Arnold Epley,
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Conductor Laureate

Arnold Epley became the artistic director and conductor of the Kansas City Symphony Chorus in 1992 and continued through 2008.  In his seventeen year tenure, he prepared the Chorus for over 70 works heard in 200-plus Symphony performances, in addition to the Symphony Chorus’ guest appearances with other orchestras, concert tours and independently produced concerts.

Arnold Epley was the professor of music and director of choral studies at William Jewell College, retiring this past year.  He conducted the William Jewell Concert Choir, the Chapel Choir, the Chamber Singers, and the Grand Chorus.  He had led the William Jewell Choir in 26 American tours, and to England and Scotland for nine concert tours, including performances in the cathedrals of St. Giles, Ely, Lincoln, Durham, Coventry, Southwell and York, concerts in Grantham and Oxford, and in 2003, St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London. 

In 1994, Dr. Epley joined the Independence Messiah Choir as their resident conductor for the 89th annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. This rich music tradition is being continued through the support of the Kansas City Symphony Chorus, currently under the direction of Charles Bruffy, and the Kansas City Symphony. 

William Jewell College honored Dr. Epley with the Carl F. Willard Distinguished Teaching Award, and as Professor of the Year in 1999.  He has received the Luther T. Spayde Award, the Missouri Choral Directors Association’s highest honor.

Dr. Epley is currently the Artistic Director of Musica Vocale, in Kansas City, MO.