Podcasts about pittsburgh symphony

As we face growing political tensions in the U.S. and unprecedented government interference in arts and culture programming, sustaining our commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility (DEIBA) is more critical than ever. Recent executive actions have limited resources for our industry and further silenced historically excluded voices in our field. As these challenges mount, we must find new ways to advocate, collaborate, and ensure our work remains inclusive. This episode revisits a powerful conversation with Dr. Evelyn Carter from June 2023 about what it takes to uphold DEIBA commitments when the going gets tough. Dr. Carter shares heartening advice and actionable strategies for arts and cultural administrators to meet this moment with purpose and resilience. --- SEGMENTS: CI to Eye Interview (3:00) - Dan sits down with social psychologist Dr. Evelyn Carter to discuss the unique DEIBA challenges and opportunities we face in the arts and entertainment industry. Dr. Carter shares expert tips for living our values, creating welcoming environments, and addressing implicit bias in the workplace and beyond. CI-lebrity Sightings (54:10) - Dan recaps his favorite stories of CI clients in the news. This month's newsmakers include Detroit Symphony Orchestra, NYU Skirball, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Musical Instrument Museum, Los Angles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, and Pittsburgh Symphony. --- LINKS: NPR | 'Chilling effect': Arts organizations react to end of DEI initiatives from fed agency CBS News | How Trump is reshaping the Kennedy Center, moving away from "woke culture" CI to Eye | Sustaining DEIBA Commitments WHYY | From a childhood dream to leading orchestras: The power of music education New York Times | 'How Did I Get Here?' 7 Days in the Life of a Busy Arts Programmer USA Today | 10 best music museums in the US that will rock your world Symphony | 2025 Classical Grammy Award Winners

Carolyn Marie Wilkins is the author of three mystery novels: Death at a Séance, Melody for Murder and Mojo for Murder, all available from Pen-L Publications. She is also the author of Tips for Singing (Hal Leonard Press) and two memoirs: Damn Near White: An African American Family's Journey from Slavery to Bittersweet Success, and They Raised Me Up: A Black Single Mother and the Women Who Inspired Her, available from the University of Missouri Press.Murder At The Wham Bam Club, the first in Carolyn's new Psychics and Soul Food mystery series, is being released by Kensington Publishing in 2025.Carolyn is a Reiki master, a psychic medium and a Professor at Berklee College of Music Online. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory and the Eastman School of Music, Carolyn has performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony and represented her country as a Jazz Ambassador for the U.S. State Department. An initiated priestess of Yemaya, the African goddess of motherhood, compassion and the ocean, Carolyn holds certificates of completion in mediumship from the JVP School of Mystical Arts, the British mediums Tony Stockwell and Mavis Pittilla. To find out more about Carolyn, visit her website: www.carolynwilkins.com Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/ResonantWisdomServicesInstagram http://www.instagram.com/Jemaya7Website www.CarolynWilkins.com*****************About SinCSisters in Crime (SinC) was founded in 1986 to promote the ongoing advancement, recognition and professional development of women crime writers. Through advocacy, programming and leadership, SinC empowers and supports all crime writers regardless of genre or place on their career trajectory.www.SistersinCrime.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sincnational/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sincnational.bsky.socialThreads: https://www.threads.net/@sincnationalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sistersincrimeTikTok:: https://www.tiktok.com/@sincnationalThe SinC Writers' Podcast is produced by Julian Crocamo https://www.juliancrocamo.com/

Welcome to the show. Today we're tackling a topic that sends chills down the spines of many: mastering auditions. Whether you're aiming for a spot in an orchestra, prepping for a college jury, or even gearing up for that pivotal job interview, the anxiety and fear of auditions is a universal experience.Auditions can feel like stepping into the unknown, a daunting challenge that tests not only your skills but also your nerves. But here's the good news: just like any other challenge, the more you familiarize yourself with the process, the less intimidating it becomes. Remember the first time you rode a bike or spoke in public? The fear melted away with practice and preparation, and auditions are no different.Our guest on this episode is Micah Wilkinson, principal trumpet with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Micah has been on both sides of the audition table and understands the nuances that can make or break a performance. Our hope is that by the end of this episode, you'll feel more confident and equipped to tackle your next big opportunity with ease. Let's turn those audition fears into triumphs!Episode Highlights:-Micah shares his musical background in the Atlanta area...02:25-"You have what it takes to be a principal player"; a mentor spurs on a promising career...06:06-Micah's personal experience with auditions (what worked, what didn't)...12:05-Success in certain roles requires a certain amount of "healthy arrogance"...17:25-Focus on the music vs. YOU and no one hardly notices the mistakes...23:19-How do you play "consistently"; and what does "consistency" even mean?...28:35-How a giant whiteboard and recording device can help you track progress on audition prep...32:00-"There's no doubt in my mind the person who won [the recent PSO audition] was more prepared than anyone else"...35:00-View articulation more as properly expressing the language of the music vs. tonguing or fingering with a certain technique...43:00-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...Episode Sponsor:MF Lip GripAbout the Guest:Micah Wilkinson has enjoyed a varied career as an orchestral musician, soloist, chamber artist, and teacher. He was appointed Principal Trumpet of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra by Music Director Manfred Honeck in September 2017. Wilkinson came to the Pittsburgh Symphony from the San Diego Symphony, where he served as Principal Trumpet for three years. He previously held positions with the Houston Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony, the Oregon Symphony, and the Tucson Symphony. He recently performed in subscription programs as Guest Principal Trumpet with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, and the Seoul Philharmonic. In the summers, he performs as Principal Trumpet of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra.As an educator, he strives to help the next generation of brass players to find their own unique voices as musical artists. He is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after instructors for trumpet in the United States and enjoys working privately with students at his home studio in Pittsburgh and online through virtual platforms. He is currently on the faculty at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and at the Chautauqua Institution School of Music. He has also taught at the Aspen Music Festival, Eastman Summer Music Institute, Round Top Festival Hill Institute, and the Brevard Music Center. He previously served on the faculties of the University of Houston and Portland State University, and has presented master classes and clinics for colleges and universities all over the United States, as well as Europe and Asia. Wilkinson grew up in Norcross, Georgia. A...

