Interplay: Conversations in Music with Michael Shapiro

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Michael Shapiro, composer and conductor, talks to prominent musicians and creators about their work, their response to current events, and their hopes for the future.

Michael Shapiro


    • Nov 23, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 31m AVG DURATION
    • 153 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Interplay: Conversations in Music with Michael Shapiro

    Matthew Kraemer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2025 33:44 Transcription Available


    This Interplay, Conversations in Music, is with one of the most remarkable musicians I have ever worked with - Matthew Kraemer, music director and conductor of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. A rare treat as Maestro Kraemer talks about what it is like to be a music director, how he came to this point, and where he hopes to go. A true revelation in every way! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    music conversations kraemer louisiana philharmonic orchestra
    Matthew Kraemer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2025 33:44


    This Interplay, Conversations in Music, is with one of the most remarkable musicians I have ever worked with - **Matthew Kraemer**, music director and conductor of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. A rare treat as Maestro Kraemer talks about what it is like to be a music director, how he came to this point, and where he hopes to go. A true revelation in every way! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    music conversations kraemer louisiana philharmonic orchestra
    Timothy McAllister

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2025 38:37 Transcription Available


    On this Interplay, Conversations in Music, I had the most informative and stimulating discussion with the greatest saxophonist in the world, Timothy McAllister. There is simply no one like Tim. His playing is so very superlative, and his words on the playing of his many instruments (please do listen to John Corigliano's remarkable TRIATHLON for saxophonist and orchestra in which Tim plays multiple instruments is only one testament) are pure revelation. What a great thrill! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Timothy McAllister

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2025 38:37


    On this Interplay, Conversations in Music, I had the most informative and stimulating discussion with the greatest saxophonist in the world, **Timothy McAllister**. There is simply no one like Tim. His playing is so very superlative, and his words on the playing of his many instruments (please do listen to John Corigliano's remarkable TRIATHLON for saxophonist and orchestra in which Tim plays multiple instruments is only one testament) are pure revelation. What a great thrill! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Devony Smith and Danny Zelibor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2025 31:19 Transcription Available


    On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I had the delightful experience of talking with mezzo soprano Devony Smith and pianist Danny Zelibor, two extraordinary musicians of peerless skills and immense interpretative range - and they are remarkable people. Please be sure to watch our enjoyable talk. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Devony Smith and Danny Zelibor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2025 31:19


    On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I had the delightful experience of talking with mezzo soprano **Devony Smith** and pianist **Danny Zelibor**, two extraordinary musicians of peerless skills and immense interpretative range - and they are remarkable people. Please be sure to watch our enjoyable talk. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Nic McGegan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2025 34:00 Transcription Available


    On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I spoke to conductor Nic McGegan, who is the most delightful and insightful person. His visions and practice in Baroque and Classical repertoire are unmatched. His dozens of recordings bear witness to his extraordinary joy of life. I think you will agree that Maestro McGegan is unique and radiants a happiness that carries forth with a special love. Not to be missed! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Nic McGegan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2025 34:00


    On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I spoke to conductor **Nic McGegan**, who is the most delightful and insightful person. His visions and practice in Baroque and Classical repertoire are unmatched. His dozens of recordings bear witness to his extraordinary joy of life. I think you will agree that Maestro McGegan is unique and radiants a happiness that carries forth with a special love. Not to be missed! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Malcolm Singer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2024 33:52 Transcription Available


    On this latest Interplay, Conversations in Music, Michael Shapiro speaks to his longtime friend, composer Malcolm Singer about a lifetime spent in music, from the days of his study with Nadia Boulanger, to his work with Yehudi Menuhin as head of the Menuhin School, to his work with countless musicians, and his leadership in bringing along generations of young composers and players. A thrilling examination of a composer's life. Not to be missed! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Malcolm Singer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2024 33:52


    On this latest Interplay, Conversations in Music, Michael Shapiro speaks to his longtime friend, composer Malcolm Singer about a lifetime spent in music, from the days of his study with Nadia Boulanger, to his work with Yehudi Menuhin as head of the Menuhin School, to his work with countless musicians, and his leadership in bringing along generations of young composers and players. A thrilling examination of a composer's life. Not to be missed! www.michaelshapiro.com

