News Releases

BMO PRIVATE BANK TO SPONSOR TWO NEW KC SYMPHONY PROGRAMS
Sponsorship includes new Symphony Business Council and Classics Uncorked Chamber Series

LEAWOOD, KS –(Nov. 2, 2012) BMO Private Bank and the Kansas City Symphony are proud to announce a partnership for the 2012-2013 season, which includes lead sponsorship of the Symphony's new Classics Uncorked chamber orchestra series to be held in Helzberg Hall, and support of the Symphony Business Council. BMO Private Bank's gift to the Symphony for the 2012-2013 season is $50,000, which includes recognition at the Underwriter level for the 2012 Symphony Ball.

Kelli Glynn, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for BMO Private Bank commented, "Kansas City has become a world class fine arts destination punctuated by the performances of the Kansas City Symphony in Helzberg Hall under the direction of Michael Stern.  We are privileged to partner with the Symphony and demonstrate BMO's continued dedication to our vibrant arts community."  

"We are thrilled that BMO Private Bank has chosen to partner with the Kansas City Symphony this season, sponsoring two new Symphony ventures," added Frank Byrne, Executive Director of the Kansas City Symphony. "With BMO's very generous support, we will be able to reach an ever-growing audience – many of whom are new to classical music – with outstanding and varied musical experiences. We thank BMO Private Bank for their leadership and vision for Kansas City and our community."

The Symphony Business Council is a group of more than 60 businesses located and/or headquartered in Kansas City that financially support the Symphony. The Business Council will host a series of events to provide networking, business education and arts exposure to its members, and will be open to all companies that pledge a minimum gift of support.

The Business Council is led by an Executive Committee comprised of successful corporate business owners and leaders dedicated to helping the Symphony generate enthusiasm in the corporate community, identify new prospects, and cultivate candidates for future board committee or other Symphony volunteer leadership roles.

For the 2012-2013 Symphony Season, the Business Council will be chaired by Kelli Glynn, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for BMO Private Bank.

The Kansas City Symphony will host the first Symphony Business Council event on the rooftop garden terrace of its offices in the Crossroads Arts District on Thursday, October 18. The topic of this meeting is economic development and the arts.

Classics Uncorked is a four-concert series of intimate 75-minute concerts which feature Symphony musicians performing popular and interesting works in a casual setting. Each ticket include a glass of wine or champagne after the concert, where patrons will mingle with Symphony musicians in the breathtaking Brandmeyer Great Hall lobby of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The concerts will be led by the Symphony's new assistant conductor Aram Demirjian on the following dates:

Thursday, November 8 at 7:00PM
Thursday, December 6 at 7:00PM
Thursday, March 21 at 7:00PM
Thursday, May 9 at 7:00PM

Tickets for these concerts are available now by calling the Symphony Box Office at (816) 471-0400, or select seats online and print at home by visiting the Symphony's website at www.kcsymphony.org.

About BMO Private Bank, a part of BMO Financial Group
BMO Private Bank offers a comprehensive range of wealth management services that include investment advisory, trust, banking and financial planning to meet the financial needs of high net worth clients. Through integrated teams of experienced financial professionals, BMO Private Bank helps its clients realize their financial and lifestyle goals with solutions that are custom tailored and delivered with the highest level of personalized service.

BMO Private Bank is a brand name used in the United States by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. Not all products and services are available in every state and/or location.

About the Kansas City Symphony
The Kansas City Symphony is the region's only full-time professional symphony orchestra, setting the standard for musical excellence. Led by Music Director Michael Stern since 2005, the Symphony has experienced impressive artistic growth, garnering national and international acclaim. The orchestra's 80 full-time musicians are area residents, and each season touch the hearts of more than a million people through our Classical, Pops and Family concerts; special holiday events; chamber concerts; major civic gatherings such as Bank of America Celebration at the Station, which draws over 55,000 people, and the Symphony In the Flint Hills annual concert. During its 42-week season, the orchestra also presents educational programs, community outreach performances, and serves as the orchestra for the Lyric Opera and the Kansas City Ballet. Classical performances are broadcast weekly on KCUR 89.3 FM during the Kansas City Symphony Hour, Thursdays at 9 pm. Visit the Kansas City Symphony online at kcsymphony.org.