The Harriman-Jewell Series mission is to bring the best of the performing arts to downtown Kansas City. Founded in 1965, the Harriman-Jewell Series continues to carve out an enviable legacy as a performing arts presenter of international importance.

Many know that the Series presented tenor Luciano Pavarotti in his professional recital debut in 1973, but the story of discovery neither begins nor ends here. Few Kansas Citians had seen New York City Ballet’s Edward Villella and Patricia McBride before they danced for the Series’ first performance in 1965. Nor had the community heard violinist Itzhak Perlman play, unless one counts Ed Sullivan Show appearances that preceded his first local recital in 1971.

Discovery, along with the co-tenets quality and variety, run the full length of the Series’ existence. These principles, set by the Series’ late founder and artistic director Richard Harriman, continue to guide its service to the community.

More than 900 performances have come to Kansas City by way of the Harriman-Jewell Series, including 23 American recital debuts by prominent artists. With the addition of its free educational events that allow interaction with musicians and dancers, and its discovery concerts that eliminate the barrier of cost, the Harriman-Jewell Series offers even more life-enriching opportunities for its community’s youth and lifelong learners.

In 2014–2015, the Series will celebrate its 50th anniversary season.