Podcast appearances and mentions of jessie montgomery

The annual Loisaida Festival celebrates a Puerto Rican artistic community on Manhattan's Lower East Side. This year's event takes place on Sunday, May 25, and features musicians like artists Jessie Montgomery, Joe Bataan, and Ana Macho, with honors for the late documentarian Marlis Momber. Loisaida Center executive and artistic director Alejandro Epifanio Torres previews the Sunday, May 25 event.

Loki chats with Grammy-winning composer Jessie Montgomery about her trajectory as an artist, the role her parents and broader New York community played in her development, maintaining a sense of authenticity through notoriety, and lots more. Loki responds to recent lay offs at the Kennedy Center. Support for TRILLOQUY comes from Boulanger Initiative. TRILLOQUY is a proud partner of WDAV-FM. Jessie MontgomeryNew York Philharmonic performs Jessie MontgomeryJessie Montgomery: "Rounds" | Awadagin Pratt, Detroit Symphony OrchestraJessie Montgomery: "Hymn for Everyone" | Chicago Symphony OrchestraExclusive: Ex-Kennedy Center employee speaks on institution's ‘toxicity' after getting fired under Trump ★ Support this podcast ★

Frauen haben in jeder Epoche komponiert. In den Spielplänen und Repertoires sind sie aber kaum präsent. Zu Unrecht! Ein Überblick über die bedeutendsten Komponistinnen.

We meet a 16-year-old composer from Chicago who is mentored by composer Jessie Montgomery and is also passionate about architecture. We hear a soprano perform a love song by Debussy. Finally, we meet a teen cellist who performs Shostakovich's dynamic Cello Sonata in D Minor.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We're in Philadelphia where we meet a local teen composer who aspires to create more opportunities for fellow Black composers and learn how co-host Joseph Conyers, Philadelphia Orchestra's principal bassist, is making an impact through his service to the community. We also hear a young violinist perform a phenomenal work by contemporary composer Jessie Montgomery.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Conductor Manfred Honeck leads the CSO in two captivating works. Principal Percussion Cynthia Yeh takes the spotlight in the premiere of a new concerto by Jessie Montgomery, the CSO's Mead Composer-in-Residence. Bruckner's Seventh Symphony awes with its breadth, drama and rapturous intensity. This enthralling score includes a radiant tribute to Bruckner's idol, Richard Wagner, and a boisterous Austrian country dance. The June 1 performance of Montgomery & Bruckner 7 is a part of the 2023/24 Season of CSO MusicNOW. Learn more: cso.org/performances/23-24/cso-classical/montgomery-and-bruckner-7

On the latest episode of the ‘Rhapsody in Black' podcast, we learn about Jessie Montgomery, a composer, violinist and educator whose music helps her connect with the world. Listen now.

"Being an artist is living a life of service." The words of Jessie Montgomery, who has earned acclaim, awards, and praise for her growing body of work as a composer, violinist, teacher, and activist. The musician credits her many teachers and mentors – and her parents – for opening up worlds to her. Jessie Montgomery shared stories about her experiences – including that time she was a little girl folding programs backstage with a VERY famous American actor before he became famous. She spoke with Suzanne about her life as a musician – and how she expresses her creativity in a few of her non-musical passions, too!

Jessie Montgomery, CSO's Mead Composer-in-Residence, is nominated for “Best Contemporary Classical Composition.” CSO's audio engineer Charlie Post has picked up a third nomination for “Best Engineered Album, Classical” with the CSO album Contemporary American Composers. Reset checks in with Montgomery and two CSO musicians to celebrate the honor and talk classical music in the modern day. To hear more conversations with Chicago's 2024 Grammy nominees, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Sphinx Virtuosi – Songs for Our Times (Deutsche Grammophon) New Classical Tracks - Andre Dowell, Sphinx Virtuosi by “My role with the organization as the chief of artist engagement is to really understand the talent that is out there and to be able to recruit the musicians who perform with the Sphinx Virtuosi,” Andre Dowell says. “Community engagement, in terms of how they are engaging their community, not just the youth, but also their audiences and educating them about our mission, which is transforming life through the power of diversity in the arts.”For the past 15 years, Dowell has watched the Sphinx Organization evolve as it strives for and achieves that mission. One way in which it's doing that is with a professional, self-conducted touring ensemble of 18 members made up of freelance musicians and professors at universities. That ensemble is Sphinx Virtuosi, which has just released its debut recording, Songs for Our Times.“Over the past couple of years, we've had the great opportunity to have our programs be comprised solely of musicians who are Black or Latino. Because of that, we really wanted to have an album out that represented not only the Sphinx Organization, but the Sphinx Virtuosi. One thing that you'll find with our debut album is that every composer is a composer of color.”Why is this title, Songs for Our Times, so significant?“Songs for Our Times really digs into composers that we've worked with in the past, celebrating artists and composers who have paved the way. We talk about Florence Price, for example. We talk about Jessie Montgomery, Valerie Coleman, Carlos Simon, and we have a great arrangement of Beethoven's Bridgetower by Rubén Rengel. Songs for Our Times goes into the past, the rich history of the Sphinx organization, and explores how that intertwines with the composers of today.The album opens with Global Warming, by Michael Abels, who won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Music. Can you talk about the history of this piece and why it fits in so well with this debut recording?“This piece really inspired us to feature Michael Abels as a composer. This piece just captures so perfectly what it means to be in this world today and going through COVID-19 and the pandemic. And what you'll find on the CD is George Floyd in the aftermath of that, in terms of what it means to reflect in this world today.” Watch on YouTubeThere's an unusual time signature in the piece by Ricardo Hertz. It's called Sisyphus in the Big City. Why do we have this 25/16 time signature?“It is great. And if you listen to the music enough, you'll be able to understand and feel the rhythmic structure of it. We have the great opportunity to play this piece in Brazil with Ricardo himself. It's something that requires a lot of communication in terms of being able to play that type of time signatures while also keeping the groove.”Valerie Coleman's two-movement piece, Tracing Visions, is on this recording, and each of the movements is so powerful. Would you share the story behind them?“The first movement we talk about Emmett Till and other victims of domestic violence or terrorism, if you will. It's a remembrance of those times. And it ends with the second movement, which means power and is a celebration of where we have come in our society. And she takes this motif and really expands it to uplift the work that has been done, and that we continue to do, and the fight that we continue to have in our society.” Listen on YouTubeTo hear the rest of my conversation, click on the extended interview above, or download the extended podcast on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.ResourcesSphinx Virtuosi – Songs for Our Times (Amazon)Sphinx Virtuosi – Songs for Our Times (Deutsche Grammophon)Sphinx Virtuosi (official site)

