From the Dean's Office

Richard speaks with Dr. Paschal Yao Younge and Dr. Zelma Badu-Younge, a member of the Ghana National Dance Company, Stephany Yamoah, and several Messiah faculty members involved in the presentation of Nukpɔkpɔ Saturday, April 2nd in Parmer Hall at 7:30 pm. Dr. Younge and Dr. Badu-Younge are the founders of Azaguno, a professional company for the presentation of West African music and dance. They will be joined by members of the Ghana National Dance Company, Messiah student percussionists and dancers, as well as the Messiah University Symphony Orchestra and Concert Choir.

Erik discusses the upcoming Messiah University Percussion Ensemble concert, the high level of playing the ensemble has achieved, and the unusual format of the performance because of the pandemic.

Ed Cohn and Richard Roberson discuss Messiah Theatre's production of The Birds, a timeless, farcical satire of the state and utopian dreams. The Birds will live-stream Oct. 29 through Nov. 3. arts.messiah.edu

Tim discusses rehearsing and performing during the pandemic, his upcoming performance with the Messiah University Symphony Orchestra, and his work with the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.

A conversation with Damian Savarino, director of Messiah’s Opera Workshop, about the history of the workshop, the awards they have won, and their Opera Pops concert this weekend.

Co-directors Daniel Inouye and Katie Phykitt discuss their production of Antigone, which opened via live-stream on Oct. 1, their approach to the play, and its relevance to our current situation.

Joy Meade speaks about the Concert Choir, their upcoming tour, and the many other choral and vocal concerts and opportunities at Messiah College this spring. When recording the podcast the college had not yet canceled the tour; as with most universities, Messiah has since gone to online instruction and canceled all traveling because of concerns with the coronavirus. The concerts mentioned for March 27 and April 4 have now been canceled or postponed. Concerts later in April have not yet been canceled, but please check arts.messiah.edu for the latest information.

Eric Byrd talks with Richard about his work with Messiah’s gospel choir, United Voices of Praise, and his upcoming Jazz Vespers concert, which features the Eric Byrd trio, guest artists Terell Stafford and Tim Warfield, and UVP.

Richard speaks with Don and Christi about their time at Messiah College, the changes they have seen in the visual arts program over the years, Christi's time in leadership, and their continuing artistic work.

A conversation with Peter Sirotin, violinist in the Mendelssohn Piano Trio, Ensemble in Residence at Messiah College, and Alan Hineline, Director of Artistic Programming at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, about their upcoming collaboration for the second concert commemorating the publication of Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Alan Hineline joined by phone as they discussed Arensky and Shostakovich, the seismic shift that happened as a result of the two world wars, and the profound collaboration between music and dance.

Matt Doll is the director of Gordon in Orvietto, a study abroad program for visual artists in Orvietto, Italy.

Ed Cohn speaks with Richard about some of his favorite productions which he has directed during his time at Messiah College, his fall black-box production of Wit, and his upcoming production of the musical Anne of Green Gables.

Tim Dixon speaks with Richard about his time at Messiah, the growth of the orchestra program, some highlights of the program, and his upcoming concert. Dr. Dixon also serves as co-chair of the Department of Music.

Richard speaks with Erik Forst and Gregg Hurley about the percussion and dance programs at Messiah, about their collaboration, and their upcoming concert.

Richard speaks with Bill Stowman about the development of the jazz program at Messiah College, and the 2019 Homecoming jazz concert. Dr. Stowman is co-chair of the Messiah Department of Music.

Richard speaks with Jim Colonna and Travis Weller about their upcoming concert. They discuss how they came to Messiah College, the role of composition in their work as teachers and conductors, presenting a concert early in the year, and some unique features of the September 27 program.

Richard reads poetry commissioned for the two concerts commemorating the publication of Tolstoy’s War and Peace. The poets, Christine Perrin, Samuel Smith, and Matthew Roth, are members of the Messiah College English Department.

Richard interviews Rachel Cornacchio about the Threefold Cord Choir, a unique ensemble for women. Rachel speaks at length about the founding of the choir, its unusual rehearsal schedule, its community partners, and the powerful support it provides for women.

Richard interviews Peter Sirotin about war and peace, about Tolstoy and the 150th anniversary of the publication of War and Peace, and the two concerts offered in commemoration. He then speaks with Ya-Ting Chang and Patrice Ewoldt, pianists who with Richard and Harrisburg Symphony conductor Stuart Malina will present War and Peace I, a two-piano concert of music by French and Russian composers.

A brief introduction to the podcast series.