The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark.  Join hosts Noah and John as they interview Jim Nova, 2nd trombonist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra About Jim Nova James Nova joined the Grammy award-winning Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 2009 as second/utility trombone. In 2012, Nova made his solo debut with the PSO, performing Henri Tomasi's Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra. Prior to that, he was a member of the Utah Symphony Orchestra where he served eight seasons as assistant principal/second trombone.  Since 2012, James Nova has found a new passion in multitrack recording, also known as "overdubbing." Overdubbing is a process by which a musician records all the parts of a piece of music one by one and layers the recordings on top of each other to create a full ensemble. Nova has released dozens of stunning and virtuosic tracks of his own challenging arrangements of exciting repertoire for trombone choir. The arrangements employ many different trombones: contra bass, bass, tenor, small tenor, alto, and even soprano trombones! James Nova has had a lifelong love of John Williams' film scores and in December of 2017, he released a new overdub album for trombone choir, A Fall from Light to Dark. Through the chosen moments of John Williams' masterful scores, this album musically chronicles the rise and descent of Anakin Skywalker as he transforms into Darth Vader. Truly a one-man show, this album's transcriptions, playing, recording, editing, mixing, and mastering were all done by Nova himself. James Nova has always been passionate about music education. When not on stage at Heinz Hall with the Pittsburgh Symphony, he can be found at the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University where he is adjunct trombone faculty, as well as the brass coach of the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras. Given their widespread popularity, Nova's recordings are playing an impactful role in inspiring the next generation of musicians and budding recording artists and he is frequently invited to teach outside the region. Since 2012, he has completed more than 85 visits to prominent festivals (such as the International Trombone Festival, American Trombone Workshop, and the Korea Trombone Festival, among others) and reputable educational institutions (such as the Curtis Institute of Music, Juilliard School of Music, and New England Conservatory, among others) as the featured artist and educator in concerts, masterclasses, and clinics. James Nova studied with Glenn Dodson at the Curtis Institute of Music followed by study with Norman Bolter at the New England Conservatory of Music. While in Boston, Nova played regularly with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops Orchestra, including recordings and television broadcasts as both principal and second trombone.  James Nova is an S.E. Shires Artist and performs on his signature line of Greg Black Mouthpieces. For more info, visit jimnova.com or hear his recordings at soundcloud.com/jimnova

The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark.  Join hosts Noah and John as they interview John Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz, trombonists and podcast hosts of The Trombone Retreat.  After you listen to this episode, head on over to The Trombone Retreat feed for the second half of this episode.  You can come see us at Booth #271 at the TMEA Convention, February 8th thru 10th, 2024 in San Antonio Texas.   About John Sebastian Vera John Sebastian Vera, a native of Texas, became the principal trombonist of the Pittsburgh Opera in 2010 and also joined the River City Brass as principal Trombone in 2015. He is also professor of trombone at Duquesne University and faculty member at the Cleveland Institute of Music where he teaches a course on Music Entrepreneurship and Digital Media as well as coach chamber music. In addition to the Pittsburgh Opera, Mr. Vera has played with the symphonies of Dallas, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Buffalo, Kennedy Center Opera House, Malaysian Philharmonic, New York City Ballet, Vermont, Harrisburg, Charleston, American Ballet Theatre, and Orquesta Sinaloa de las Artes in Mexico amongst others.  He began his studies with Jon Bohls in Texas and continued his education at Southern Methodist University where he studied with John Kitzman of the Dallas Symphony. He then spent a year studying with Ed Zadrozny as a graduate assistant at the University of Akron, and finished his graduate work in New York City at the Mannes College of Music studying with David Finlayson and James Markey of the New York Philharmonic.     In 2011, he spent the summer in Haiti volunteer teaching and performing in the Orchestre Philharmonique Sainte Trinite as well as the Ecole de Musique Dessaix Baptiste which became one of the more profound experiences of his life.   A dedicated chamber musician, he also was a founding member of the critically acclaimed Guidonian Hand Trombone Quartet in which he played from 2008-2014. With the quartet, John performed over 100 concerts and gave master classes all over the country. Heralded by the New York Times for their "expertly played performances" they have been recipients of numerous national grants which have enabled them to commission countless composers to create new and innovative works for four trombones.  In 2014 was the premiere of River of Fundament, a movie by film artist Matthew Barney, in which John recorded for and acted in along with the quartet.  Mr. Vera can also be heard on the HBO documentary The Words that Built America as well as on euphonium in the PBS documentary Abraham and Mary Lincoln, A House Divided as well as many commercial and video game soundtracks as well as James Markey's solo release, “On Base”. John is an Artist for Edwards Instruments and resides in Pittsburgh.  His favorite musicians include Sigur Ros, Radiohead, the Books, and Efterklang. When he can get away from the trombone he most enjoys basketball, traveling and reading about psychology and social science.  Check out his podcast he hosts with Nick Schwartz called the Trombone Retreat available everywhere you download your podcasts. Follow him on Instagram @js.vera.   About Nicholas Schwartz Nicholas Schwartz has a diverse career performing across North America, Europe, and Asia. After studying at The Juilliard School with then New York Philharmonic bass trombonist Don Harwood, he moved to San Francisco where he began freelancing throughout the Bay Area.  Since 2010, he has been the principal bass trombonist of the New York City Ballet Orchestra. He has also performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, The Metropolitan Opera, The Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Ballet, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, St. Lukes Chamber Orchestra, the New York City Opera,  Atlanta Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, The Malaysia Philharmonic, Mostly Mozart Festival, and Classical Tahoe.  Follow him on instagram @basstrombone444   About Third Coast Retreat The Third Coast Trombone Retreat is an 7-day trombone immersion welcoming talented college, high school, and amateur trombonists from across the country to the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.   The Retreat takes place in the charming small town of Montague, MI. Truly an escape from the distractions of everyday life, the festival is nestled in a dense forest along the coast where happening across roaming deer is a common occurrence. The Retreat utilizes facilities all over the town from churches to coffee houses to historic barns to the beach.  We will perform not only for ourselves, but for the community. A fulfilling life of being a musician does not simply begin and end with winning an orchestral or teaching position. Mastering the instrument is only the first step.  Being an artist in the 21st century requires discovering one's unique voice and finding new ways to present the art-form to communicate and contribute to society.   Core to the retreat will be guest artist and faculty recitals, topical master classes including personal finance, performance anxiety and wellness as well as private lessons, orchestral section seminar, ensemble coachings, a trombone choir, a mock orchestral audition, and much more. In addition to the performance elements, the curriculum is expanded to include a talks about career-building, faculty bonfire Q&A, discussions on the mental approach to auditions and performances, wellness, meditation, and more.    

