Guest conductors direct symphony’s final shows

Kansas City, Mo. — The Kansas City Symphony will end its 2002-2003 Classical Series under the direction of two guest conductors. Maestra Anne Manson’s final season as music director will be cut short due to the arrival of her second child.

Michael Stern will make his Kansas City debut March 28-30, when he conducts Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1, Stravinsky’s “Firebird” Suite and the world premiere of Ned Rorem’s Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, performed with cellist David Geringas.

Stern has conducted the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the symphony orchestras of Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Atlanta, Houston, Baltimore and Toronto.

The final concert, April 4-6, will be under the leadership of Jahja Ling. On the program is Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection.” Ling has conducted nearly all the major symphony orchestras in North America.

Tickets for both concerts are available online at www.kcsymphony.org or by calling the ticket office at (816) 471-0400.

Beach Museum to exhibit Pulitzer-winning photos

Manhattan — An exhibit opening Jan. 2 at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art will feature Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper photojournalism from 1942 to the present.

“Capture the Moment: The Pulitzer Prize Photographs” will be on display through March 30. The exhibit comes from the Freedom Forum’s Newseum in Arlington, Va.

It’s the largest and most comprehensive display of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs shown in the United States and will include the 2002 Pulitzer-winning photograph of the World Trade Center attack taken by New York Times staff member Steve Ludlum.

Exhibition curator Cyma Rubin of New York City will give a tour/gallery talk at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 9 at the museum. The presentation is free and open to the public.

KC Symphony announces Young Artist Competition

Kansas City, Mo. — The Kansas City Symphony’s annual Young Artist Competition will be Jan. 18 at the Lyric Theatre, 11th Street and Central Avenue.

All Kansas City area instrumentalists in grades 9-12 are invited to participate in the competition. The three top musicians will receive cash prizes. First prize is $500; second prize is $350; and third prize is $250.

Applications for the competition are due in the symphony office by Jan. 3. There is a $10 application fee.

Contestants are asked to prepare a five- to eight-minute movement from a standard concerto or a short work that has orchestra accompaniment.

For more information, or to request an application, contact Jennifer Hull, education manager, at (816) 471-1100 or jhull@kcsymphony.org.

National opera council to hold auditions in KC

Kansas City, Mo. — The Metropolitan Opera National Council will conduct its 2003 District auditions at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 18 at White Hall at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry St.

The District competition is an opportunity for young singers in the area to perform before distinguished judges, audition for the Metropolitan Opera and compete with other talented young people in the District.

Those who wish to participate must apply by Jan. 6. Auditions are free and open to the public. More information and applications are available by calling Mrs. John F. Ingraham at (816) 942-0173.

Winners of the District competition will compete in the Regional auditions Feb. 15 in Tulsa, Okla. Winners there will compete at National Auditions semifinals March 30 at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. The Grand Finals Concert will be April 6.