Deutsche Grammophon introduces the Sphinx Virtuosi to a global stage via the release of its debut album, Songs for Our Times. Hailed as “topnotch” by The New York Times, this groundbreaking self-conducted American string ensemble comprises 18 exceptional Black and Latinx artists and has curated an album featuring works by outstanding composers and artistic visionaries of color. Its strikingly diverse tracks include the world premiere recordings of Valerie Coleman's Tracing Visions and Jessie Montgomery's Divided, both written expressly for Sphinx Virtuosi, which commissions new music annually, in line with its desire to expand its repertoire and connect with new audiences. Songs for Our Times Track List1. Michael Abels – Global Warming [8:34]2. Aldemaro Romero – Fuga con Pajarillo [8:04]Valerie Coleman – Tracing Visions for String Orchestra     3. ii. Till [5:52]     4. iii. Amandla! [5:15]5. Carlos Simon – Between Worlds [4:32]6. Florence Price – String Quartet No. 2, Andante Cantabile [7:06]7. Jessie Montgomery – Divided [10:01]8. Ricardo Herz – Sísifo na Cidade Grande [6:44]9. Ludwig van Beethoven (arr. Rengel) – Violin Sonata No. 9, Op. 47, "Bridgetower", Presto [6:42]Total Time: 62:50Help support our show by purchasing this album  at:Downloads (classicalmusicdiscoveries.store) Classical Music Discoveries is sponsored by Uber and Apple Classical. @CMDHedgecock#ClassicalMusicDiscoveries #KeepClassicalMusicAlive#CMDGrandOperaCompanyofVenice #CMDParisPhilharmonicinOrléans#CMDGermanOperaCompanyofBerlin#CMDGrandOperaCompanyofBarcelonaSpain#ClassicalMusicLivesOn#Uber#AppleClassical Please consider supporting our show, thank you!Donate (classicalmusicdiscoveries.store) staff@classicalmusicdiscoveries.comThis album is broadcasted with the permission of Katy Salomon representing Primo Artists.

Wayla talks with classical singer Julia Bullock about her upcoming Virginia Arts Festival performance of Jessie Montgomery's Five Freedom Songs.

After solo pieces by Eugène Ysaÿe and Jessie Montgomery, John Lee is joined by pianist Milana Pavchinskaya in music of Johannes Brahms and Fritz Kreisler. The post LIVE | John Lee, 18, violin appeared first on WFMT.

On this edtion of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you with on a tour of the Fine Arts Building. The Chicago landmark is celebrating its 125th anniversary all year. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to discuss a revival of the classic musical DAMN YANKEES. Later in the show, Gary catches up with renowned composer Jessie Montgomery, who is preparing for the CSO's final MusicNOW concert of the season. And Gary checks in with nationally known music critic Kelefa Sanneh to talk about music genres.

In 2022, Jessie Montgomery was named the Mead Composer in Residence for the Chicago Symphony, receiving commissions to write 3 new orchestral works, and curate the orchestra's MusicNOW programs.

Nancy Sanderson, Executive Director of the NEPA Philharmonic, & Composer Bruce Reiprich, speaking with WVIA's Larry Vojtko about "Discovering Bruce Reiprich," the March 11, 2023 Masterworks Concert by the Northeastern PA Philharmonic, featuring music by Bach, Grieg, Debussy, Jessie Montgomery & Bruce Reiprich under the direction of Melisse Brunet. The performance will take place at 8:00 pm at the Kirby Center for the Creative Arts on the campus of Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, PA. www.nepaphil.org

Bonjour ! Le podcast Nouveau Départ de cette semaine est une interview de Marina Chiche

Joshua and Angela sit down with Musical America's Composer of the Year, Jessie Montgomery. Violinist, educator, and one of the 21st-century's premier composers, Montgomery sheds light on her musical upbringing and her social awakening as a composer of color in a field that is still all too reticent to uplift and highlight the contributions in classical music from the African diaspora. Featured Music:"Starburst" by Jessie Montgomery, feat. Minnesota Orchestra"Smoke" from Break Away by Jessie Montgomery, feat. PUBLIQuartet"Banner" by Jessie Montgomery, feat. Catalyst QuartetSupport the show

We welcome concert pianist, conductor, professor, food and wine aficionado and all-around bon vivant Awadagin Pratt for a backstage discussion about his appearance with the Toledo Symphony. Awadagin brings a new work by Jessie Montgomery to the Peristyle, alongside two works that pay tribute to Music Director Alain Trudel and his five years at the helm of the TSO: Beethoven's iconic Fifth Symphony and Schubert's miraculous Symphony No. 8, the "Unfinished" Symphony.

Nikki Porter, Head of Staff and Minister of Music at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, leads the Unity Choir in "Lift Every Voice and Sing" - Saturday October 22 at Heinz Hall with the Pittsburgh Symphony. She tells her story to Jim Cunningham and suggests the spirit will move you downtown on Saturday evening.   Kellen Gray conducts the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for the fourth Lift Every Voice concert!  After more than two years, back together in Heinz Hall to experience music's power to bring us forward. Kendra Ross and Garfield Lemonius host this one-night-only celebration of dynamic contemporary artists, including the world premiere of As I Please, a multimedia work by composer Kathryn Bostic, filmmaker Njaimeh Njie, and writer Jessica Lanay, commissioned by the PSO. Josh Jones, alumnus of the Paul J. Ross Fellowship program, makes his PSO solo debut performing Vivaldi's Concerto for Piccolo on marimba, Jasiri X makes his solo debut performing the Academy and Grammy Award-winning "Glory" from the movie Selma, Jessie Montgomery's Strum for String Orchestra musically animates the mural "Playing the Cosmic Strings" by local artists Mikael Owunna and Marques Redd.  

Among those who will be playing are classical concert pianist, violinist and conductor Awadagin Pratt and composer, violinist and educator Jessie Montgomery.