Speech has rhythm, repetition, pace. Voice overs have style, tone, pitch. There's a reason why so many singers are voice actors, and Alessandra is a perfect example! As an incredible multi-instrumentalist, recording engineer, producers, she brings music to the mic whether it's on Jazz vocals or a Starbucks commercial. Alessandra is all things creative. A voice actor, vocalist, bass player and producer. From creating characters at the age of three, to singing in front of large groups at thirteen, she knew her place was on stage, in the studio, and on camera. Growing up in a musical family helped, as weekends were spent having family jam sessions. Soon after her completing degree in studio music, she landed a gig singing with Ben Folds and the Pittsburgh Symphony, sang for Radio City Music Hall as a Rockette, and sang on My Brightest Diamond's album “This is My Hand.” Studio singing quickly opened up the doors for her as a voice actor, with clients such as Google, Dove, Starbucks, Verizon, LEGO, Target, Cinnabon, Hello Fresh, Corona, Ketel One Vodka, Hasbro, Amazon, Wingstop, Sonic, Santander Bank, iHeartRadio and many others. Hear more Allesandra on her website at https://AlessandraLevy.com also on Instagram @AlessandraVoice You can hear Scoobert Doobert's music at https://ScoobertDoobert.pizza That was cool. That is cool. That's super cool.  Podcast Produced by Beformer --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scoobertdoobert/message

August 5-11, 1978 This week Ken welcomes The Horror Timelines guy himself, author, YouTuber and fellow horror fan Josh Spiegel. Ken and Josh discuss LA heat, cats, dogs afraid of flies, growing up in Pittsburgh, working at The Monroeville Mall, George Romero, Horror Conventions, Dawn of the Dead, being born in the 1930s, being older than you look, The Jeffersons, the weird English neighbor, cable, non-24 hour HBO, movie rentals, Full Moon Features, TV Violence, when computers take over, cigarettes, cufflinks, The Bionic Woman, The Eighties Project, The Archie Situation Comedy Musical Variety Show, Moose, drugs that totally are not weight loss drugs that are weight loss drugs, Diff'rent Strokes, M*A*S*H, how the Korean War stood in for the Vietnam War, Vietnam vets on TV, why 9/11 doesn't show up in fiction, Charlotte's Web, Jack Albertson, Poor Devil, Sammy Davis Jr. Christopher Lee, needing something light hearted and dumb, Three's Company, Super Hero Disco, proto-Firestar, comic books, Santa Monica's "Little Boston", the math behind Let's Make a Deal, The Price is Right, why John Cusack hates Better Off Dead and One Crazy Summer, Lucha Libre, The Crying Woman,  Dean Martin, Sinatra, Welcome Back Kotter, Pittsburgh Symphony, Wonder Woman, The Incredible Hulk, made for TV movies and why The Midnight Hour is not only great, but trivia gold. 

Synopsis“Spaghetti western” is a nickname given to a genre of Italian films from the 1960s, most famously directed by Sergio Leone, and often starring Clint Eastwood as the taciturn, gun-toting anti-hero.Spaghetti Western also is the title of a Concerto for English horn written by American composer Michael Daugherty that received its premiere performance on today's date in 1998 at a Pittsburgh Symphony concert conducted by Mariss Jansons.“Just as Leone's films redefined the Western genre from an Italian perspective,” writes Michael Daugherty, “I redefine the European concerto … within an American context. In my ‘Spaghetti Western,' the English horn soloist is the ‘Man with no Name,' moving through a series of sun-drenched panoramas, barren deserts, and desolate towns of the Wild West, … [one of ] the gun-slinging characters who haunt the landscape.”Daugherty gave Italian titles to his three-movement concerto: “Strade Vuote” (“Empty Streets”), “Assalto all'Oro” (“Gold Rush”) and “Mezzogiorno di Fuoco” (“Noon of Fire”). And since Eastwood was unable to play the English horn for the Pittsburgh Symphony premiere, Harold Smoliar removed the cigar from his parched, suntanned lips, adjusted his poncho and took up his English horn for the performance.Music Played in Today's ProgramMichael Daugherty (b. 1954) Spaghetti Western Harold Smoliar; University of Michigan Symphony; Kenneth Kiesler, cond. Equilibrium 63

My first memory is of hitting everything in sight at 2 years old. From playing in the church from the age of 5 to performing with the Percussion Scholarship Group, (PSG), starting in 4th grade, I have had many valuable experiences and lessons that have brought me to where I am today. Directed by Patricia Dash, percussionist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and her husband Douglas Waddell, percussionist with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Percussion Scholarship Group is where my formal training began. During my time there I was featured on radio and television with From the Top, The TODAY Show, and Chicago Tonight was awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award and received second place in the Chicago Symphony Youth Auditions. Thanks to them I was fortunate to be accepted to all colleges that I auditioned for in 2010 and I chose to go to DePaul School of Music to continue my training. While at DePaul I was able to develop quickly resulting in being added to orchestra sub-lists, advancing in Civic orchestra auditions, attending the National Repertory Orchestra Festival, and eventually winning the Detroit Fellowship in 2014. With the help of my mentors, the percussion section, the principal trombonist, and the remaining members of the symphony, I was able to begin advancing in major auditions as well as further my technique and knowledge of this particular business. After finishing the fellowship there, I applied for and was hired as a fellow of the Pittsburgh Symphony. This was cut very short because of my success in the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra audition, where I worked as the Principal Percussionist for 2 years and was layered tenured. I now serve as the Principal Percussionist of Grant Park Orchestra. I always hope that with each degree of progress I make in my life that I can somehow help someone else do the same. 

Host Luisa Lyons chats with Deborah Henson-Conant, a truly gifted musician, artist, composer, and storyteller.Deborah shares the extraordinary story behind the intensely personal and beautiful new two-hander musical The Golden Cage. The musical was filmed live at the 2022 Off-Broadway “CreateTheater New Works Series” and is now available on demand on Streaming Musicals. Deborah Henson-Conant is a Grammy-Nominated composer & performer who combines stories and music in multiple genres from narrated concerts to song cycles, one-person musicals, operetta and musical.Her full-length music special “Invention & Alchemy” in collaboration with the Grand Rapids Symphony, appeared on PBS stations throughout the U.S. and received a Grammy Nomination for Best Classical Crossover album. She's performed and premiered her works internationally with orchestras and venues including Pittsburgh Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Tacoma Symphony and Buffalo Philharmonic, Chicago Humanities Festival, Kennedy Center, Boston's Lyric Stage and Central Square Theater.Her TEDx talk chronicles the development of the harp that's named after her,  the “DHC” body-harp – an instrument that enables one to become a single performing unit with an electric harp.Show Links The Golden Cage: https://www.hipharp.com/goldencagemusical. Use  code GOLDEN25 for 25% off. Deborah Henson-Conant: https://www.hipharp.com/ Support the showFilmed Live Musicals is where musicals come home. Use the searchable database to find musicals filmed on stage to watch from the comfort of your living room! Visit www.filmedlivemusicals.com to learn more. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. You can also support the site at Patreon. Patrons get early access to the podcast and site content, no matter how much you pledge. Become a Patron today!Filmed Live Musicals is created by Luisa Lyons, an Australian actor, writer, and musician. Luisa holds a Masters in Music Theatre from London's Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and now lives, works, and plays in New York. Learn more at www.luisalyons.com and follow on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

