Symphony Ball Chairman Barbara Haviland and her dedicated committees are in the midst of creating a supernova event designed to honor a superstar! The 2024 Symphony Ball, presented by the Symphony League, promises to be the brilliant light on the Autumn horizon of fundraising affairs in Our Town. Built around our world-class symphony orchestra and the arrival of and premiere performance by new Music Director Matthias Pintscher, this dazzling evening is one not to be missed on September 7th. 

The impressive and energetic Barb Haviland is just the person to be guiding the galaxy of details regarding the enticing evening. Kansas City was lucky enough to become Barb’s home when she moved here to start a career at Hallmark as a product manager. After meeting her husband and changing careers, Barb actually ended up working in the Kansas City Symphony office in marketing. One thing led to another, and her sights turned to volunteering, which she has done with abandon. Among the recipients of her time and talents are: Gordon Parks Charter School, Lyric Opera Circle, Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri; St. Andrew’s Church, and, of course, the Symphony League. 

She has chaired balls and auctions, served on boards, and done more than her share of marketing and fundraising for non profits. All of this seems to have led her to the helm of what could be called a new era for the Symphony, with the 2024 Ball providing the first time guests will see Matthias Pintscher in action conducting our orchestra. She sums up this point in time by saying, “Michael Stern helped us become a first-class symphony, and Matthias is going to take us to the next level.” 

Barb is determined to make the special evening just as much about Matthias as it is about the party and the fundraising. She wants us to know how meticulously trained he is, what a prolific composer he is, how charming he is, and how much our musicians are excited to work with him. She is equally enthusiastic about her honorary chairmen, Linda and Paul DeBruce. “With their support, this will all be possible. They are lovely and gracious people.” 

The DeBruces, in turn, had this to say about the Symphony and the Ball. “We believe when our community embraces, nurtures, and educates through the arts, we expand the minds and opportunities of Kansas Citians. It is a privilege to support this fine institution as it does so. This year’s “NOVA” theme to usher in a bright new beginning resonates with our efforts at The DeBruce Foundation as we are committed to helping individuals having bright new beginnings by expanding their career pathways.” And, they are equally excited about the future of the Symphony, “We expect our wonderful Symphony to shine brightly with the new musical director amplifying quality music-making by our talented area musicians and capitalizing on community outreach and education efforts across the region.”

What is in store on September 7th at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts? A lot! The evening will begin with a cocktail reception and auction on the stage in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre; then continue to Helzberg Hall, where the Symphony will perform; then move to Brandmeyer Great Hall where dinner will be served; followed by a Champagne toast to Matthias and the orchestra. But wait, that’s not all – The Cosmos Afterparty will be a blast! From nine o’clock until midnight, guests will enjoy dancing, raffles, photo stations, or a quiet piano bar atmosphere. Ball attendees will also be given the chance to invite guests to this fun, post-ball affair.  

Want to be tempted by some of the incredible auction items? Call the credit card companies to let them know – the funds are going to a good cause! Concertmaster Jun Iwasaki will prepare a gourmet dinner in Melanie and Mike Fenske’s beautiful home; or Music Director Pintscher will accompany diners at Anita and Gary Robb’s stunning home; or a weekend of food and fun at the hotel and mercantile of The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Clearly, the night will offer a little something for everyone, and a lot of celebration for the next phase of our hometown-proud Symphony!

Featured in the July 13, 2024 issue of The Independent
By Anne Potter Russ
Photo Credit: Franck Ferville & Felix Broede