Several weeks ago, we spoke with Richard Harriman. Alas, it turned out to be Richard’s last interview with The Independent. Richard died on July 15th. He created the William Jewell Performing Arts Series more than four decades ago. It is now known as the Harriman-Jewell Series. Richard was a true gentleman and will be much missed in Our Town.

The Harriman-Jewell Series is entering its 46th season of bringing world-class concerts to Kansas City. Richard Harriman, founder and artistic director, established a terrific tradition of attracting a robust roster of important artists in exquisite presentations. Richard says, “There are very few cities that you can go to and see the caliber of artists and the level of sophistication” in the Harriman-Jewell Series. He, along with Executive Director Clark Morris, strive to fill the seasons with diverse artists with the philosophy of discovery, quality and variety. Their success is stunning, once again.

Renee Fleming	Alessio Bax

The 2010-2011 season of the Series is brimming with artists who bring a variety of talents to Our Town. The Trey McIntyre Project dance company launches the season on September 18th. A new and dynamic company, the dancers will perform three works, one of which includes the music of Queen, Lou Reed, Roberta Flack, Felix Mendelssohn, and others. Instrumentalists will include cellist Gautier Capucon and pianist Gabriela Montero in a distinctive duet, violinist Joshua Bell, pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, I Musici de Montreal chamber orchestra, and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, on its first American tour.

Exceptional vocalists have played a role in the Series even before Luciano Pavarotti performed in his professional recital debut in 1973. This season will feature soprano Renee Fleming, The King’s Singers in a holiday concert, Our Town’s own mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, and tenor Stephen Costello. Additionally, the Russian National Ballet Theatre will perform Romeo and Juliet, and the Houston Ballet II will come to Kansas City in October to dance a concert of mixed repertoire. A special engagement on May 5, 2011 will be The Aluminum Show, a brilliant combination of special effects, creative mechanisms and acrobatic dance that makes inanimate objects come to life. The show will feature much imagery and fast-paced music, sure to please audiences of all ages.

The Harriman-Jewell Series also presents Discovery Concerts, which are free to the public. This season’s series includes violinist Chloe Hanslip, pianist Alessio Bax, and pianist Natasha Paremski. The Discovery Concerts are designed to draw newcomers to the arts as well as break the barrier of price. The concerts are free, and the quality of the performances is outstanding.

How does the Harriman-Jewell Series maintain performances that are of the highest quality? Richard attributes the “important base of donors that support these rosters of artists.” Clark also says, “Richard established a great tradition and values. His passion and leadership have given the Series one of the keys to our success.” Clark also appreciates that Our Town’s audience that is so passionate about cultural and performing arts. He says, “Audiences care enough to enjoy these experiences and are interested in thrilling and meaningful experiences in the arts.”

With the Harriman-Jewell Series’ strength, reputation and ability to draw the world’s best artists, area audiences will be able to enjoy high-caliber performances for many years to come.  To learn more, visit www.hjseries.org.

Houston Ballet II	Trey McIntyre Project

The King’s Singers	Joshua Bell

The Aluminum Show

Joyce DiDonato	Stephen Costello