On May 20, the Pittsburgh Symphony is going to do classical…differently. Come to Heinz Hall for PSO Disrupt - a new series that creates a more welcoming environment for people that are curious about orchestral music, but don't know where to start.  Listen PSO Associate Conductor Jacob Joyce tell you all about Disrupt and how these shorter concerts will be social experiences with themed cocktails, pre-concert activities, and a host guiding you through the music on stage. This performance, Riot, will uncover what really happened on the night Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring premiered that led to some commotion. Learn more through this augmented reality experience with a PSO musician! Get access to a special BOGO offer by clicking here, or by using the code PTCBOGO at checkout.

Angel Subero is a Venezuelan trombonist who attended the Conservatorio Itinerante in Caracas, Venezuela, where he studied with the legendary Michel Becquet. After coming to the United States in 2001, he attended  Boston Conservatory, where he studied with Lawrence Isaacson, and New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Douglas Yeo. He also studied with John Rojak at the Aspen Music Festival. Subero has performed with numerous orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, Boston Ballet, Pittsburgh Symphony, American Composers Orchestra, the Venezuela Symphony, Simon Bolivar Symphony, and the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, to name a few. He has worked with such conductors as John Williams, Seiji Ozawa, Kurt Masur, Sir Colin Davis, Christoph von Dohnanyi, Keith Lockhart, and Robert Spano, among many others. In the realms of jazz, Latin and commercial music, Subero has appeared with artists such as Bob Brookmeyer, Aretha Franklin, Slide Hampton, Jim McNeely, Claudio Roditi, Danilo Perez, Chris Botti, and many more.

Synopsis Today's date in 1945 marks the birthday in Pittsburgh of the great American playwright August Wilson, who chronicled the experiences of the Great Northward Migration of African-Americans decade by decade across the one hundred years of the 20th century in a series of ten powerful and poetic plays collectively called “The Pittsburgh Cycle.” Plays in the series include Fences and The Piano Lesson, both of which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.  Wilson was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame and a Broadway theater is named after him.American composer Kathryn Bostic provided theatrical scores for several of Wilson's plays, working closely with him. Because of her collaboration, Bostic also scored the PBS American Masters documentary August Wilson-The Ground on Which I Stand, which ultimately led her to create The August Wilson Symphony, which was premiered by the Pittsburgh Symphony in 2018.One of the major quests in Wilson's plays is what he called “finding one's song,” and music – especially the blues – figures large in his work. Perhaps with that in mind, Bostic composed a song entitled “State of Grace” as her personal memorial to Wilson, a song she has recorded, accompanying herself at the piano. Music Played in Today's Program Kathryn Bostic (b. 1970) – State of Grace (Kathryn Bostic, vocal and piano; Pittsburgh Symphony strings) KBMusic digital download

David Ludwig is an American composer, teacher, and Dean of Music at The Juilliard School. His work has been commissioned and performed by artists and ensembles including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, National Symphony, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall. He is a committed advocate for diversity and inclusion in new music and programming, and serves on the national program committee of New Music USA and is a member of the distinguished mentors council of Composers Now.  Grab your favorite instrument and the first chair…let's talk about life, MUSIC, and learning.  Please leave a review and visit us at www.teacherpeprally.com  Join the Facebook community to collaborate and celebrate with us and fellow educators. If you are enjoying the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you rate the show and then leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews helps other educators to find the Teacher's Pep Rally.  ARE YOU LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION AND TO BUILD A NETWORK OF FUN AND INNOVATIVE TEACHERS?  Join us at the most MAGICAL PLACE for a 4-DAY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.  EdMagineering Education Conference in Orlando, FL  

PETER BOYER is one of the most frequently performed American orchestral composers of his generation, joins Devin Patrick Hughes on One Symphony. He's conducted and been commissioned by ensembles around the world including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Kennedy Center for the National Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, and “The President's Own” United States Marine Band, along with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, Houston Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Nashville Symphony, and Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Boyer's Grammy-nominated work Ellis Island: The Dream of America, has become one of the most performed American orchestral works of the last 15 years and was featured on PBS' Great Performances in 2018. In 2019, Boyer received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which is officially recognized by both Houses of Congress as one of the most prestigious American awards. Peter Boyer is active in the film and television music industry. He has contributed to more than 35 feature film scores from all the major movie studios and has composed scores for The History Channel and even arranged for the Academy Awards!   Thank you for joining us for on One Symphony. Thanks to Peter Boyer for sharing his music and insights, you can get more info at https://propulsivemusic.com. Works of his heard today include Fanfare, Hymn and Finale; Elegy, Balance of Power, and Ellis Island - the Dream of America. Thank you to all amazing performers featured on today's show including: Peter Boyer, the London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, the Staatskapelle Dresden, Rundfunkchor Leipzig, & Peter Schreier.  Thanks to the record labels Naxos and Universal International Music for making this episode possible. You can always find more info at OneSymphony.org including a virtual tip jar if you'd like to support the show.  Please feel free to rate, review, or share the show! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music!