Michael Repper and the New York Youth Symphony — Works by Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, Valerie Coleman (Avie) Jump to giveaway form New Classical Tracks - Michael Repper by “Maybe it's because I come from the Marin Alsop school of conducting and how I was taught, but we want to build community,” conductor Michael Repper said. “We want to make the world a better place, and we want to be connecting people.” In 2017, it was Repper's mentor, Alsop, who recommended that he be the next conductor of the New York Youth Symphony. “The age range of the orchestra is between 12 to 22,” he said. “That means each year we have many members of the orchestra who are students at the local conservatories and colleges, including the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music and Columbia University. That also means they may not be from New York; they come from all over the world.” Why did you decide to feature works by three Black women composers? “We were scheduled to play the Florence Price Piano Concerto on our concert at Carnegie Hall. It was actually going to be the Carnegie Hall premiere of that work. I still don't think it's been played there. In May 2020, we called [pianist] Michelle Cann, and I said, ‘Hey, would you like to do this?' That was the first thing that went on the album. “Also, we didn't rehearse with her. We were so concerned that if we scheduled a rehearsal in the week before the recording, somebody would get sick. Not only did we not want somebody to get sick, but we didn't want to jeopardize the project. We rehearsed with Cann for only an hour or so before we hit record.” Can you talk about the principal oboist featured in the Piano Concerto? “Her name is Kara Poling. She is one to watch. The middle section is a lyrical duo, and it gives me chills every time. She plays it so well. “In 2020, particularly with the tragic murder of George Floyd, it was a moment to highlight music that dealt with inequities and oppression. I had always loved Price's Ethiopia's Shadow in America. I was amazed that there hadn't been a recording of an American orchestra performing the work. I said that it has to be on the album for sure. “This was the first time I conducted all four of these pieces, and I will continue to program them. I fell in love with the music the same way that everybody else did.” To hear the rest of my conversation, click on the extended interview above, or download the extended podcast on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch now More on youth orchestras Youth orchestra strikes back at car ad that pokes fun at young players School Spotlight: Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies Giveaway Giveaway You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy. This giveaway is subject to the Official Giveaway Rules. Resources Michael Repper and the New York Youth Symphony — Works by Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, Valerie Coleman (New York Youth Symphony direct) Michael Repper and the New York Youth Symphony — Works by Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, Valerie Coleman (Avie store) Michael Repper and the New York Youth Symphony — Works by Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, Valerie Coleman (Amazon) New York Youth Symphony (official site) Michael Repper (official site)

Montgomery's new work "I Have Something to Say" is described as an imagined interaction between American abolitionist Sojourner Truth and environmental activist Greta Thunberg.

Montgomery's new work "I Have Something to Say" is described as an imagined interaction between American abolitionist Sojourner Truth and environmental activist Greta Thunberg.

A tenor from coastal Maine who helps out with his Dad's lobster fishing business, a talented teenage violinist who got his start following YouTube tutorials, an award-winning teenage sax quartet, and a pianist who is passionate about music history all share their music on this week's episode.

Happy Mother's Day! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek interviews the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's current Mead Composer In-Residence, the extremely talented Jessie Montgomery. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the Chicago premiere of a work titled AT THE VANISHING POINT. Later, composer and banjo player extraordinaire Michael J. Miles joins Gary in-studio to talk about an ambitious project that involves a high school student orchestra, choir and the words of Walt Whitman.

Riccardo Muti presents two groundbreaking pieces by the first African American composers to have symphonic works performed by major orchestras. William Grant Still's Mother and Child is a gentle, lilting work inspired by a painting by Sargent Johnson. Florence Price's expressive Third Symphony gives a powerful voice to the African American experience. The first half includes Beethoven's Fourth Symphony, a work of grace, subtlety and drive, whose smallest gestures have large implications. Florence Price was a pioneer in the world of classical music: the first African-American woman to be recognized as a symphonic composer and the first to have her work played by a major orchestra. In honor of these special performances of Price's Symphony No. 3, arrive early to learn more about this fascinating composer. The complete experience will include a free preconcert panel discussion in Orchestra Hall 90 minutes before each performance. The event is moderated by Dr. Toni-Marie Montgomery, Dean of the Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University, and featuring Florence Price scholars Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle, Distinguished Professor of Music, Miami University, and Dr. Douglas W. Shadle, Associate Professor of Musicology, Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University, as well as special guest Jessie Montgomery, CSO Mead Composer-in-Residence. No additional tickets required. Following the discussion, enjoy chamber music performances by Civic Orchestra of Chicago and Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative String Quartets performing works by Price and Montgomery in the Grainger Ballroom and Rotunda at Symphony Center. Thursday, May 5 6:00-6:45p Panel Discussion 6:45-7:15p Preconcert Chamber Performances Friday, May 6 12:00-12:45p Panel Discussion 12:45-1:15p Preconcert Chamber Performances Saturday, May 7 6:30-7:15p Panel Discussion 7:15-7:45p Preconcert Chamber Performances Learn more: cso.org/performances/21-22/cso-classical/muti-conducts-beethoven-still-price

Riccardo Muti leads a world premiere by Jessie Montgomery, the CSO's new Mead Composer-in-Residence. Raised on New York's Lower East Side, Montgomery writes music that is “turbulent, wildly colorful and exploding with life” (The Washington Post). CSO Principal Bass Alexander Hanna is the soloist in Bottesini's bravura concerto before the program ends on a joyous note with Beethoven's homage to nature, the Pastoral Symphony. Ticket holders are invited to a free preconcert conversation featuring Max Raimi in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The conversation will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets required. On April 28 the CSO Latino Alliance hosts Noche Alegre a special preconcert networking event. Tickets required. Learn more at CSO Latino Alliance. Postconcert on Tuesday, May 3, all ticketholders are invited to this free postconcert discussion: Composer Connection: A Conversation with Renée Baker and Jessie Montgomery Hosted by the CSO African American Network Tuesday, May 3 Join Chicago composer, conductor and frequent African American Network guest Renée Baker and CSO Mead-Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery for a special postconcert chat hosted by the AAN. Both known for their contributions to the modern landscape of classical music, Baker and Montgomery come together to share their unique perspectives as female composers of color. Learn more: cso.org/performances/21-22/cso-classical/muti-conducts-montgomery-beethoven-pastoral

Composer Jessie Montgomery is in a constant state of creation. She actively plays violin and teaches, while composing award-winning pieces. Find out more about her amazing achievements in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

The Carnegie Mellon Chamber Series presents violinist Alexi  Kenney with pianist Dimitri Papadimitriou on Tuesday March 22nd, 7:30pm in a free concert with limited seating and live YouTube streaming. Jessie Montgomery's Rhapsody No. 1, John Adams' "Road Movies," and Dvorak's Piano Quartet No. 2 are on the program. Alexi talks about his latest recordings, his Bartok Concerto he'll play in May with the Pittsburgh Symphony, his recipe for lumberjack cake and whether he's still interested in the job of Pittsburgh Symphony concertmaster in this conversation with Jim Cunningham recorded in the CMU recording studio March 21st 2022.

