Description: Johannes Debus, guest conductor Martin Helmchen, piano WAGNER Selections from The Ring BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor” A grand masterpiece of the classical canon, Beethoven’s “Emperor” Piano Concerto earned that nickname for its unmistakably grand and noble qualities. While Beethoven composed the work when he was confronting deafness, the concerto still exudes pride and heroism — expansive, powerful music refusing to surrender to the misery Beethoven suffered during its composition. Wagner’s four-opera cycle The Ring of the Nibelung is the pinnacle of operatic extravagance and indulgence. The Kansas City Symphony presents excerpts from Wagner’s Ring featuring some of the most thrilling and gargantuan episodes of instrumental music from the entire operatic repertoire. Tickets from $25. For more information or tickets, please visit kcsymphony.org or call (816) 471-0400. Submitted by: Beth Buchanan Kansas City Symphony