Synopsis On today's date in 1948, Leonard Bernstein, age 29, conducted the Boston Symphony in the premiere of a new orchestral work by Harold Shapero, age 27. This was Shapero's “Symphony for Classical Orchestra,” a work modeled on Beethoven but sounding very much like one of the Neo-Classical scores of Igor Stravinsky. This was exactly what Shapero intended, but some found the music perplexing. Aaron Copland, for one, wrote: “Harold Shapero, it is safe to say, is at the same time the most gifted and baffling composer of his generation.” That comment by Copland, one should remember, came at a time when Shapero's generation included the likes of Barber, Bernstein, Menotti and Rorem. But Copland continued, “Stylistically, Shapero seems to feel a compulsion to fashion his music after some great model. He seems to be suffering from a hero-worship complex – or perhaps it is a freakish attack of false modesty.” “Copland was so original,” Shapero responded, “that he just couldn't understand anyone who wasn't.” Even so, Shapero's superbly crafted orchestral imitations suffered many decades of neglect. In the 1980s, however, conductor and composer Andre Previn fell in love with Shapero's Symphony, performing and recording it with the LA Philharmonic, and declared its Adagietto movement the most beautiful slow movement of any American symphony. Music Played in Today's Program Harold Shapero (b. 1920) Symphony for Classical Orchestra Los Angeles Philharmonic; André Previn, conductor New World 373 On This Day Births 1697 - German composer and flutist Johann Joachim Quantz, in Oberscheden, Hannover; 1861 - French-born American composer Charles Martin Loeffler, in Alsace; 1862 - German-born American composer and conductor, Walter Damrosch, in Breslau; Deaths 1963 - French composer Francis Poulenc, age 64, in Paris; Premieres 1724 - Bach: Sacred Cantata No. 81 ("Jesus schläft, was soll ich hoffen?") performed on the 4th Sunday after Epiphany as part of Bach's first annual Sacred Cantata cycle in Leipzig (1723/24); 1735 - Bach: Sacred Cantata No. 14 ("Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit") performed in Leipzig on the 4th Sunday after Epiphany; 1892 - Rachmaninoff: “Trio élégiaque” No. 1 in G minor (Gregorian date: Feb. 11); 1893 - Brahms: Fantasies for piano Nos. 1-3, from Op. 117 and Intermezzo No. 2, from Op. 117, in Vienna; 1917 - Zemlinsky: opera "A Floretine Tragedy," in Stuttgart at the Hoftheater; 1920 - Frederick Converse: Symphony in c, by the Boston Symphony, Pierre Monteux conducting; 1942 - Copland: Orchestral Suite from "Billy the Kid" ballet, by the Boston Symphony; 1948 - Harold Shapero: "Symphony for Classical Orchestra," by the Boston Symphony conducted by Leonard Bernstein; 1958 - Walton: "Partita" for orchestra, in Cleveland; 1959 - Hindemith: "Pittsburgh Symphony," by the Pittsburgh Symphony, conducted by the composer; 1970 - William Schuman: "In Praise of Shahn," in New York; 1985 - Libby Larsen: Symphony ("Water Music"), by the Minnesota Orchestra, Sir Neville Marriner conducting. Links and Resources On Harold Shapero

Synopsis Late in 2013, the musical world was gearing up to celebrate the 70th birthday of British composer John Tavener, but sadly he died, so his 70th birthday, which fell on today's date in 2014, became a memorial tribute instead. Tavener had suffered from ill health throughout his life: a stroke in his thirties, heart surgery and the removal of a tumor in his forties, and two subsequent heart attacks. In his early twenties, Tavener became famous in 1968 with his avant-garde cantata entitled The Whale, based loosely on the Old Testament story of Jonah. That work caught the attention of one of The Beatles, and a recording of it was released on The Beatles' own Apple label. Tavener converted to the Russian Orthodox Church in 1977, and his music became increasingly spiritual. Millions who watched TV coverage of the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997, were deeply moved by his “Song for Athene,” which was performed to telling effect as Diana's casket left Westminster Abbey. Taverner was knighted in 2000, becoming Sir John Tavener In 2003, Tavener's Ikon of Eros, commissioned for the Centennial of the Minnesota Orchestra, and premiered at St. Paul's Cathedral—the one in St. Paul, Minnesota, that is, not the one in London—and Tavener came to Minnesota for the event. Music Played in Today's Program Sir John Tavener (1944-2013) Ikon of Eros Jorja Fleezanis, vn; Minnesota Chorale; Minnesota Orchestra; Paul Goodwin, conductor. Reference Recording 102 On This Day Births 1791 - French opera composer Louis Joseph F. Herold, in Paris; 1898 - Italian-American composer Vittorio Rieti, in Alexandria, Egypt; 1944 - British composer Sir John Tavener, in London; Deaths 1935 - Russian composer Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov, age 75, in Moscow; 1947 - Venezuelan-born French composer Reynaldo Hahn, age 72, in Paris; Premieres 1725 - Bach: Sacred Cantata No. 92 ("Ich hab in Gottes Herz und Sinn") performed on Septuagesimae Sunday after Epiphany as part of Bach's second annual Sacred Cantata cycle in Leipzig (1724/25); 1828 - Schubert: Piano Trio in Bb, Op. 99 (D. 898), at a private performance by Ignaz Schuppanzigh (violin), Josef Linke (cello), and Carl Maria von Bocklet (piano); 1830 - Auber: opera "Fra Diavolo" in Paris at the Opéra-Comique; 1876 - Tchaikovsky: "Serenade mélancolique" for violin and orchestra, in Moscow (Julian date: Jan. 18); 1897 - Glazunov: Symphony No. 5, in London; 1915 - Ravel: Piano Trio in a, in Paris, by Gabriel Wilaume (violin), Louis Feuillard (cello), and Alfredo Casella (piano); 1916 - Granados: opera "Goyescas," at the Metropolitan Opera in New York; 1927 - Copland: Piano Concerto, by the Boston Symphony conducted by Serge Koussevitzky, with the composer as soloist; 1941 - Copland: "Quiet City," at Town Hall in New York City by the Little Symphony conducted by Daniel Saidenberg; This music is based on incidental music Copland wrote for Irwin Shaw's play of the same name produced by the Group Theater in New York in 1939; 1944 - Bernstein: Symphony No. 1 ("Jeremiah"), at the Syria Mosque in Pittsburgh by the Pittsburgh Symphony conducted by the composer, with mezzo-soprano Jennie Tourel as vocal soloist; 1972 - Scott Joplin: opera "Treemonisha" (orchestrated by T.J. Anderson), in Atlanta; 1990 - Joan Tower: Flute Concerto, at Carnegie Hall in New York, with soloist Carol Wincenc and the American Composers Orchestra, Hugh Wolff, conducting; 1995 - Elinor Armer: “Island Earth” (to a text by Sci-Fi writer Usula K. Le Guin), at the University of California, Berkeley, by the various San Francisco choirs and the Women's Philharmonic, conducted by JoAnn Falletta; On the same program were the premiere performance's of Chen Yi's “Antiphony” for orchestra and Augusta Read Thomas's “Fantasy” for piano and orchestra (with piano soloist Sara Wolfensohn); 1997 - Morten Lauridsen: “Mid-Winter Songs” (final version) for chorus and orchestra, by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, John Currie conducting; Earlier versions of this work with piano and chamber orchestra accompaniment had premiered in 1981, 1983, and 1985 at various Californian venues; 2000 - André Previn: "Diversions," in Salzburg, Austria, by the Vienna Philharmonic, the composer conducting; Others 1742 - Jonathan Swift, Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin (and the author of "Gulliver's Travels"), objects to the cathedral singers taking part in performances of Handel's works while the composer is in that city (Gregorian date: Feb. 8); Rehearsals for the premiere performance of Handel's "Messiah" would begin in April of that year, involving the choirs of both Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedrals in Dublin; 1971 - William Bolcom completes his "Poltergeist" Rag (dedicated to Teresa Sterne, a one-time concert pianist who was then a producer for Nonesuch Records); According to the composer's notes, the "Poltergeist" Rag was written "in a converted garage next to a graveyard in Newburgh, N.Y." Links and Resources On Tavener