    Sara Karloff

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2024 12:37 Transcription Available


    Interplay, Conversations in Music with Sara Karloff and tales of her father Boris Karloff in *Frankenstein* (1931) and at home. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Sara Karloff

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2024 12:37


    Interplay, Conversations in Music with Sara Karloff and tales of her father Boris Karloff in Frankenstein (1931) and at home. www.michaelshapiro.com

    Teddy Abrams

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2024 32:44 Transcription Available


    On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I had the great pleasure of speaking with composer and conductor Teddy Abrams about his pathfinding work in Louisville and his new musical based on the life of Muhammad Ali. There is simply no one in classical music with greater depth of knowledge and with more intensity in seeking new and exciting ways of connecting with audiences. I just loved talking with him, and you will too! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Teddy Abrams

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2024 32:44


    On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I had the great pleasure of speaking with composer and conductor Teddy Abrams about his pathfinding work in Louisville and his new musical based on the life of Muhammad Ali. There is simply no one in classical music with greater depth of knowledge and with more intensity in seeking new and exciting ways of connecting with audiences. I just loved talking with him, and you will too! www.michaelshapiro.com

    Delyana Lazarova

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2024 32:02 Transcription Available


    We have some wonderful additions to Interplay, Conversations in Music, being posted today and soon. Please be sure to watch out for them. Our first is with conductor Delyana Lazarova, a complete musician, whose direction of orchestras around the world is astounding. Maestra Delyana Lazarova is that special leader with a wonderful sense of line and meaningful direction. Our Interplay displays her individuality and unique insights into making music. Not to be missed! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Delyana Lazarova

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2024 32:02


    We have some wonderful additions to Interplay, Conversations in Music, being posted today and soon. Please be sure to watch out for them. Our first is with conductor Delyana Lazarova, a complete musician, whose direction of orchestras around the world is astounding. Maestra Delyana Lazarova is that special leader with a wonderful sense of line and meaningful direction. Our Interplay displays her individuality and unique insights into making music. Not to be missed! www.michaelshapiro.com

    Neal Gittleman

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2024 33:01 Transcription Available


    On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I had the great pleasure of talking with Maestro Neal Gittleman, music director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and a champion of progress in orchestral, operatic, and ballet music. Neal's talk with me combines incisive observations about our musical culture, the development of orchestras over long periods of time, and his view of the future of performance. An Interplay not to be missed! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Neal Gittleman

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2024 33:01


    On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I had the great pleasure of talking with Maestro Neal Gittleman, music director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and a champion of progress in orchestral, operatic, and ballet music. Neal's talk with me combines incisive observations about our musical culture, the development of orchestras over long periods of time, and his view of the future of performance. An Interplay not to be missed! www.michaelshapiro.com

    Daniel Asia

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2024 32:12 Transcription Available


    On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I had a remarkable talk with Daniel Asia, composer and writer on music. From his lifetime of work in music including his years of teaching on the college level and creating works of great substance and direction, Daniel has a special voice, and I urge you to listen to his guidance of how the present must guide the future of creation and what needs to be done. I am with him in every way! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Daniel Asia

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2024 32:12


    On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I had a remarkable talk with Daniel Asia, composer and writer on music. From his lifetime of work in music including his years of teaching on the college level and creating works of great substance and direction, Daniel has a special voice, and I urge you to listen to his guidance of how the present must guide the future of creation and what needs to be done. I am with him in every way! www.michaelshapiro.com

    Kyle Ketelsen

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2024 31:55 Transcription Available


    Please join us for this exciting discussion on this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, to learn more. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Kyle Ketelsen

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2024 31:55


    Please join us for this exciting discussion on this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, to learn more. www.michaelshapiro.com

    Thomas Little

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2024 45:54 Transcription Available


    Thomas Little is widely known for his incredibly articulate and popular podcast The Classical Nerd. He is a wonderfully great teacher with an enthusiastic wit that compels the viewer to keep on watching and learning. But did you know Thomas is a versatile and brilliant composer? Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Thomas Little