Join Kai Swanson as he converses with Quad City Symphony Orchestra Music Director Mark Russell Smith and soloist, Naha Greenholtz. In this episode, we discuss the works featured on Masterworks V including Duo ye by Chen Yi, Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4, K.218, and Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 2, Op. 61. Support the show (https://qcsymphony.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0n5d00000SJXSBAA5&)

Jessica Cottis will be the guest conductor for concerts by the Charlotte Symphony. The program will feature Kurt Weill's The Seven Deadly Sins with soprano Lindsay Kesselman, Ravel's Piano Concerto in G with pianist Stewart Goodyear, and works by Stravinsky and Jessie Montgomery. Cottis talks about how this program of 20th and 21st century works came together and why they make a compelling grouping. She also talks about her passion for sharing classical music with young listeners and mentoring the next generation of women conductors. Learn more about the Charlotte Symphony's Ravel Piano Concerto Concert Pictured: Jessica Cottis by Kaupo Kikkas/courtesy of jessicacottis.com Jessica Cottis, conductor

Anthony McGill and Gloria Chien — Here With You (Cedille) Jump to giveaway form New Classical Tracks - Anthony McGill and Gloria Chien by   “It's not just the two of us as musicians together or as musical partners, but Here With You also means that performers are with the audience,” said clarinetist Anthony McGill about his first album as a duo with pianist Gloria Chien. “We're with the listener. We're also with the composer. It's about us all here with each other, together.” Fifteen years ago, the duo made a special connection over the music of Johannes Brahms at the Music@Menlo festival. Chien was a participant and McGill, principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic and artistic director of the Music Advancement Program for young students at the Juilliard School, was her coach. How did the two of you bond over the music of Brahms? McGill: “It goes back to our original meeting with Brahms. Pianists and clarinetists throughout history have loved these particular works because these two sonatas by Brahms are some of the greatest chamber pieces ever written.” Chien: “We talked about doing this album for a long time, and with these pieces. The Brahms and Weber grew with us. We had the space and time to really spend with this music. The Brahms has a timeless quality that almost suspends time.” What in Brahms' music do you feel can provide hope for the future? McGill: “There's something about the way he puts together the narrative in music. The way the harmonies roll by in the storyline that he weaves in his pieces enables you to reflect. In Brahms' music you hear all of these waves of emotion and expression. “In the end of the first movement of the second sonata, there's a part where the tension is building. It is then released into this gloriously beautiful soft tranquil section where the harmonies show us the joy and sweetness of life. They are revealed right after the most intense moment of pain and passion.” How does Jessie Montgomery's composition fit into the concept of the album? McGill: “We knew that this work, Peace, needed to be on the album to make a stamp. The stamp is a very large mark of where we are in the world. ‘Who are we with? How do we feel?' It helps to bring people into where we are.” Chien: “What we all learned we are missing the most is that craving for connection. Here With You, is really a tribute to this time.” To hear the rest of my conversation, click on the extended interview above, or download the extended podcast on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch now Giveaway Giveaway You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy. This giveaway is subject to the Official Giveaway Rules. Resources Anthony McGill and Gloria Chien — Here With You (Cedille Store) Anthony McGill and Gloria Chien — Here With You (Amazon) Anthony McGill (official site) Gloria Chien (official site)

Monica Ellis from Imani Winds joins the Soundweavers team to chat about their ensemble's origin and the gradual development of their mission over their first several years. She shared about Imani's really interesting experience with having "in-house" composers in the ensemble. We chat about the evolution of their recording process and how they have sought out new ensemble members. And, we speak about the ensemble's new gig as faculty members at the Curtis Institute of Music. Celebrating over two decades of music making, the Grammy nominated Imani Winds has led both a revolution and evolution of the wind quintet through their dynamic playing, adventurous programming, imaginative collaborations and outreach endeavors that have inspired audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The ensemble's playlist embraces traditional chamber music repertoire, and as a 21st century group, Imani Winds is devoutly committed to expanding the wind quintet repertoire by commissioning music from new voices that reflect historical events and the times in which we currently live. Present and future season performances include a Jessie Montgomery composition inspired by her great-grandfather's migration from the American south to the north, as well as socially conscious music by Andy Akiho, designed to be performed both on the concert stage and in front of immigrant detention centers throughout the country. Imani Winds regularly performs in prominent international concert venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Walt Disney Hall and the Kimmel Center. Their touring schedule has taken them throughout the Asian continent, Brazil, Australia, England, New Zealand and across Europe. Their national and international presence include performances at chamber music series in Boston, New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Philadelphia and Houston. Festival performances include Chamber Music Northwest, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, the Ravinia Festival, Chautauqua, Banff Centre and Angel Fire. Imani Winds' travels through the jazz world are highlighted by their association with saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter, woodwind artist and composer Paquito D'Rivera and pianist and composer Jason Moran. Their ambitious project, "Josephine Baker: A Life of Le Jazz Hot!" featured chanteuse René Marie in performances that brought the house down in New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Los Angeles and St. Louis. In 2016, Imani Winds received their greatest accolade in their 20 years of music making: a permanent presence in the classical music section of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC. The transcript for this episode can be found here. For more information about Imani Winds, please visit their website, Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Join Kai Swanson as he converses with Quad City Symphony Orchestra Music Director Mark Russell Smith and Masterworks III soloist, Marc Zyla.  In this episode, we discuss the works featured on Masterworks III including:  Elgar -  Serenade for String Orchestra, Strauss - Horn Concerto No. 1, Britten - Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings, and Mozart - Symphony No. 36 "Linz" Support the show (https://qcsymphony.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0n5d00000SJXSBAA5&)

Rising Stars Podcast is excited and proud to showcase Jessie Montgomery, the highly acclaimed composer, violinist, and educator; this brilliant woman was appointed by Riccardo Muti, Zell Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as the ensemble's Mead Composer-in-Residence this past July. Jessie shares her thoughts with our host, Carol Jantsch,  on many topics of conversation including social activism, exercises to address "composer's block," and how she has shaped her artistic voice in her stunningly vivid compositions. *LINKS*Jessie's website Follow Jessie on Facebook, SoundCloud, YouTube, and InstagramJessie's NYT piece “Orchestras Are Rushing to Add Black Composers. Will It Last?” NYTimes Fall Preview profile piece Recent interview on the BBC Radio 3 Music Matters show Selected Videos:LA Phil performs “Banner” Minnesota Orchestra performs “Starburst” Catalyst Quartet - Jessie Montgomery - “Strum” Sergeant McCauley - Nonet written for Imani Winds & Catalyst Quartet Passacaglia -  flute quartet commissioned by National Flute Association  Follow us on Instagram and LinktreeMore about the host at caroljantsch.comMore about the co-host at theflythegroup.comMore about the producer and audio engineer at michnari robinsonWe hope our patrons will donate at least $1 each week to Buy Me a Coffee to support the many talents and services of our wonderful producer and audio engineer, Michnari Robinson. He has worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes to help make this podcast a success.  You are also welcome to support him through donations on PayPal (michnarr@gmail.com) and on Cash App ($MichnariRobinson).

