PRISM Quartet with UMKC Wind Symphony: Viet Cuong’s Second Nature

The Conservatory Wind Symphony and conductor Steven D. Davis present “The World Plays Here,” an electrifying concert performed in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

This concert is a celebration of nations, cultures, and voices gathered in a single space. As Kansas City prepares to welcome the world to soccer’s biggest stage in the summer of 2026, how fitting that we also present a world tournament of music at the stunning Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. This time, the players are five composers, each representing a cultural “team,” and together they create a festival of sound – energetic, reflective, and full of surprises.

The program kicks off with Reena Esmail’s Tuttarana (India), a dazzling burst of rhythmic virtuosity inspired by the syllables of Hindustani classical music. Brilliant and fast-paced, it’s the musical equivalent of the opening whistle — full of anticipation and excitement.

From there, Jessie Montgomery’s Coincident Dances (United States) expands the energy with the vibrant sounds of New York City. Jazz, Latin dance, and classical traditions collide in this bustling portrait of a global metropolis, echoing the way fans from around the world will soon converge in one place to celebrate soccer together.

Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri’s Khaen (Thailand) then introduces the ancient timbre of the khaen, a bamboo mouth organ from Southeast Asia. Blending folk heritage with contemporary wind ensemble writing, the piece feels like a new team stepping onto the field, bringing with it a distinct voice and style of play.

David Biedenbender’s Enigma (United States) adds another dimension, weaving fragments of J. S. Bach into its modern fabric. By juxtaposing contemporary American expression with a timeless German voice, the piece becomes a dialogue across centuries and borders, reminding us that music’s global story is always evolving.

The final whistle comes with Viet Cuong’s Second Nature (Vietnam/USA), featuring the extraordinary PRISM Saxophone Quartet. This high-energy work explores the balance between breath, mechanics, and ensemble, dazzling with its virtuosity and drive. It is a thrilling finale — as electrifying and joyous as the final moments of a championship match.

Kansas City stands as a cultural crossroads. Within the walls of the Kauffman Center, this program celebrates the same values that international sports embody: opportunity, artistry, competition, and above all, unity. Truly, the World Plays Here.