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2024 45:54


    Thomas Little is widely known for his incredibly articulate and popular podcast The Classical Nerd. He is a wonderfully great teacher with an enthusiastic wit that compels the viewer to keep on watching and learning. But did you know Thomas is a versatile and brilliant composer? www.michaelshapiro.com

    Donato Cabrera

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2024 27:46 Transcription Available


    I recently spoke on Interplay, Conversations in Music, with conductor Donato Cabrera, that rare musician whose every gesture comes from deeply profound musicianship and meaning. I hope you will delve into this talk with a wonderfully warm and engaging personality who is creating great art every moment with a special humanity and caring. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Donato Cabrera

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2024 27:46


    I recently spoke on Interplay, Conversations in Music, with conductor Donato Cabrera, that rare musician whose every gesture comes from deeply profound musicianship and meaning. I hope you will delve into this talk with a wonderfully warm and engaging personality who is creating great art every moment with a special humanity and caring. www.michaelshapiro.com

    Matt Haimovitz

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2024 28:37 Transcription Available


    On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I spoke to the remarkable Matt Haimovitz, cellist, and leader in the expansion of the cello repertoire. We discussed the influences on Matt's playing, and why is his life and loves are rarely separate from his organic music making. A discussion not to be missed! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Matt Haimovitz

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2024 28:37


    On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I spoke to the remarkable Matt Haimovitz, cellist, and leader in the expansion of the cello repertoire. We discussed the influences on Matt's playing, and why is his life and loves are rarely separate from his organic music making. A discussion not to be missed! www.michaelshapiro.com

    Jennifer Roig-Francoli (Alexander Technique)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2024 27:32 Transcription Available


    Attention musicians (and everyone else): if you're suffering from any discomfort or even pain, it's time to consult with Jennifer Roig-Francoli, a remarkable Alexander Technique teacher and miraculous violinist (and my teacher!). Her new book *Make Great Music with Ease!: The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life* is just out on Amazon. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Jennifer Roig-Francoli

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2024 27:32


    Attention musicians (and everyone else): if you're suffering from any discomfort or even pain, it's time to consult with Jennifer Roig-Francoli, a remarkable Alexander Technique teacher and miraculous violinist (and my teacher!). Her new book Make Great Music with Ease!: The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life is just out on Amazon. www.michaelshapiro.com

    Kalena Bovell

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2023 23:09 Transcription Available


    In this month's INTERPLAY, Conversations in Music, I speak to my dear friend Kalena Bovell whose conducting is widely recognized and appreciated for its sincerity, deepest musicality, and emotion. Kalena Bovell, conductor, is that rare person whose music making is a wonderful mix of intelligence, beauty, and that special quotient - making everything she touches sing with organic purity. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Kalena Bovell

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2023 23:09


    In this month's INTERPLAY, Conversations in Music, I speak to my dear friend Kalena Bovell whose conducting is widely recognized and appreciated for its sincerity, deepest musicality, and emotion. Kalena Bovell, conductor, is that rare person whose music making is a wonderful mix of intelligence, beauty, and that special quotient - making everything she touches sing with organic purity. www.michaelshapiro.com

    Colin Jacobsen

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2022 24:31 Transcription Available


    On this month's INTERPLAY, my talk is with the remarkable violinist and composer COLIN JACOBSEN, co-founder of Brooklyn Rider and The Knights. Colin is a pathbreaking artist always seeking a vibrant path of expression in whatever he does. This Conversation in Music explores his many views on repertoire, chamber music, solo and orchestral playing. Every note he plays is magical, organic, and deeply felt. And all this comes through in our thrilling and touching INTERPLAY. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Colin Jacobsen

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2022 24:31


    On this month's INTERPLAY, my talk is with the remarkable violinist and composer COLIN JACOBSEN. Co-founder of Brooklyn Rider and The Knights, Colin is a pathbreaking artist always seeking a vibrant path of expression in whatever he does. This Conversation in Music explores his many views on repertoire, chamber music, solo and orchestral playing. Every note he plays is magical, organic, and deeply felt. And all this comes through in our thrilling and touching INTERPLAY. www.michaelshapiro.com

