Kansas City Symphony: Matthias Pintscher - Beethoven and Byond: Piano Concerto No. 4

Kansas City Symphony: Matthias Pintscher - Beethoven and Byond: Piano Concerto No. 4 at Helzberg Hall - Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Discovering a new piece of music carries its own electricity. The Kansas City Symphony brings Chris Rogerson's newly commissioned piano concerto to Helzberg Hall, paired with Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 and Symphony No. 8. Matthias Pintscher conducts, and Inon Barnatan performs both concertos.

The Beethoven & Beyond series places established works beside contemporary voices. That makes February 6 an appealing choice for a listener who wants a familiar composer and something to discover. You can arrive with an attachment to Beethoven and leave room for Rogerson's music to become a new interest, without needing to know the work beforehand.

Barnatan gives piano lovers a particular reason to make plans. Hearing the same soloist in two concertos offers a connection across the program: one performer, two composers and different musical ideas to explore. His double role makes the piano more than a passing feature of the evening.

Beethoven's Eighth adds lighthearted humor and musical jokes. That playful character is an attraction of its own, especially if your image of Beethoven leans toward monumental drama. There is room here for enjoyment that comes with a smile as well as the curiosity of unfamiliar music.

Make this your evening for a pianist, a new commission and a composer with a mischievous side. Find Beethoven & Beyond tickets for the Kansas City Symphony at Helzberg Hall.