·       Friends of Chamber Music at the Folly Theater

·       Saturday, September 19, 2026

·       5:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Join Arts Alive for an unforgettable evening of great food, beautiful music, and Kansas City culture in partnership with Friends of Chamber Music!

Begin the evening with dinner on the patio at Los Tules Restaurant, then regroup at the historic Folly Theater for American Landscapes—a beautifully curated program celebrating the rich musical landscape of America.

So what is Chamber Music?

Chamber music is classical music on a more intimate scale. Instead of a large orchestra, it’s written for a small group of musicians—often just two to a dozen or so.

The name comes from the idea of music being performed in a “chamber,” or room, rather than a large concert hall. Traditionally, chamber music was enjoyed in homes, palaces, and other smaller spaces. The performance of chamber music requires skills, both musical and social, that differ from the skills required for playing solo or symphonic works

The opening program of the Friends of Chamber Music Fifty-First Season celebrates American Landscapes across three unique works.

Barber’s youthful Serenade Opus 1 announces a remarkable compositional voice, already brimming with signature lyricism. Amy Beach’s Piano Quintet is a towering achievement of American Romanticism — brooding and passionate. The program closes with Dvořák’s “American” Quintet, composed during his celebrated time in the United States, a sunlit, folk-infused work that stands as one of chamber music’s most consequential creations — lighting the way into the New World.

Expect an evening filled with lush melodies, captivating performances, and the intimate atmosphere that makes chamber music so special. performed by Friends of Chamber Music’s artistic directors and distinguished guest musicians.

The Evening

5:30 PM — Dinner at Los Tules
1656 Broadway Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64105

• Patio seating

• Cash Bar for Alcohol

7:30 PM — American Landscapes
The Folly Theater
300 W. 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105

Program:

Three distinct chamber works celebrating American themes and romanticism:

·       Samuel Barber: Serenade for String Quartet, Op. 1

·       Amy Beach: Piano Quintet in F-sharp minor, Op. 6

·       Antonín Dvořák: String Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 97 “American”

Tickets: $45

The Folly is offering discounted parking for Arts Alive ticket holders for just $10 at the Block 89 Garage, located at 323 W. 12th Street, directly west of the Folly.

We’d love to have you join us for this special Arts Alive evening!

Please note: Arts Alive tickets are non-refundable. If your plans change, you are welcome to give or sell your ticket to a friend.