel Larry Lang of the U.S. Air Force Band, and Andrew Davis of the Chicago Lyric Opera. Other groups in which he has performed as a regular member or substitute include the West Suburban Symphony, FullScore Chamber Orchestra, Gargoyle Brass, the Pete Ellman Big Band and the Rob Parton Big Band.

2019 ARTISTS and SPECIAL GUESTS H.C. Palmer, poet, United States Army, Vietnam veteran H.C. Palmer served as a battalion surgeon with the First Infantry Division in Vietnam in 1965-66. His book of poems, “Feet of the Messenger,” from the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s BkMkPress, was a finalist for the 2017 Balcones Poetry Prize and a 2017 Kansas Notable Book. He works with a veterans writing program in partnership with Kansas City area libraries, The Writers Place and the Moral Injury Association of America.

Brass players from the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America The Band of Mid-America has a long history of entertaining the American public and promoting esprit de corps within the military. The unit strives to inspire our men and women serving around the world and to tell the Air Force story through the language of music. Each year, the Band of Mid-America performs for millions of people throughout a 10-state region from the upper peninsula of Michigan to Arkansas.

ABOUT the KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY Founded in 1982, the Kansas City Symphony is a major force in the cultural life of the community. Praised for performances of uncompromising standard, the orchestra is the largest in the region, with 80 full-time musicians, and enjoys a national reputation under the artistic leadership of Music Director Michael Stern. Presenting more than 130 concerts annually in a 42-week season, the Symphony also performs for the Kansas City Ballet and Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Every season comprises an impressive variety of programs that collectively reach more than 250,000 people, including the Symphony’s annual Bank of America Celebration at the Station concert held on Memorial Day weekend. For more information or tickets, visit kcsymphony.org or call (816) 471-0400.

KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY FUN FACT

250,000 +

PEOPLE WHO ATTEND SYMPHONY CONCERTS + EVENTS ANNUALLY

ORCHESTRA ROSTER

THANK YOU to our SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR

BENEFACTOR’S CIRCLE

The Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation

PARTNERS

PARTNERS

PARTNERS

BUSINESS PATRONS

COMMUNIT Y PARTNERS A photography project by Steve Snyder

freedomendeavor.org

MEDIA PARTNERS

ADDITIONAL SUPPORTERS

Isle of Capri Melanie and Wayne Thompson If you would like to support the 2020 Bank of America Celebration at the Station and be recognized, please contact Mark Laverentz at mlaverentz@kcsymphony.org or (816) 218-2601.

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CLASSICS UNCORKED

MOST TICKETS $25

JASON SEBER, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

Secrets Revealed:

Elgar’s Enigma Variations Thursday, June 13 at 7 p.m.

When the backstory is as intriguing as the music, we have to pull back the curtain! Elgar’s Enigma Variations captures the essence of his friends and even himself in 14 variations on an enigmatic theme. Masquerade by Anna Clyne conjures up a mid-18th century London promenade concert with street entertainers.

Sponsored by

A QUICK & CASUAL CONCERT

ENTERTAINING INSIGHTS FROM THE CONDUCTOR

FREE BEER OR CHAMPAGNE AFTER THE CONCERT

(816) 471-0400 | kcsymphony.org

BANK OF AMERICA CELEBRATION AT THE STATION Schedule at a glance MAIN STAGE 3-3:45 p.m. — Under the Big Oak Tree | 4-4:45 p.m. — A La Mode Quintet 5-6 p.m. — Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble, United States Air Force Band of Mid-America 7 p.m. — Pre-show welcome announcements | 8-10 p.m. — Kansas City Symphony concert

BAYER FAMILY ZONE 3-7:30 p.m. — Jamie & Bush Helzberg Instrument Petting Zoo, Sister Act Face Painting 3-7 p.m. — Mid-Continent Public Library Reading Rocket | 4-7 p.m. — Science City 4:45-5:15 p.m. — Drum Safari Drumming Circle | 6:15-6:30 p.m. — Chiefs Rumble Drum Line

HONEYWELL VETERANS PLACE 3-10 p.m. — Veterans Community Project with Tiny House Model, V.A. Mobile Vet Unit 3-9 p.m. — KCAUSA, KC Veterans Coalition 3-8 p.m. — St. Michael’s Veterans Center, Heart of America Patriot Foundation, American Fallen Warriors Memorial Foundation

ADDITIONAL INFO 3 p.m. — Grounds open. Food trucks and booths open throughout event. Streetcar runs until 11 p.m.

9:40 p.m. — Fireworks

FOOD TRUCKS Cajun Cabin | Kona Ice | K&C Concessions | Scimeca’s | Jerusalem Café | KC Smoke Burgers

Brancato’s (Beverages) | Humdinger Food Truck | KC Fooditude | Taste of Brazil | KC Poppers

La Hamburguesa Loca | Bop N Bowl | Black Belt BBQ | The Hungry Hatch | Newt’s Unique Kitchen N E

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