Commentary from David Alan Miller, conductor and music director of the Albany Symphony Orchestra.  From a concert at the Palace Theatre in Albany on October 9, 2021 featuring the music of Sibelius, Beethoven and Jessie Montgomery.

Resonance Works Conductor Maria Sensi Sellner joins former Pittsburgh Symphony Principal double bass and soloist Jeffrey Turner in their return to in-person performances at the Greer Cabaret Theater downtown Pittsburgh November 13th and 14th with some of the hottest and brightest lights on the scene today - Missy Mazzoli with Jeff in the spotlight, Gabriela Lena Frank, Jessie Montgomery and Chen Yi.  Maria has the deep dive into the composers world and Jeff describes his work at Indiana University, the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings at the Townsend School of Music, and his recent recordings including Mozart concertos for Nonesuch with Jeremy Denk. Also, why he has returned to his colleagues at Heinz Hall this season and when we might hear him again.  This conversation with Jim Cunningham took place in the Green Room at Heinz Hall.

A piano duo plays Saint-Saëns' thrilling Danse Macabre, a teenage violinist performs Jessie Montgomery's "Peace" and reflects on a stunning experience deep in a cave in Virginia, we also hear from a winner of the prestigious Junior Sphinx competition.

The young violist on this week's show actually built his own instrument. Hear that story alongside dazzling performances of Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Jessie Montgomery and more.

The young violist on this week's show actually built his own instrument. Hear that story alongside dazzling performances of Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Jessie Montgomery and more.

As more musicians navigate an increasingly unstable arts ecosystem, working in both the performance and administrative spheres has become more popular. Garrett chats with Jaime Sharp, a mezzo-soprano whose artistry, administration, and activism is rooted in accessibility and change. The guys explore DEI in "period instrument" spaces, challenge the notion of #BlackExcellence, and offer words for the good (and not so good) people of Texas. Playlist: Davóne Tines and Igée Dieudonné - "VIGIL" Jessie Montgomery - "Banner" D-Composed String Quartet - "Beyoncé Homecoming Medley" Tom Waits - "Little Trip to Heaven" Mason Bates - "Mothership" Beyoncé - "Daddy Lessons" DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - "Parents Just Don't Understand" Drake feat. Project Pat & 21 Savage - "Knife Talk" Drake feat. Jay-Z - "Love All" More: More on Jaime Sharp: https://jaime-sharp.com/ Downbeat (Beyoncé offers advice): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC79HWP6IXY Davóne Tines' Seat at the Table: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/davone-tines-opera-singer/2021/08/30/3d6373de-04d4-11ec-8c3f-3526f81b233b_story.html The Changing American Canon Sounds like Jessie Montgomery: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/06/arts/music/jessie-montgomery-classical-music.html?fbclid=IwAR2HAVx3Y_HqqqeBXCImbLUm6vI2LI86zJKxRROIzo2pkbqTClniIlDeCmM Our Obsession with Black Excellence is Harming Black People: https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2021/08/01/our-obsession-with-black-excellence-is-harming-black-people/?sh=104680942fd9 TikTok Users and Coders Flood Texas Abortion Site With Fake Tips: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/03/technology/texas-abortion-law-website-tiktok.html

Image credit: The Japan Art Association As the celebrated violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter prepares for the premiere of John Williams's new violin concerto, she talks to Tom Service about making music in and out of the pandemic. She reflects on how her relationship to music has changed over the past 18 months and the need for urgent change when it comes to supporting music and culture in German and beyond. A New Topography of Love Part II is an animated video-game opera experience currently being developed by writer and director John McIlduff and composer Brian Irvine at Dumbworld productions, in collaboration with artists and game developers. Tom catches up with Brian Irvine and Vicky Potts from Whitepot Studios to find out how they plan to put opera inside arcade cabinets. The Berlin-based Belarusian conductor Vitali Alekseenok travelled back to Belarus last August to join protests against the latest election of Alexander Lukashenko as the country's leader – a result which has not been accepted by the EU or the UK. Vitali took part in daily musical protests on the streets of Minsk and has written a book about his experiences. He knows he can't now go back to Belarus for fear of being arrested - something that's already happened to many of his musician friends there. He talks to Tom about his hopes and fears for Belarus and the musicians and artists who speak out. American musician Jessie Montgomery is one of the most distinctive and communicative voices in the US, as a player and a creator. She writes chamber works and orchestral music, as well as improvising with double bassist Eleonore Oppenheim in her duo Big Dog, Little Dog. As she begins her new role as Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Mead Composer-in-Residence, she talks about her work and a newfound urgency to engage, connect and reflect through her music. And from the Music Matters archives, interviews with two composers whom the world has lost in recent days – Frederic Rzewski and Louis Andriessen.

ROCO performs works by Montgomery, Debussy, Fauré, and others!

The year 2020 was challenging for the entire world. We were not only facing the largest pandemic in a century, but here in America we were also continuing the fight toward true equality. And this is certainly true in the musical world as it is in so many fields. For too long, many incredibly gifted composers have not had their powerful voices heard and represented enough in the vast canon of orchestral literature. In this week’s episode Mike, Stephanie, and Jason share with you our list of 10 composers of color whose music you should know. We hope that you will find their work as compelling, beautiful, and rich as we do. This week on Beethoven Walks into a Bar. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT2CuvHMNPENKozokIzxLIPBWmVRdfMZv (Celebrating Composers of Color – YouTube Playlist) https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Cn9pTm5upic8JxtxO5WjO?si=Z-UGGwM2R1S3FhNQlz6tyg (Celebrating Composers of Color – Spotify Playlist) ·      https://michaelabels.com/ (Michael Abels) ·      http://www.terenceblanchard.com/ (Terence Blanchard) ·      https://www.vcolemanmusic.com/ (Valerie Coleman) ·      https://www.glfcam.com/people/gabriela (Gabriela Lena Frank) ·      https://hannahkendall.co.uk/ (Hannah Kendall) ·      http://www.rayfieldallied.com/artists/daniel-kidane (Daniel Kidane) ·      https://www.jessiemontgomery.com/ (Jessie Montgomery) ·      https://www.npr.org/artists/686766837/florence-price (Florence Price) ·      http://www.errollynwallen.com/music?page=music&id=collaborators (Errollyn Wallen) ·      https://www.shelleywashington.com/ (Shelley Washington)

Have you ever played a scale that wasn't major or minor? Did you know there are women composers writing fresh music for the violin? Suhashini Arulanandam introduces us to two wonderful pieces for solo violin, written just a few years ago by Reena Esmail and Jessie Montgomery. Contact Suhashini here: www.harmonyviolinstudio.caListen to Suhashini's violin/ cello duo here: www.tadioliduo.comLearn about Reena Esmail: www.reenaesmail.comLearn about Jessie Montgomery: www.jessiemontgomery.comLearn about the Sphinx Organization: www.sphinxmusic.orgHead to https://upperbeachesmusic.com/podcast to ask your music questions and Rebecca and Zara just might answer them on an upcoming episode!