    Alexander Soddy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2022 35:20 Transcription Available


    On this month's Interplay, a most wonderful Conversation in Music with the uniquely gifted conductor Alexander Soddy. We met whilst he was in New York to conduct at The Met in the remarkable Anthony Minghella production of Puccini's *Madama Butterfly*. Soddy is a rarity - a musician who can bend a phrase in a dramatic setting with total musicality. Comparisons have been made in the press to Carlos Kleiber, and they are warranted, but Alexander Soddy is surely one of those special artists who puts his all into everything he does. He is an original. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Alexander Soddy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2022 35:20


    On this month's Interplay, a most wonderful Conversation in Music with the uniquely gifted conductor Alexander Soddy. We met whilst he was in New York to conduct at The Met in the remarkable Anthony Minghella production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly. Soddy is a rarity - a musician who can bend a phrase in a dramatic setting with total musicality. Comparisons have been made in the press to Carlos Kleiber, and they are warranted, but Alexander Soddy is surely one of those special artists who puts his all into everything he does. He is an original. www.michaelshapiro.com

    John Mauceri on 'The War on Music'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2022 48:13 Transcription Available


    On this month's Interplay, Conversations In Music, I met with conductor and author John Mauceri about his important and crucial new book, *THE WAR ON MUSIC: Reclaiming the Twentieth Century*. This social history by a brilliant and consequential conductor is a must read and parallels Maestro Mauceri's work these past 30 years. A must watch and a must read as the issues presented are significant for all of us. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    John Mauceri

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2022 48:13


    On this month's Interplay, Conversations In Music, I met with conductor and author John Mauceri about his important and crucial new book, THE WAR ON MUSIC: Reclaiming the Twentieth Century. This social history by a brilliant and consequential conductor is a must read and parallels Maestro Mauceri's work these past 30 years. A must watch and a must read as the issues presented are significant for all of us. www.michaelshapiro.com

    Carlos Kalmar

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2022 41:33 Transcription Available


    I had the most enjoyable INTERPLAY Conversation In Music recently with the remarkable conductor CARLOS KALMAR. Longtime music director of the Oregon Symphony and Grant Park Music Festival Orchestra, Maestro Kalmar is now director of orchestral music at the Cleveland Institute of Music. He reveals his approach to the score, his background, and what he wishes to impart to his students. Endlessly fascinating! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Carlos Kalmar

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2022 41:33


    I had the most enjoyable INTERPLAY Conversation In Music recently with the remarkable conductor CARLOS KALMAR. Longtime music director of the Oregon Symphony and Grant Park Music Festival Orchestra, Maestro Kalmar is now director of orchestral music at the Cleveland Institute of Music. He reveals his approach to the score, his background, and what he wishes to impart to his students. Endlessly fascinating! www.michaelshapiro.com

    Steven Isserlis

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2022 29:58 Transcription Available


    On this month's INTERPLAY, I had a wonderfully engaging Conversation In Music with the musician I believe is the foremost cellist of his generation, STEVEN ISSERLIS. The conversation ranges over many topics, from his approach to learning new music to writing about composers with whom he has a special relationship, and the voice and range of the cello. Our talk went by too quickly. We could have spoken for hours. Watch and you will see why his vibrant personality is simply remarkable and compelling. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Steven Isserlis

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2022 29:58


    On this month's INTERPLAY, I had a wonderfully engaging Conversation In Music with the musician I believe is the foremost cellist of his generation, STEVEN ISSERLIS. The conversation ranges over many topics, from his approach to learning new music to writing about composers with whom he has a special relationship, and the voice and range of the cello. Our talk went by too quickly. We could have spoken for hours. Watch and you will see why his vibrant personality is simply remarkable and compelling. www.michaelshapiro.com

    Wayne Marshall

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2022 28:02 Transcription Available


