The culmination of Kansas City Ballet’s 52nd season includes world premieres by Toni Pimble and Jessica Lang, and a new ballet titled Who Cares?, set to 16 show stoppers by George Gershwin. Balanchine’s choreography brings pizzazz, class, high kicks, and upbeat energy to this ballet. Single tickets on sale Sep. 1, 2009. Tickets range from $25-$75.

Experience the rapturous vocals of Baritone Jubilant Sykes singing Gospel selections and Aaron Copland's Old American Songs. The concert includes Aaron Copland's ballet that he wrote for the Martha Graham Dance Company, Appalachian Spring, in a concert that will resonate with vibrant heritage and culture, leaving you breathless. Concert held in the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. Tickets $9-$17. Season tickets available.

Guests will revel in an elegant and magical Victorian holiday celebration at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Kansas City. Enjoy shopping for unique holiday gifts at the Silent Auction and Nutcracker Market and dine on a delicious three course lunch. The enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy and her friends will delight guests with a swirl of dancing and so much more. After the luncheon, it’s a short walk to the magnificent Music Hall for the 2 p.m. matinee of Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Tickets range from $60 for a child up to $1,500 for a table of 10 and are on sale beginning October 26, 2009. Each child will receive a complimentary photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Enjoy our annual holiday pops concert featuring combined area choirs and a performance of Robert Kapilow's version of the popular holiday story The Polar Express. In addition to these enchanting selections, you’ll hear other yuletide favorites such as music from Home Alone, traditional selections such as Choruses from Messiah, and Ron's annual trumpet and vocal surprise. Concert held in the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. Matinee, free; 7:30 p.m. $17-$9. Season tickets available

The 43rd Annual Ballet Ball will celebrate the fascinating rhythm of dance with a Gershwin inspired evening of cocktails, dinner and dancing at the Muehlebach Hotel. Patrons will be swept back to the Jazz Age as they enjoy Kansas City Ballet performing a sneak peak excerpt of George Balanchine’s Who Cares?, a delightful crowd pleaser full of pizzazz, class and high kicks. Proceeds benefit the Kansas City Ballet and Kansas City Ballet School. Ticket start at $250.

Kansas City Ballet’s 52nd season continues with Robert Hill’s Piano Concerto Number 2; Jose Limon’s The Moor’s Pavane; and Val Caniparoli’s Lambarena. Lambarena is an irresistible fusion of Bach and traditional African rhythms. Single tickets on sale Sep. 1, 2009. Tickets range from $25-$75.

Holiday magic sparkles as the curtain goes up for Kansas City Ballet’s enchanting presentation of The Nutcracker, accompanied by a live orchestra. Featuring elaborate scenery, stunning choreography and vibrant costumes, Clara’s magical adventure captures the imaginations of all ages. More than 200 Kansas City Ballet School students perform alongside the 25 Kansas City Ballet company dancers. Tickets on sale October 26.

The full Missouri State University Choirs will join us for a powerhouse performance of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. This truly awe inspiring work is one of the signature works of the 20th century; the opening, O Fortuna, has been used countless times for dramatic effect in film and television. The excitement of the evening will swell higher with performances including world class soloist Kathleen Kim, a regular at the Metropolitan Opera, the 2008 Hellam Competition winner Ben Gulley, and the vocals of diverse Baritone Elem Eley. Concert held in the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. Single tickets: $9-$17. Season tickets available.

Featuring Nobuyuki Tsujii, the Gold Medalist of the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, the most prestigious Piano competition in the world. Tsujii, who was born blind, started playing the piano at age 2. He memorizes music after listening to his teacher's recordings. In keeping with the Valentine theme, the Symphony will perform Wagner's Act III prelude to Tristan and Isolde and Manuel de Falla's fiery and sonorous Spanish ballet El Amor Brujo, which will feature luminous local Mezzo Soprano Leah Hamilton Jenkins. Concert held in the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. Single tickets $9-$17. Season tickets available.