Francesco Lecce-Chong is the Music Director of the Eugene Symphony in Oregon, and the Santa Rosa Symphony, performing at the Green Music Center in Northern California. The press has described him as a “fast rising talent in the music world” with “the real gift” and recognized his dynamic performances, fresh programming, deep commitment to commissioning and performing new music as well as to community outreach. Mr. Lecce-Chong has appeared with orchestras around the world including the San Francisco Symphony, New York Philharmonic, National Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Toronto Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, and Hong Kong Philharmonic and collaborated with top soloists including Renée Fleming and Itzhak Perlman. Other recent subscription debuts included the Colorado Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, Louisiana Philharmonic and Xi’An Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Lecce-Chong has also returned to conduct the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Milwaukee and San Diego Symphony. The 19/20 season also marked his debut with the New York Philharmonic as part of the legendary Young People’s Concert Series.Following the paths of renowned Music Directors of the Eugene and the Santa Rosa aSymphonies including Marin Alsop, Giancarlo Guerrero and Jeffrey Kahane, Mr. Lecce-Chong has made his mark with the two orchestras introducing a series of new music and community initiatives. In 2019, the orchestras announced Mr. Lecce-Chong’s “First Symphony Project” commissioning four major orchestral works by young composers – Matt Brown, Gabriella Smith, Angélica Negrón and Michael Djupstrom – to be performed over several seasons accompanied by multiple composer residencies and community events. In Eugene, he has reinitiated family concerts and presented a number of innovative projects such as an original multimedia performance of Scriabin’s compositions engaging light and color.In the 20/21 season, an unprecedented one for live orchestral music, Mr. Lecce-Chong will conduct virtual concerts with both the Santa Rosa and the Eugene Symphony, specifically created for online audiences. The performances will be streamed worldwide and will take a unique form of a cohesive musical journey complete with interviews with musicians. The programs will include music by living composers Jessie Montgomery, Gabriella Lena Frank and Chen Yi. Santa Rosa Symphony will also celebrate Beethoven’s 250th with performances of his first three symphonies.During his successful tenures as Associate Conductor with the Milwaukee Symphony under Edo de Waart and the Pittsburgh Symphony under Manfred Honeck, Mr. Lecce-Chong also dedicated his time to opera, building his credentials as staff conductor with the Santa Fe Opera and conducted Madama Butterfly at the Florentine Opera with the Milwaukee Symphony. Mr. Lecce-Chong is the recipient of several distinctions, including the prestigious Solti Foundation Award. Trained also as a pianist and composer, he completed his studies at the Curtis Institute of Music with Otto-Werner Mueller after attending the Mannes College of Music and Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Italy. He has had the privilege of being mentored and supported by celebrated conductors including Bernard Haitink, David Zinman, Edo de Waart, Manfred Honeck, Donald Runnicles and Michael Tilson Thomas.You can find out more about Francesco on his website, lecce-chong.com, or on Instagram @leccechong.

Highlights from my interviews about Creativity and Mental Health in the context of the pandemic, featuring composers Jessie Montgomery, Billy Childs, and Samuel Adler, pianist Gloria Cheng, librettist Aiden Feltkamp, percussionist Sidney Hopson, and high schooler Jaden Gaines.

Composer Jessie Montgomery shares how she has shifted her creative process since the pandemic began to cultivate a sense of playful freedom & reconnect with her childhood love of diverse musical styles. We discuss how systemic racism has affected Jessie's perception of her own musical identity, and her thoughts on her growing role within the classical music community to represent Black women. Jessie offers advice on how to pace oneself while participating in the ongoing process of Anti-Racism work so that we can continue to care for our own health and creative vitality.   www.jessiemontgomery.com   Questions or comments may be shared on Julia Adolphe's YouTube Channel. 

Jessie Montgomery is an acclaimed composer, violinist, and educator. She is the recipient of the Leonard Bernstein Award from the ASCAP Foundation, the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, and her works are performed frequently around the world by leading musicians and ensembles. Her music interweaves classical music with elements of vernacular music, improvisation, poetry, and social consciousness, making her an acute interpreter of 21st- century American sound and experience. Her profoundly felt works have been described as “turbulent, wildly colorful, and exploding with life.” Jessie was born and raised in Manhattan's Lower East Side in the 1980s during a time when the neighborhood was at a major turning point in its history. Artists gravitated to the hotbed of artistic experimentation and community development. Her parents - her father a musician, her mother a theater artist and storyteller - were engaged in the activities of the neighborhood and regularly brought Jessie to rallies, performances, and parties where neighbors, activists, and artists gathered to celebrate and support the movements of the time. It is from this unique experience that Jessie has created a life that merges composing, performance, education, and advocacy. Since 1999, Jessie has been affiliated with The Sphinx Organization, which supports young African - American and Latinx musicians. She currently serves as composer-in-residence of the Sphinx Virtuosi, their Organization’s flagship professional touring ensemble. She was a two-time laureate of the Annual Sphinx Competition and was awarded their highest honor, the Sphinx Medal of Excellence. She has received additional grants and awards from the ASCAP Foundation, Chamber Music America, AMerican Composers Orchestra, the Joyce Foundation, and the Sorel Organization. The New York Philharmonic has selected Jessie as a featured composer for their Project 19, which marks the centennial of the ratification of the 19th amendment, granting equal voting rights in the United States to women. Other forthcoming works include a nonet inspired by the Great Migration, told from the perspective of Montgomery’s great-grandfather William McCauley and to be performed by Imani Winds and the Catalyst Quartet; a cello concerto for Thomas Mesa jointly commissioned by Carnegie Hall, New World Symphony, and The Sphinx Organization; and a new orchestral work for the National Symphony. The question of the week is, "What will the next period of classical music look like?" Ms. Montgomery and I discuss what she believes will define the next period of classical music, how to avoid making the same mistakes as our predecessors when writing the narrative of classical music, the widening skillsets of classical musicians, and why it is important for musicians to know how to improvise. You can find out more about Jessie Montgomery and her amazing music on her website, jessiemontgomery.com.

