The Medical Arts Symphony began in 1959 when Eleanor Sharp and some of her colleagues at the University of Kansas Medical Center decided to share their avocation, symphonic music, with their profession, health care. Since its founding, the Symphony has not wavered from its dual mission of providing an opportunity for amateur musicians to perform great works of Western music and enriching the cultural life of Kansas City by presenting free concerts that frequently feature first performances of works by local composers. For thirty years, the orchestra was conducted by Leopold Shopmaker, who was succeeded by Merton Shatzkin in 1989. John Bell began as Associate Conductor in January, 2012, and served as Music Director and Conductor from September, 2013 until May, 2015. Steve Lewis is the current Music Director.