A clip from each Brass Junkies interview of 2022 along with some brief thoughts on each. TBJ180 Matt Neff of the North Carolina Symphony on getting incredibly nervous in auditions, even two decades into his professional career (2:51) TBJ181 Kevin Newton of Imani Winds on his mental approach to auditions (7:44) TBJ182 Jeff Curnow of The Philadelphia Orchestra on Rolf Smedvig setting the tone for Empire Brass concerts (9:45) TBJ184 International tuba phenom Sergio Carolino on staying away from negative people (11:24) TBJ185 Sylvia Alimena, formerly of the National Symphony Orchestra, on why it's never too early to talk about artistry with students (13:23) TBJ186 Beth Wiese of Appalachian State University on how musicians don't control much but do control how they approach a piece of music (14:40) TBJ187 Jack Burt of the University of Maine on the concept of any performance being just a snapshot (17:28) TBJ188 Joe Dollard, retired Navy Band, on making the case for strengthening the connection between your singing voice and your playing (19:36) TBJ190 Kevin Gebo of the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" on the importance of listening (21:43) TBJ191 Steve Lange of the Boston Symphony Orchestra on the breakthrough he had after experiencing a real low point early on in his career (23:31) TBJ192 William Russell of Boston Brass on the intense moment in a lesson with Mike Roylance that really impacted him (27:01) TBJ193 Billy Hunter of the Metropolitan Opera on using his imagination to help him perform at his best  (30:30) TBJ194 Natalie Mannix of the University of North Texas on the benefits of using a Pomodoro timer when practicing (32:32) TBJ195 Jasmine Pigott on overcoming a less than encouraging teacher early in her career and how she went about learning to improvise (35:41) TBJ196 Christopher Davis on the mindset he brings to subbing with orchestras around the world (38:31) TBJ197 Jonathan Fowler of West Chester University on the importance of regularly checking in with yourself to make sure your goals are still your goals (40:57) TBJ198 Terry Bingham, formerly of the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own", on his ability to morph to match any style or any musician and credits listening to lots of different music (43:00) TBJ200 Lance LaDuke, formerly of a lot of things, on being too stupid to quit (45:11) TBJ201 Joe Burgstaller or Arizona State University on teaching students improvisation using a theater technique (48:02) TBJ202 Andrew Dougherty of the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" on exactly how organized he has been for the three professional auditions he has won to date (52:13) TBJ203 Bruce Faske of Arkansas State University on losing his father and how all we have is today (52:23) TBJ204 Pete Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Symphony on the legendary Charles Dutoit messing with Pete's head in his first year with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (58:02) TBJ205 Kevin Harrison of Axiom Brass on his former teacher, Floyd Cooley, never quitting on him when he was at a difficult point in his life (1:05:10) Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/ Show Notes ► http://www.brassjunkies.com Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/pray4jens/ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/pray4jens/ The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/

Carolyn Marie Wilkins is a healer, psychic, author, musician and professor at Berklee College of Music Online. She connects creative people to their soul's destiny through the power of music using a form of musical séance she calls Akashic Trance Sound Healing.Carolyn has performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony and represented her country as a Jazz Ambassador for the U.S. State Department. An initiated priestess of Yemaya, the African goddess of motherhood, compassion and the ocean, Carolyn holds certificates of completion in mediumship from the James Van Praagh School of Mystical Arts, the British mediums Tony Stockwell and Mavis Pittilla.Carolyn is also the author of three mystery novels: Death at a Séance, Melody for Murder and Mojo for Murder, all available from Pen-L Publications. She is also the author of Tips forSinging (Hal Leonard Press) and two memoirs: Damn Near White: An African American Family's Journey from Slavery to Bittersweet Success, and They Raised Me Up: A Black Single Mother and the Women Who Inspired Her, available from the University of Missouri Press.To find out more about Carolyn, visit her website: www.CarolynWilkins.com***during interview, Carolyn mentioned book: Jambalaya, by Luisah TeishCarolyn Wilkins' Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Carolyn-Marie-Wilkins/e/B00HTAJ27Q/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1Carolyn's new story, The New Year's Hex, is  available in E-book or audiobook on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/New-Years-Hex-McFarland-Psychic-ebook/dp/B0BFBYD7X3/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2UO9QBH3RYB0O&keywords=the+new+years+hex+wilkins&qid=1669236229&sprefix=the+new+years+%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-1The best way to reach Carolyn is through her website https://www.CarolynWilkins.com Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/I want o hear from YOU! Share your story of a sign or communication you received from a loved one on the other side and YOU might even be featured in an upcoming episode of Spirit Speakeasy. Call now: 305-928-LOVE that's 305-928-5683Get Joy's Free "Sign Magnet" 3 Day Mini Course HERE https://www.joyfulmedium.com/sign-magnetJoy's Website: www.joyfulmedium.comInstagram: @JoyfulMediumTikTok: @JoyfulMediumFacebook: @JoyfulMediumFacebook Group: Joy's Soul SpaYouTube: Psychic Medium Joy Giovanni

Train Your Own Hero with Dr. Don Greene In this episode Dr. Don and I cover all things Shadow, what it is, how to identify it and how to turn it into your biggest ally.  Don is the author of a book that inspired me and helped me win multiple world titles - Performance Success. Dr. Don Greene, a peak performance psychologist, has taught his comprehensive approach to peak performance mastery at The Juilliard School, Colburn School, New World Symphony, Los Angeles Opera Young Artists Program, Vail Ski School, Perlman Music Program, and US Olympic Training Center. During his thirty-two year career, he has coached more than 1,000 performers to win professional auditions and has guided countless solo performers to successful careers. Some of the performing artists with whom Dr. Greene has worked have won jobs with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, San Francisco Opera, Montreal Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, National Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, to name just a few. Of the Olympic track and field athletes he worked with up until and through the 2016 Games in Rio, 14 won medals, including 5 gold. Dr. Greene has authored eight books including Audition Success, Fight Your Fear & Win, and Performance Success. In 2017, Dr. Greene was named a TED Educator and collaborated with musician Dr. Annie Bosler to produce the TED-Ed How to practice effectively…for just about anything. The video went viral receiving over 31 million views across Facebook and YouTube. Purchase Train your Own Hero here - https://www.trainyourownhero.comWatch Don's webinars on Shadow Work here - https://www.trainyourownhero.com/webinars----Full Transcript, Quote Cards, and a Show Summary are available here: https://www.jjlaughlin.com/blog

