INGRID STÖLZEL: 

Ingrid Stölzel is an award-winning composer whose works have been performed at concert halls and festivals around the world and have been called “richly introspective” and cited as demonstrating “a gift for melody”; currently associate professor of composition at The University of Kansas School of Music, she was formerly director of Park University’s International Center for Music. 

What I love about the Kansas City/KC region’s performing arts scene:  One of the things I always share with people when they consider moving to the area is that the performing arts scene is incredibly supportive and welcoming. I’m also excited about what I believe to be the start of a change in how performing arts organizations acknowledge and celebrate the fact that Kansas City and the surrounding area are home to world-class artists and performers. 

What I would love to see in Kansas City:  I would love to see a state-of-the-art performance venue of medium size that complements the incredible Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Imagine what that would make possible for mid-sized performing arts organizations in the region.

Where my passion comes from:  My passion for composing comes from a deep belief that music has the power to heal, unite, and change the world. 

Important upcoming events for me:  In August, I have a premiere of a new choir piece in Spain, commissioned for the Antología de la Música Asturiana Siglo XXI. A little closer to home, I’m excited for the premiere of Anders als die Andern (Different from the Others) for Soprano Saxophone and Piano, commissioned for the I Exist Project by local saxophonist Nicholas May. This season, NAVO Arts will present a portrait concert of my music and the regional premiere of Genius Loci — Spirit of Place for Orchestra at the Folly Theater, in collaboration with Park University’s International Center for Music, two organizations that are near and dear to my heart. 

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CHARLES BRUFFY: 

Charles Bruffy began his career as a member of the Robert Shaw Festival Singers and has been artistic director of the Kansas City Chorale since 1988 and chorus director of the Kansas City Symphony since 2008; he and his choirs have performed numerous premieres by world-renowned composers and have won multiple Grammy Awards, including two for Best Choral Performance and one for Best Small Ensemble Performance. 

What I love about the Kansas City performing-arts scene:  No matter what art form — dance, theater, choral, symphonic, visual, and on and on — everyone has their pick of really high-caliber experiences. I’m so amazed at the breadth of artistic opportunities we offer here. May I add a nod to a 24-hour classical music station (Classical KC)? 

What I would love to see more of in Kansas City performing arts:  I’ve always thought it would be great to offer patrons “arts sampler” experiences. Sort of like the model The UMKC Conservatory has used in the past with Crescendo, where people get to see and hear many different arts disciplines in one setting. I’d also like to see more collaborations among arts groups.

Where my passion comes from:  My parents. They had me in piano lessons at age four! And of course my passion for getting to use my hands and my emotions to coax the most marvelous sounds from the two choruses I work with. I love bringing sound to life, and of course working with the people who make it. 

Important events coming up:  We have a couple new albums coming out in 2024 and ’25: It’s always thrilling to put our particular type of choral music on recordings for posterity. And I’m excited about next season; we’re programming a really diverse repertoire, from classical favorites to world premieres and everything in between.

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RICK TRUMAN: 
Named executive director of the Folly Theater in 2022, Rick Truman had previously worked with Quality Hill Playhouse for 18 years, first as business manager and, from 2007 to 2022, as managing director; he is a graduate of Avila University and holds a master of public administration degree from The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Bloch School of Business. 

What I love about the Kansas City performing-arts scene:  How much art there is here! Kansas City is home to extremely talented and diverse artists and organizations. I don’t know if people realize how lucky we are to have so much happening in our City.

What I would love to see more of in Kansas City performing arts: Collaboration. The arts are inherently a collaborative medium. I am encouraged by the increased conversations happening among organizations, and I look forward to witnessing how those shared voices elevate what we all do.

Where my passion comes from:  I was a shy kid, and the theater provided me an opportunity to get outside myself, express myself, and explore new ways of thinking about the world. Whether you are a participant or observer, the arts inspire, entertain, and unite us in ways that go beyond cognitive thought.

Important upcoming events for me:  The Folly Theater is presenting Alex Newell in our first Folly Pride Concert on July 19. Not only is Alex an amazing talent who will blow the roof off the building, they are also Time Magazine’s 2023 Breakthrough of the Year and, I think, the first non-binary queer person of color to headline on the Folly stage! 

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JACKSON THOMAS: 

Founder and artistic director of KC VITAs, a choir devoted to the performance of new choral music, award-winning conductor Jackson Thomas is also director of choral activities at the University of Central Missouri; since 2015, he and KC VITAs have brought nearly 100 world premieres of newly commissioned choral works to Kansas City audiences. 

What I love about the Kansas City performing-arts scene:  I love that the Kansas City performing-arts scene is open to new ideas. If you have a passion and a plan, there are so many artists ready to help bring your art to life. 

What I would love to see more of in Kansas City performing arts:  While I think we’re pretty good at it already as a community, I’d love to see even more collaboration across artistic mediums and beyond. I want to find more ways to capitalize on what we all do best, in order to bring meaningful projects to fruition. 

Where my passion comes from: My passion comes from making music with people that leaves an audience with an experience, not just pretty sound. What makes it even better is when I feel like the art I am helping to create contributes in a positive way to the community (local and beyond) and to my craft. 

Important upcoming events for me:  KC VITAs celebrating their 10th season! We will be recording an album this summer and, on August 2nd and 4th, presenting two concerts (Now That’s What I Call VITAs) of music from that album, Our season end with Eklektikos, a collaboration concert with newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble on November 8th and 10th. Tickets are available on our website (kcvitas.org)!

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LAMAR SIMS: 

Lamar Sims is a renowned pianist, teacher, vocal coach, and collaborative artist who has performed with the Heartland Men’s Chorus for 10 years and has served at Park University and at Broadway Church; the Louisville, Kentucky native holds bachelor of music and master of music degrees from the University of Maryland-College Park and has performed with major artists and organizations around the United States. 

What I love about the Kansas City performing-arts scene:  I love the richness and diversity of the performing-arts scene in Kansas City, from symphony and opera all the way to jazz and burlesque. There is truly something for everyone, whether as a performer or as an audience member.

What I would love to see more of in Kansas City performing arts:  I suppose I would like to see more mentor and training programs in which students and amateurs learn from seasoned professionals. I love teaching and want teachers and students alike to benefit from the wisdom and experience of those who are active “in the business.” 

Where my passion comes from:  My passion comes partly from an irrational wellspring within me to make and teach music. Additionally, I am inspired by the way that studying and performing helps us heal, make the world a better place, and know ourselves and each other more fully and authentically.

Important upcoming events for me:  Currently, I am looking forward to performing with Heartland Men’s Chorus, Kansas City Women’s Chorus, OUTside VoicesKC, and the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, on July 7th at Community Christian Church.