Kansas City Symphony
The Kansas City Symphony is a symphony orchestra based in Kansas City, Missouri. It was formed in 1982 by R. Crosby Kemper, Jr after the dissolution of the Kansas City Philharmonic. Since then, the orchestra has been a major participant in the local cultural scene.
The Kansas City Symphony is composed of 80 full-time musicians who are all residents of Kansas City. During its 42-week season, the orchestra performs in various concerts including the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and the Kansas City Ballet.
The Symphony is managed by a Board of Trustees and supported by seven auxiliaries composed mostly of volunteers. Around $900,000 are raised every year for the funding of the orchestra. Some of the fund-raising events are the Symphony Ball, Symphony Mart, Designers’ Showhouse, Cabaret Concert, and Homes of Note Tour. The annual operating budget of the Kansas City Symphony often reaches $9 million.