    On this month's Interplay, I had a truly wonderful Conversation In Music with Wayne Marshall, pianist, organist, conductor. Internationally famous and recognized as an OBE in the U.K., Maestro Marshall recently conducted the Berlin Philharmonic and many other well known ensembles. His discography is varied and compelling as a keyboardist and director with a humane and fascinating approach to music making. A not-to-be missed discussion about his approach to style and keyboard playing and his hopes for the future. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Wayne Marshall

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2022 28:02


    On this month's Interplay, I had a truly wonderful Conversation In Music with Wayne Marshall, pianist, organist, conductor. Internationally famous and recognized as an OBE in the U.K., Maestro Marshall recently conducted the Berlin Philharmonic and many other well known ensembles. His discography is varied and compelling as a keyboardist and director with a humane and fascinating approach to music making. A not-to-be missed discussion about his approach to style and keyboard playing and his hopes for the future. www.michaelshapiro.com

    Noah Bendix-Balgley

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2022 29:01 Transcription Available


    On this month's INTERPLAY, please tune into a thought provoking conversation with violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley, composer of a brilliant new Klezmer (!) violin concerto, and the First Concertmaster of the Berliner Philharmoniker. Noah relates how he approaches different styles of music, applying the laser focus and total musicality that has brought him to the pinnacle of string playing into a compelling and revealing discussion. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Noah Bendix-Balgley

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2022 29:01


    On this month's INTERPLAY, please tune into a thought provoking conversation with violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley, composer of a brilliant new Klezmer (!) violin concerto, and the First Concertmaster of the Berliner Philharmoniker. Noah relates how he approaches different styles of music, applying the laser focus and total musicality that has brought him to the pinnacle of string playing into a compelling and revealing discussion. www.michaelshapiro.com

    Natasha Paremski

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2021 28:22 Transcription Available


    On this month's INTERPLAY, a Conversation In Music with the remarkable Natasha Paremski, quite simply one of the greatest pianists on our stages. This discussion delves into how her background in Russian pianism and schooling informs her playing. We discuss the position of the hands, how the fingers touch and release, and how relaxed the arm must be to accomplish unrivaled ease with the most difficult music. Ms. Paremski even makes Rachmaninoff concerti look easy. A dynamic conversation in music not to be missed! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    Natasha Paremski

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2021 28:22


    On this month's INTERPLAY, a Conversation In Music with the remarkable Natasha Paremski, quite simply one of the greatest pianists on our stages. This discussion delves into how her background in Russian pianism and schooling informs her playing. We discuss the position of the hands, how the fingers touch and release, and how relaxed the arm must be to accomplish unrivaled ease with the most difficult music. Ms. Paremski even makes Rachmaninoff concerti look easy. A dynamic conversation in music not to be missed! www.michaelshapiro.com

    Andrew Litton

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2021 29:44 Transcription Available


    This week's INTERPLAY features a Conversation In Music with a miracle of a musician, ANDREW LITTON. Conductor and pianist of undeniable gifts, Maestro Litton is a perfectly natural musician with organic attention to phrasing, style, and projection. We recall our many similar paths over the years, his conducting symphonic works versus ballet, building orchestras and audience across the globe, and how an attention to humanity informs everything he does. Please enjoy this sparkling discussion! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

    conductor interplay andrew litton
    Andrew Litton

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2021 29:44


    This week's INTERPLAY features a Conversation In Music with a miracle of a musician, ANDREW LITTON. Conductor and pianist of undeniable gifts, Maestro Litton is a perfectly natural musician with organic attention to phrasing, style, and projection. We recall our many similar paths over the years, his conducting symphonic works versus ballet, building orchestras and audience across the globe, and how an attention to humanity informs everything he does. Please enjoy this sparkling discussion! www.michaelshapiro.com

    conductor interplay andrew litton
    David Stern

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2021 32:22 Transcription Available


    This week's INTERPLAY is a Conversation in Music with the remarkable conductor and American in Paris, David Stern. At home in creating operatic gems in Europe with his Opera Fuoco and in the US at the Palm Beach Opera, Maestro David Stern, the scion of a legendary family, brings to his performances a unique perspective, passionate and organic. A lively and informative discussion! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com

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