Join Kai Swanson as he converses with Quad City Symphony Orchestra Music Director Mark Russell Smith. On this episode, Kai and Mark look at the works featured on Masterworks I including Beethoven's 1st Symphony and Coriolan Overture, Lyric by George Walker, and Banner by Jessie Montgomery. Learn more about the Quad City Symphony Orchestra Follow us on Social Media:TwitterFacebookInstagramTikTokYouTubeSupport the show (https://qcsymphony.secure.force.com/donate/?dfId=a0ni000000IEp9TAAT)

Jessie Montgomery is an acclaimed composer, violinist, and educator. Her works are performed frequently around the world by leading musicians and ensembles. Her music interweaves classical music with elements of vernacular music, improvisation, language, and social justice, placing her squarely as one of the most relevant interpreters of 21st-century American sound and experience. We had a great conversation touching on her upbringing, improv in classical music, her wide range of works, and much more!

A meditation on the role of art in envisioning and enacting peace in our communities, featuring music that traces the struggle for peace throughout our country's history, including a stirring arrangement of a spiritual, a new work written during the pandemic, and a pair of peace-themed jazz arrangements. Our guests are three extraordinary creative thinkers who tell stories through their art: composer Jessie Montgomery and poets Keno Evol and Lester Batiste, who introduce their Minneapolis-based organization BlackTableArts.Musical selections in order of performance [timestamp]:Jessie Montgomery – "Peace" (2020) [4:25]"Nobody Knows the Trouble I See" arr. J. Rosamond Johnson and Maud Powell [26:26]Bill Evans – "Peace Piece" arr. American Stories [43:19]Horace Silver – "Peace" arr. American Stories [1:00:55]Learn more about BlackTableArts at https://www.blacktablearts.com/.About us:Sophia Stoyanovich is a violinist originally from Bainbridge Island, Washington. Born into a family of artists, Sophia seeks to develop projects that cultivate empathy through exploring identities. A graduate of The Juilliard School, she has performed internationally, including soloing with the Seattle Symphony. In 2014 she traveled throughout Vietnam with the About Face Foundation, teaching at schools and orphanages. She is also communications director and violinist of The Versoi Ensemble, an international chamber ensemble dedicated to cultural diplomacy through chamber music. Derek Wang is a New York-based pianist and communicator who is guided by the value of committed listening in musical and social spaces. He is a graduate student at The Juilliard School and member of the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble at the Aspen Music Festival and School. He appeared on an NPR Tiny Desk episode in 2018 as emcee for From the Top. He has played family concerts alongside the animated short film collection Magic Piano and the Chopin Shorts in the U.S., Mexico, and on tour in China.Visit www.american-stories.org, where this episode is available for download in an MP3 format.Check out our Facebook page and Instagram!Write to us at americanstories2020@gmail.com - we'd love to hear from you!

This week, we start out with a rousing round of Two Truths and a Lie and then we move on to our three topics:THE EASTERN EUROPEAN RECORDING INDUSTRY AND FAR RIGHT POLITICSThe trailer to Dinesh D'Souza's “Trump Card: The Movie” featuring Debbie D'Souza and the Budapest Scoring Orchestra Will's blog post about recording in OstravaWill's vlog about the sameLISTENER FEEDBACKMusic Suggestions for Kensho's WeddingThe Lark Ascending Make Our Garden Grow Knee Play 5 Will orchestras keep the pace of change?Jessie Montgomery in the NYT THE COVID OUTBREAK AT THE MARIINSKY THEATERRussian Ballet Returned to the Stage. Then a Covid Outbreak Hit. (NYT)Valery Gergiev Wants to Make Music, But the West Brings Up Putin (LAT)CLASSICAL MIXTAPEThe full playlistTiffanyAnatoly Lyadov, KikimoraWillBoris Lyatoshynsky, Piano Trio No. 2KenshoDohnányi, Piano Quintet, mvmt. 3THINK YOU CAN STUMP US? GO AHEAD AND TRY!Google Form for “Name that Tune: Stump the Hosts Edition” GET A COPY OF ALEX ROSS'S WAGNERISM FOR OUR BOOK CLUBWe start with the Prelude, and Chapters 1 & 2 next weekYou can reach us at classicalgabfest@gmail.com and on social media:FacebookTwitterInstagram

“Becoming a composer is about sharing your music. Whatever you create has to then become observed by someone else or performed by someone else in my case. So, it was really about having the bravery to get over that one crucial step of… I have created this thing and now I’m gonna share it with somebody.” Composer Jessie Montgomery shares her thoughts on the first steps in the creative process.

The Chicago Sinfonietta is celebrating its 30th anniversary season with a new album featuring world-premiere recordings of newly commissioned works by Jennifer Higdon, Clarice Assad, Jessie Montgomery and Reena Esmail. Conductor Mei-Ann Chen shares insights into the new record, 'Project W: Works By Diverse Women Composers.'

Last weekend, Virginia Arts Festival brought us a world premiere and a weekend of spectacular dance at Norfolk’s Chrysler Hall. Dance Theatre of Harlem was born 50 years ago as the first African American classical ballet company. In this engagement at Virginia Arts Festival, Dance Theatre of Harlem performed the pieces “Valse Fantaisie,” “Adagietto,” and “Dougla,” in addition to the world premiere of “Passage,” choreographed by Claudia Schreier with music by Jessie Montgomery.

Jessie talks with Wayla about her music for the new Dance Theatre of Harlem ballet (a world premiere that takes place this weekend, commissioned by the Virginia Arts Festival and the 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution), as well as her work with the Sphinx Organization and recent developments in the American orchestral landscape.

