Harriman-Jewell Series' Grand New Season Begins Soon:
All Performances Presented in Downtown Kansas City

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Conrad Tao | Itzhak Perlman | AAADT: Linda Celeste Sims; photo by Andrew Eccles

The Harriman-Jewell Series' grand new season is rapidly approaching: The powerhouse performing arts presenter's 44th season boasts today's musical icons, emerging stars, and world-class ensembles—all to perform in downtown Kansas City venues. The new season's events are on sale now in the form of single tickets and cost-effective three- or six-event packages.

The Series will continue its traditional offer of two free "Discovery concerts" to the Kansas City-area community: 14-year-old pianist Conrad Tao opens the season on September 13, 2008, and 27-year-old pianist Yevgeny Sudbin performs on March 19, 2009. Tickets for the September 13 concert are available now online at harriman-jewell.org.

Additional fall highlights include a return performance by violinist Itzhak Perlman—the October 4 concert will mark the master virtuoso's ninth recital presented by the Series. On November 13, the Series joins with The Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey to present the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in downtown Kansas City's newly renovated Midland by AMC (formerly the Midland Theatre). The Ailey Company sparked a love affair with Kansas City 40 years ago with its Series debut in 1968, and subsequent presentations led to the formation of The Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey (the local organization celebrates its 25th year this season).

Of the 17 upcoming performances, several are Kansas City debuts including one American recital debut sung by rising-star soprano Danielle de Niese. The Australian-born 28-year-old grew up in Los Angeles and debuted at the Metropolitan Opera at age 19. Critics are agog over this beautiful operatic discovery: "a voice seductive enough to woo gods as well as mortals," wrote the New York Times.

More than 800 performances have come to Kansas City by way of the Harriman-Jewell Series—including 18 American recital debuts by prominent vocalists and instrumentalists. The cumulative impact and enduring quality of its programming has earned the Series recognition as a premier contributor to the region's cultural landscape.

2008–2009 SEASON OF GREAT PERFORMANCES
Single tickets and event packages are on sale now. All 2008-2009 events (except for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in The Midland by AMC) will be held in downtown Kansas City's Folly Theater (12th and Central Sts.) The historic hall of 1,066 seats offers architectural beauty and superior acoustics.

Conrad Tao, pianist in free "Discovery concert"; Saturday, September 13, 2008 (7 p.m.)
Itzhak Perlman, violinist in recital; Saturday, October 4, 2008 (8 p.m.)
Emanuel Ax and Yefim Bronfman, pianists in duo recital; Thursday, November 6, 2008 (7:30 p.m.)
Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra led by Leon Botstein; Saturday, November 8, 2008 (8 p.m.)
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; Thu., Nov. 13, 2008 (7:30 p.m.) (in cooperation with Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey)
Compañía Flamenco José Porcel; Saturday, November 15, 2008 (8 p.m.)
Home for the Holidays: Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra; Thursday, December 18, 2008 (7:30 p.m.)
Joshua Bell, violinist in recital; Saturday, January 10, 2009 (8 p.m.)
Russian National Ballet performing "Great Moments from Russian Ballets"; Friday, January 16, 2009 (8 p.m.)
Joyce DiDonato, mezzo-soprano and Les Talens Lyriques; Wednesday, January 21, 2009 (7:30 p.m.)
Danielle de Niese, soprano in American recital debut; Wednesday, February 4, 2009 (7:30 p.m.)
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields with violinist Julia Fischer; Saturday, February 21, 2009 (8 p.m.)
Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra (Irish and Celtic program with guest soloists); Friday, March 6, 2009 (8 p.m.)
Yevgeny Sudbin, pianist in free "Discovery concert"; Thursday, March 19, 2009 (7 p.m.)
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center; Tuesday, April 7, 2009 (7:30 p.m.)
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet; Saturday, April 18, 2009 (8 p.m.)
Julia Fischer, violinist in recital; Saturday April 25, 2009 (8 p.m.)

Call 816-415-5025 (toll-free at 888-528-5521) for tickets and information or visit harriman-jewell.org. Financial support for the season has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

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