Strike up the music — there’s a new performing arts group in town. The Kinnor Philharmonic, a new Jewish-themed symphony orchestra, will make its debut New Year’s Day with a 3 p.m. concert at Congregation Beth Torah.

The 45 to 50 members of the orchestra include “men and women, people from all sorts of backgrounds, some professional musicians, some semi-professional. We have people who have played for a long time but who may have a different vocation other than music,” said Christopher Kelts, Kinnor’s music director.

The latter group includes Kinnor’s president of the board Robin Onikul, who has played violin in the Kansas City Civic Orchestra for 14 years and was chair of their board for 10 years. Onikul is also head of pediatric dentistry at Children’s Mercy Hospital.

The philharmonic has both Jewish and non-Jewish members and likewise will not play exclusively Jewish music. However, their goal is to structure concerts around Jewish themes.

Onikul likens it to an old advertisement for Levy’s Rye Bread: “You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy this music and this experience,” she said.

Kinnor also accepts high school students with sufficient musical skill. One already in the philharmonic is violinist Levi Parkhurst, who attends the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy.

The orchestra’s upcoming performance centers on the traditions of the Viennese arts scene in the late 1800s, in which Jews were a vital part of the mix. In addition to some Strauss polkas and the Blue Danube Waltz, there will be a selection of Broadway tunes from Fiddler on the Roof and the music of Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein.

In July, the philharmonic will perform a concert entitled “From Ellis Island to Kansas City” showcasing music of the American Jewish experience.

“There’s a Jewish backbone running through it. We’re playing Strauss polkas — they’re not Jewish, but we’re bringing in the vibrant history of the Viennese Jews at that time,” Onikul said.

She started seriously thinking about creating the philharmonic when the Jewish Community Center built the White Theatre.

“That’s when the impetus started. It just took a while to percolate into reality. We have the musical theater series; it would be nice to have a concert series,” Onikul said. “Now that the (Kansas City) Symphony doesn’t come down to Yardley Hall, people who don’t get downtown don’t have a place to hear symphonic music.”

Kelts, a member of Congregation Ohev Sholom, has the musical bona fides to lead the artistic direction of the group. An assistant professor of music and director of orchestral studies at Washburn University, Kelts is also the music director and conductor of the civic orchestra and has a doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s conservatory.

Making the orchestra friendly to the Jewish community was important to Onikul and Kelts.

“Our rehearsals and concerts do not conflict with Shabbat and festivals. Everyone in the Jewish community could attend our concerts — everyone from Chabad Lubuvitch to the most reform of Jews,” Kelts said.

The new musical group has gotten local backing. In-kind donations from businesses such as Spin Neapolitan Pizza, Panera and Royal Liquor, combined with monetary support from several groups in the Jewish Community Foundation, including Louis and Frances Swinken Supporting Foundation and the Earl J. and Leona K. Tranin Special Fund. Onikul said Kansas City Strings has also been very supportive of their efforts.

“I would hope that this group becomes a part of the artistic fabric within the Jewish community, and that means support on all levels — people coming out to enjoy our music and people who believe in our mission to promote Jewish education and love for symphonic music,” said Kelts.

The idea of a Jewish-themed orchestra is new to the Midwest, according to Onikul.

“We are really excited about this,” she said. “It’s a unique thing; the only places that have something similar are on the East Coast and in LA, but I don’t think there’s any in the Midwest.”

Kinnor’s inaugural concert

The Kinnor Philharmonic will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, at Congregation Beth Torah. Tickets are $18; or $12 for those under 12 or over 60. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling (913) 469-0759.