2025/26 Concert Series
Experience a captivating series of performances that celebrate global musical traditions and cultural connections. From the soulful sounds of fado and flamenco to the rich heritage of Irish, Ozark, and Armenian folk music, each event offers a unique exploration of diverse musical landscapes. Featuring world-class artists and immersive cultural insights, these performances highlight the power of artistic exchange and the timeless beauty of iconic music from Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Mexico, and beyond.
March 30 – April 3rd , 2025
New York City, NY
Thursday, April 24th, 2025, 6- 8pm CST
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
A program bringing together the artistry of Turkish culture through the interplay of music and textiles. Ensemble Iberica cellist virtuoso Ezgi Karakus and artistic director Beau Bledsoe present a captivating program featuring Turkish melodies and original compositions, paired with exquisite miniature textiles from the museum’s collection and rare examples from their personal archives. Part of the “Culturally Curious” adult education series, this event, in partnership with The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, offers a rich, sensory journey into the beauty of Turkish traditions, weaving music and visual art into an unforgettable experience.
$30
Friday, May 23rd, 2025, 7:00- 9:00pm CST
Saturday, June 21st, 2025, 7:30- 9:30pm CST
Flamenco Roots explores the vibrant interconnections between Spanish flamenco and popular songs from the Americas. This captivating program features mesmerizing flamenco dancers Sachiko “La Chayí” and Melinda Hedgecorth, alongside the soulful voice of flamenco singer Alfonso Cid, hailing from Sevilla. The performance highlights the rich cultural exchange between Spain and the Americas, weaving together passionate rhythms, evocative dance, and stirring vocals to showcase the deep, shared roots of flamenco music and dance.
$50 – $55
Saturday, July 26th, 2025, 7:00- 9:00pm CST
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Atkins Auditorium
Friday, August 15th, 2025, 7:00- 9:00pm CST
October, 2024, Dates TBA
Spain, Portugal
We invite you to an unforgettable musical journey through the heart of Iberia, featuring world-class musicians and the rich cultural heritage of Spain and Portugal.
In Spain, join Ensemble Ibérica’s Artistic Director Beau Bledsoe, cellist Ezgi Karkus, violinist Coleen Dieker, and Basque accordionist Gorka Hermosa. Experience the bold, innovative spirit of flamenco in its birthplace, Andalusia, with the region’s finest food and wine.
In Portugal, immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of fado with cellist Ezgi Karakus, Lisbon’s Rodrigo Costa Felix and Francisco Moreira, and guest artist George Carver, whose blend of fado with American styles creates a unique, captivating sound. Fado, often called “The Blues of Portugal,” is infused with deep melancholy and resonates with themes of fate, love, and loss. This experience promises intimate performances and personal connections to the heart of these passionate musical traditions.
Join us for either Portugal or Spain or come to both!
Saturday, Dec 13th, 2025, 1pm- 3pm CST
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Atkins Auditorium
Join us for a fascinating concert that celebrates the music and film of the golden age of Mexican cinema. The event will feature new musical arrangements by Ensemble Iberica and our amazing singer from Veracruz Mexico, Fedra Cooper Barrera as well as insights from guest speaker Alejandra Gomez from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. Presented in collaboration with the Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City, this program is part of our Culturally Curious adult education series, inviting you to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Mexico’s golden era.
$30
Sunday, Jan 18th, 2026, 6pm- 8pm CST
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Atkins Auditorium
Strings Across Cultures features two exceptional musicians, Mike Block and Hanneke Cassel, blending innovation with tradition. Mike Block, a multi-style cellist known for his cross-cultural collaborations, has been praised for his “vital” playing by the New York Times. Hanneke Cassel, a renowned fiddler, merges Scottish traditions with Americana, delivering “exuberant and rhythmic” performances, as described by the Boston Globe. Together, they’ll create a captivating evening of music that spans cultures and celebrates both tradition and creativity.
$49