Train Your Own Hero with Dr. Don Greene In this episode Dr. Don and I cover all things Shadow, what it is, how to identify it and how to turn it into your biggest ally.  Don is the author of a book that inspired me and helped me win multiple world titles - Performance Success. Dr. Don Greene, a peak performance psychologist, has taught his comprehensive approach to peak performance mastery at The Juilliard School, Colburn School, New World Symphony, Los Angeles Opera Young Artists Program, Vail Ski School, Perlman Music Program, and US Olympic Training Center. During his thirty-two year career, he has coached more than 1,000 performers to win professional auditions and has guided countless solo performers to successful careers. Some of the performing artists with whom Dr. Greene has worked have won jobs with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, San Francisco Opera, Montreal Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, National Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, to name just a few. Of the Olympic track and field athletes he worked with up until and through the 2016 Games in Rio, 14 won medals, including 5 gold. Dr. Greene has authored eight books including Audition Success, Fight Your Fear & Win, and Performance Success. In 2017, Dr. Greene was named a TED Educator and collaborated with musician Dr. Annie Bosler to produce the TED-Ed How to practice effectively…for just about anything. The video went viral receiving over 31 million views across Facebook and YouTube. Purchase Train your Own Hero here - https://www.trainyourownhero.comWatch Don's webinars on Shadow Work here - https://www.trainyourownhero.com/webinars----Full Transcript, Quote Cards, and a Show Summary are available here: https://www.jjlaughlin.com/blog

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.  

Today we hear from the late, great Bernard Adelstein, former principal trumpet with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. Recorded in 2016, this is one of the highlights of my first days producing the podcast. I'm sure you'll love it, and glean much from it! What you'll hear in this episode: -"One of the marvels of the world..."...01:15 -Welcome to the show...04:45 -How to pronounce "Adelstein"....08:55 -How Mr. Adelstein got started on trumpet...08:50 -Inspiration to make trumpet a career...11:50 -First gig with the Pittsburgh Symphony at age 16...14:10 -What made Fritz Reiner so special?...19:10 -From "mating season for moose" to "the Rolls Royce of Orchestras"...27:00 -Life in the Cleveland Orchestra in the 1960's thru 80's...32:35 -Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest... Are you a True Listener? Visit http://trumpetdynamics.com (trumpetdynamics.com) to learn how you can be notified each time a new episode is published. And if you really like what you hear on this podcast, the best way to support me and the show is to subscribe to my daily email newsletter where I share what I learn and observe in an “infotaining” way. Many folks have told me they enjoy the emails, and I think you will too! Mentioned in this episode: Lessons with Bud Have you heard of a fellow named Bud Herseth? He's only the greatest orchestral trumpeter of all time, and now you can listen to a series of lessons, notes, anecdotes and in-the-trenches advice for free. This 57 minute audio is available for a limited time. Head over to lessonswithbud.com to learn more.

Pittsburgh Symphony Pops presents "The Sounds of New Orleans" September 30th through October 2nd at Heinz Hall.  Principal Conductor Byron Stripling stopped by the QED Morning Show to tell Jim Cunningham all about the concerts this weekend.  

Violinist Joshua Bell tells Jim Cunningham the Tchaikovsky Concerto never gets old having recorded it as a teenager with several re- recordings since and a previous performance with the Pittsburgh Symphony and Manfred Honeck. He estimates 1000 times he's played the Tchaikovsky and he always hears something new. Joshua thinks the classical music scene is in good shape and will never decline in spite of the pandemic and concern about audiences returning. He's just back from a tour with the Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields to Brazil and other stops in South America plus visits to Italian concert halls where the vibrancy of classical music was strong. Pittsburgh and his thirty years of music making here is always a highlight he suggests in the dressing room conversation after rehearsal on Friday afternoon before the Saturday gala.

The Principal Harp of the Pittsburgh Symphony Gretchen Van Hoesen will organize and join in an ensemble of 16 harps to play a new score by Alyssa Reit inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's "The Snow Queen" on September 25 at 5:30 PM at Kresge Theater, Carnegie Mellon University.  It is co-sponsored by The Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Harp Society and Carnegie Mellon University. Alyssa Reit will be narrating the Hans Christian Andersen story, Peter Reit will be conducting 16 harpists performing, including Gretchen Katie Ventura and Marissa Knaub Avon, the entire harp department at CMU, the PYSO harp section and many more area harpists.  This production is a setting of the famous Hans Christian Andersen classic, for storyteller and 15 harps. In this performance, the music will incorporate excerpts from participant solos, specially arranged ensemble sections, sound effects, and excerpts from the orchestral repertoire to illustrate the story. The individual solos and ensemble selections will be set as musical interludes. In addition, participants will play underscoring and sound effects, accompanying the text. Harpists of all ages, skill levels, and harp types will be participating.  Alyssa Reit has worked as an independent performer, composer and arranger in the New York tri-state area since completing her Bachelors and Master's degrees at the Juilliard School as a student of Marcel Grandjany in 1975. Composition teachers include Jacob Druckman, Andrew Thomas, and Richard Einhorn. She has performed with institutions ranging from the Orchestra of St. Lukes, the Pittsburgh Symphony, and the Metropolitan Opera,

For the first time in Pittsburgh the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh presents From the Canyons to the Stars by Olivier Messiaen at the Eddy Theater Chatham University 7:30 pm Saturday September 10.  Artistic Director Edward Leonard joins conductor Kevin Fitzgerald and pianist Daniel Pesca with Jim Cunningham to talk about the ambitious production which also features Mark Houghton, horn, of the Pittsburgh Symphony and two marimba soloists.

Pianist and Chatham University grad Robin Meloy Goldsby, the Piano Girl to her Facebook friends, is the daughter of Bob Rawsthorne - drummer and percussionist who recorded hundreds of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood episodes at WQED. Robin has published three popular books about her experiences playing at great hotels.  The most recent is "Piano Girl Playbook: Notes on a Musical Life." She is the long time pianist at the Hotel Excelsior Ernst next to the twin towers of Cologne Cathedral in Germany. On the most recent Pittsburgh Symphony tour, Jim Cunningham visited her grand court where she plays her own compositions as well as European and American standards. 

