Firebird Symphony Ball
EVENT BRANDING & DESIGN
The Symphony League of Kansas City
For over 35 years, the Symphony League of Kansas City has hosted an annual Symphony Ball to benefit the Kansas City Symphony. The Firebird Symphony Ball marked the opening of the 2019-20 Kansas City Symphony season and the League chose a theme of brilliance and enchantment based on Igor Stravinsky’s Suite, “The Firebird.”
Inspired by the music of Stravinsky and Russian folklore of the Firebird, I created a fairytale invitation in a fiery color palette of reds and oranges. An original retelling of the Firebird legend, custom illustrations and special print techniques made the invitation feel extra special to receive and to read through.
In addition to a full invitation suite, we provided all collateral assets including website graphics, a stationary package for fundraising efforts, print ad, benefactor invitation, event program, signage, and chocolate wrapper design.
AWARDS
• Gold Addy, invitation suite
• Silver Addy, illustrations
• PIA GraphEx Award Best of Show, invitation suite + program
MY ROLE » CREATIVE DIRECTION / ART DIRECTION / DESIGN
Illustrations: Brett Emanuel
Copy: Chris Kenny
Production: Judy Gillihan
Account Manager: Allie Hamm
A Noteworthy Year
Although the Symphony Ball is always exceptional, 2019 also commemorated several important milestones: the 15th anniversary of Michael Stern as Music Director; the 100th anniversary of the birth of Michael Stern’s father, the renowned violinist Isaac Stern; and the 250th birthday of Beethoven. It was also the first year that the event would be held at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