Described by Pitchfork as a "musical polymath," composer/violist Eyvind Kang has created and collaborated on hundreds of recordings and countless tours, from his own solo masterpieces to his work with Laurie Anderson, Bill Frisell, Animal Collective, Sun O))), The Decemberists, and Blonde Redhead. On this episode, he tells us about his early inspirations, his favorite project, and the music his teacher thought was garbage.   Playlist Here is a Spotify playlist to pair with Underscore Episode 5 with Eyvind Kang. It features hand--picked selections from Chrysanthe and Thomas to encapsulate the conversations and recommendations from the episode.   Music Featured in Interview: "Marriage of Days" by Eyvind Kang (iTunes / Spotify) "The Island" by The Decemberists (iTunes / Spotify) "Partita No. 3 in E Major: Preludio" by J.S. Bach (iTunes / Spotify) "Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A. (iTunes / Spotify) "Giant Steps" by John Coltrane (iTunes / Spotify) "Dhun" by Ravi Shankar (iTunes / Spotify) "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones (iTunes / Spotify) "It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World" by James Brown (iTunes / Spotify) "Automatism" by Group Ongaku (YouTube) "Seva" by Jessika Kenney and Eyvind Kang (unreleased) "Cyclades" by Anne Carson, Robert Currie, and Eyvind Kang (unreleased) "Side 1" from Plainlight by Eyvind Kang (LP) Lightning Round Questions What genre is your music? Non--music Performance ritual? Quigong and tai chi A modern/technological tool that’s extremely helpful to your practice? Recording and playback A failure that turned out for the best? He tried to adapt a kacapi (Sudanese zither) technique for the viola but ended up creating a new pizzicato technique for himself instead. Something besides music that you’re obsessed with right now? Agriculture, philosophy, questions of justice and human rights A piece of art that changed your life? The Large Glass by Marcel Duchamp Something Old: Einstein on the Beach -- "Scene 3: Spaceship" by Phillip Glass. (iTunes / Spotify) Something New: Music by Black Composers made a Living Composers Directory. Recommended track: "Starburst" by Jessie Montgomery (iTunes / Spotify) Something Borrowed: "Iron" by Woodkid (iTunes / Spotify) Something Blue: "Prometheus, The Poem of Fire" by Alexander Scriabin (iTunes / Spotify) Credits: Hosts: Thomas Kotcheff and Chrysanthe Tan Script: Chrysanthe Tan Guest: Eyvind Kang Recording engineer: Mark Hatwan Produced by: Chrysanthe Tan Editing: Mark Hatwan Underscore is an extension of the Classical KUSC family Podcast theme: "Playground Day" by Chrysanthe Tan (iTunes / Spotify)   Social Media Facebook: /underscorefm Twitter: @underscorefm Instagram: @underscorefm Thomas is @thomaskotcheff on Twitter and Instagram. Chrysanthe is @chrysanthetan on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Facebook group: Join our Facebook group, Underscore Society, to give us your thoughts, request future topics, and connect with other podcast listeners! Newsletter: Sign up for our mailing list to receive Underscore updates, offers, and opportunities to connect with other music aficionados. Email: Thoughts, questions, suggestions? We’re at info@underscore.fm

On today's episode I interviewed Jessie Montgomery, violinist of the Catalyst Quartet and composer. We talked about her unique career as a composer, member of a string quartet, and all that she has done to design her unique career as a chamber musician and composer in New York City. It was fascinating to hear about her early influences- a child of artists, she was bound to have a career that was outside the box. It is interesting to hear about her influences and the teaching she was exposed to throughout her education that helped mold and shape the career she has created now. From studying with a teacher who developed a way to teach children how to improvise, to working in program called Community Music Works where she played and taught and had to work on all the administrative things, she created a unique skill set that enabled her to run her own string quartet.  To learn more about Jessie and her work: http://catalystquartet.com/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZmVRWjpNxw http://communitymusicworks.org/    Thank you to Ficks Music for providing the hosting for the show: https://www.ficksmusic.com/ 

Composer Jessie Montgomery speaks about identity, patriotism, and music as a catalyst for physically bringing people together.

I det nionde programmet av tio medverkar tre unga afroamerikaner: orkesterdirigenten Marlon Daniel, tonsättaren och violinisten Jessie Montgomery och tonsättaren Jonathan Bailey Holland. Marlon Daniel föds i Chicago. Ett pianistiskt underbarn som utbildar sig i dirigering i USA, Paris och Prag och dirigerar orkestrar i Moskva och i Sofia i Bulgarien. Chefdirigent är han för Festival of African and African-American Music i Baltimore, USA, och för Ensemble du Monde i New York. – Musiken blir mitt tillhåll. Större delen av min barndom sitter jag på det allmänna biblioteket i Chicago och läser alla deras partitur och noter. Jag har inget annat alternativ. Vårt grannskap är inte det bästa och min bror dras in i gäng- och drogkulturen där. – Ingen svart dirigent basar över en större symfoniorketser i USA. När jag berättar att jag är dirigent/conductor tror folk att jag är tågkonduktör, skrattar Marlon Daniel, vars högsta dröm är att dirigera Wienfilharmonikerna i den legendariska nyårskonserten. Jessie Montgomery spelar violin i stråkkvartetten Catalyst Quartet och är hustonsättare hos Sphinx Organisation som aktivt stöder afroamerikanska och latinamerikanska klassiska musiker och tonsättare, och arbetar för mångfald inom den klassiska musiken. – Sphinx behövs på grund av att vita människor i USA har fler privilegier, mer pengar och lättare tillgång till den här musikkulturen, förklarar hon. – Jag växer upp i det gränsöverskridande New York under 1980- och 90-talet. Först på universitetet funderar jag på om jag togs in på musikutbildningen för att jag har talang eller på grund av min hudfärg, berättar Jessie Montgomery. Jonathan Bailey Holland är lektor vid Berklee College of Music i Boston. Hans musik är influerad av nutida konstmusik, jazz, rhythm’n’blues och rap. Länge är Jonathan Bailey Holland rädd för att avslöja att han är en svart tonsättare. Detta för att undgå fördomar och förutfattade meningar om sin musik. Hans orkesterstycke Halcyon Sun/Stilla sol beställs av Paavo Järvi när han är chefdirigent för Cincinnatis symfoniorkester. Stycket uruppförs i samband med invigningen av Freedom Center National Underground Railroad Museum i Cincinnati. – Min utgångspunkt är kontrasten ljus och mörker, förklarar tonsättaren Jonathan Bailey Holland. Hur känns det för slavarna att resa i kompakt mörker och plötsligt se ljusen i fönstren på de så kallade Safe Houses, de säkra husen, där de flyende slavarna kan sova i trygghet? Det måste ha känts underbart att sedan möta solens strålar i frihet. Vi rätar ut frågetecknen kring namnen på de två tonsättarna Samuel Coleridge-Taylor och Coleridge Taylor-Perkinson och kring vem av dem som kallas Den afrikanske Mahler. Och vi hör ett utdrag ur kvinnokämpen och abolitionisten Sojourner Truth’s improviserade tal ”Ain’t I a Woman?” vid kvinnokonferensen 1851 i Ohio. Hon föds som slav 1797 och flyr sin slavägare 1827. Afroamerikanske tonsättaren Gary Powell Nash tonsätter stycket In Memorian till hennes ära. Manus, regi och produktion: Birgitta Tollan.