FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
America’s Renowned Professional Choral Ensemble Presents Four Extraordinary Concerts of Unmatched Beauty Randing from Renaissance to Contemporary
KANSAS CITY, MO – Spire Chamber Ensemble, one of America’s most distinguished choral–orchestral ensembles, today announced its highly anticipated 16th season, featuring four exceptional concert offerings at iconic venues throughout the Midwest. The 2025-2026 season promises audiences an unparalleled musical journey spanning five centuries of choral masterworks.
Season Highlights
Reflections: A Renaissance-Contemporary Dialogue
October 4-5, 2025
In collaboration with William Jewell College Choirs
Redemptorist Catholic Church & Visitation Church, Kansas City, MO
The season opens with an innovative program pairing luminous Renaissance masterpieces with bold contemporary reimaginings of the same timeless texts. The centerpiece features Thomas Tallis’s monumental 40-part motet Spem in alium, alongside fresh interpretations by today’s leading composers including Ken Burton, Roderick Williams, James MacMillan, Caroline Shaw, and Frank Ferko.
Handel’s Messiah: A Candlelight Performance
December 23, 2025
Featuring Period Instruments
C. Stephen Metzler Hall at The Folly Theater, Kansas City, MO
Experience Handel’s beloved masterpiece as the composer intended in this special period performance featuring world-class musicians playing historical instruments. The warm glow of candlelight will transform The Folly Theater into an 18th-century concert hall, creating an intimate and immersive holiday tradition reimagined.
The American Songbook: A 250th Anniversary Celebration
April 25-26, 2026
In collaboration with Allegro Children’s Choir
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City, MO & Atonement Lutheran Church, Overland Park, KS
Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, this powerful musical journey weaves together the rich tapestry of American musical heritage. From humble Shaker melodies to contemporary masterworks, the program features compositions by Copland, Bernstein, Gershwin, Barber, Morten Lauridsen, Adolphus Hailstork, Rosephanye Powell, Reena Esmail, and more—showcasing 250 years of American spirit through song.
Spire Choral Conducting Institute Community Concert
June 12, 2026
Free and open to the public
The season concludes with a free community concert featuring emerging choral conductors and vocal scholars from around the world as part of Spire’s annual Choral Conducting Institute.
About Spire Chamber Ensemble
Spire Chamber Ensemble is a virtuoso choir and orchestra comprised of distinctive solo artists who are also committed to the highest level of ensemble performance. These musicians travel to Kansas City to perform together, providing audiences with a rare level of choral music-making found anywhere else in the country. The Spire Baroque Orchestra, encompassing the finest historical players, joins world-class singers for concerts of unmatched artistic excellence.
Established in 2010, Spire has quickly evolved into a national phenomenon, lauded for artistry, innovation and mastery at making music that matters to audiences throughout the country. Now in their 16th season, Spire is regarded as one of the preeminent choral-orchestral chamber ensembles in the United States. Led by Founder and Artistic Director Ben A. Spalding, Spire performs repertoire ranging from Baroque and Classical masterpieces with period instruments to newly commissioned works by Jake Runestad, Zachary Wadsworth, John Muehleisen, Jonathan Woody, and Sir James MacMillan.
Ticketing and Membership Information
Individual concert tickets start at $25, with student tickets available for $10 with valid ID (plus fees). The Spire Maestro’s Circle membership offers tickets to all three main season concerts FREE, plus exclusive VIP receptions, special intimate concert invitations, and additional benefits for classical music enthusiasts.
Tickets are available now at SpireChamberEnsemble.org. Early purchase is recommended as Spire Chamber Ensemble concerts frequently sell out.
Contact Information
Spire Chamber Ensemble
9101 N. Ambassador Drive, Ste 1104
Kansas City, MO 64154
SpireChamberEnsemble.org
For press inquiries, high-resolution images, or interview requests, please contact [email protected]
About the 2025-2026 Season
The Spire Chamber Ensemble’s 16th season assures commitment to presenting artistic excellence and innovative programming with world-class choral artists and period instrumentalists to perform repertoire ranging from Gregorian chant and Baroque/Classical masterpieces on period instruments to newly commissioned works.