Jim Cunningham spoke with two touring members of the Pittsburgh Symphony on this European tour - violinists Boson Mo, who is a member of the Houston Symphony, and Yi Zhao, who is the Assistant Concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony.   Jim also spoke with Robert Rydel, who is a member of the Charlotte Symphony, who has been a guest musician with the Pittsburgh Symphony for more than 30 years!   

Jim Cunningham introduces you to new Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra double bassist Nick Meyers.  Nick comes to the PSO after 4 years in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.   He talks about being on tour with the Pittsburgh Symphony, how the first couple of concerts went and growing up in Michigan.   He's even built his own bookshelves!!

Welcome Ron Marlowe to Senior Moments from the state of Maine! He and his twin brother Jeffry began playing piano at the age of 4, performing under the name “The Marlowe Brothers”.  The brothers were nationally acclaimed and by age 11 and debuted with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Their adolescent resume included appearances on The Tonight Show with Steve Allen, The Milton Berle Show, The Arthur Godfrey Show, and The Gary Moore Show. Additionally, they were featured on the show “I've Got A Secret”. You can watch their show here: I've Got a Secret - December 19, 1966 The brothers went on to be the featured pianists with the New York Philharmonic, the Pittsburgh Symphony, The Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. They played together professionally well into their 50's.   Ron's wife Deborah Cook was the prolific international opera soprano who lost her battle to Alzheimers in April of 2019. Hear one of her amazing soprano songs here: Glass Shatterers! Deborah Cook - Strauss: ARIADNE, Zerbinetta's aria 1912 version, BBC High F-sharp Recently Ron has participated in the Love A Senior Company's Love A Senior Day in Jacksonville, FL (2019 ) and Belleville, IL (2022). Here is a short clip of Ron playing at the event in Jacksonville, FL: https://youtube.com/shorts/eTFvzkZlmVU Ron now gives piano lessons to young performers in Maine and Pennsylvania respectively, and fishes anywhere and everywhere. Sadly his twin brother Jeffry, passed away in 2021.

Emanuel Ax sat down with Jim Cunningham on Saturday afternoon after the live broadcast of opening night Friday June 17 to talk about Mozart's 20th concerto, Chopin for an encore, his long association with the Pittsburgh Symphony, friendship with Andre Previn, the war in Ukraine and it's effect on Lviv where Emanuel Ax was born, his recent Beethoven Trios cd Beethoven for Three with Yo Yo Ma and Leonidas Kavakos, and the answer to the question are there too many good musicians today-- recorded upstairs at Heinz Hall in the rehearsal room on the fourth floor with help from Adam Kilburn engineer and videographer.

Matt Aronoff is an in demand NY  Jazz Double Bassist.  While studying with Jonathan Storck of the NJ Symphony and jazz bassist John Webber, he earned a scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. While in Pittsburgh, he studied with Pittsburgh Symphony double bassist Anthony Bianco and saxophonist Eric Kloss, both of whom became important mentors, musically and personally. After a brief stint in Spain (while under the tutelage of great Spanish bassist Francisco Fernandez), he returned to the states where he was awarded a scholarship to attend Manhattan School of Music. Upon graduation, he immediately hit the road with his former professor and Grammy-winning vocalist Luciana Souza, . To date, he has had the pleasure of playing, touring or recording with musicians including Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, Peter Eldridge, New York Voices, Banda Magda, Sara Gazarek, Remy Le Beouf's Assembly of Shadows, Duchess, Numinous Ensemble, Anat Cohen, Bob Lanzetti and Zack Brock (Snarky Puppy)

Actor-singer-dancer-educator, Billy Hartung, has over 1000 performances on the Broadway stage to his credit. Billy's been featured in three Broadway shows, Side Show, Footloose, and Minnelli on Minnelli. He can also be seen singing and dancing in the Academy Award winning movie musical “Chicago.” You can hear Billy singing on the original soundtrack recordings of all four of the aforementioned shows.He was invited to perform in the 75th Annual Academy Awards. He also performed in the 25th Anniversary of the Kennedy Center Honors, in featured tributes to Chita Rivera & Elizabeth Taylor. A Pittsburgh native, Billy has performed with the Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, City Theater, The Pittsburgh Playhouse, The Pittsburgh Symphony and Front Porch Theatricals, where he was last seen in the local premiere of the musical, Big Fish, playing the lead role of patriarch, Edward Bloom, a role that made him runner-up for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Performer of the Year.Billy is currently the Executive Director of the Center for Theater Arts, which offers an award-winning professional curriculum of more than 80 classes in the performing arts, including singing, dancing, acting and more. 

Matt Aronoff is an in demand NY Jazz Double Bassist. While studying with Jonathan Storck of the NJ Symphony and jazz bassist John Webber, he earned a scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. While in Pittsburgh, he studied with Pittsburgh Symphony double bassist Anthony Bianco and saxophonist Eric Kloss, both of whom became important mentors, musically and personally. After a brief stint in Spain (while under the tutelage of great Spanish bassist Francisco Fernandez), he returned to the states where he was awarded a scholarship to attend Manhattan School of Music. Upon graduation, he immediately hit the road with his former professor and Grammy-winning vocalist Luciana Souza, . To date, he has had the pleasure of playing, touring or recording with musicians including Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, Peter Eldridge, New York Voices, Banda Magda, Sara Gazarek, Remy Le Beouf's Assembly of Shadows, Duchess, Numinous Ensemble, Anat Cohen, Bob Lanzetti and Zack Brock (Snarky Puppy)

Matt Aronoff is an in demand NY Jazz Double Bassist. While studying with Jonathan Storck of the NJ Symphony and jazz bassist John Webber, he earned a scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. While in Pittsburgh, he studied with Pittsburgh Symphony double bassist Anthony Bianco and saxophonist Eric Kloss, both of whom became important mentors, musically and personally. After a brief stint in Spain (while under the tutelage of great Spanish bassist Francisco Fernandez), he returned to the states where he was awarded a scholarship to attend Manhattan School of Music. Upon graduation, he immediately hit the road with his former professor and Grammy-winning vocalist Luciana Souza, . To date, he has had the pleasure of playing, touring or recording with musicians including Fred Hersch, Kenny Werner, Peter Eldridge, New York Voices, Banda Magda, Sara Gazarek, Remy Le Beouf's Assembly of Shadows, Duchess, Numinous Ensemble, Anat Cohen, Bob Lanzetti and Zack Brock (Snarky Puppy)

"Brand New Way" is the Spring concert at Heinz Hall of the Three Rivers Young People's Orchestra conducted by Brian Worsdale and Pierce Cook who leads the Symphonette. The free concert May 28 5pm at Heinz Hall brings Pittsburgh Symphony violinist Irene Cheng to play the Sibelius Suite and the orchestra will present the Pines of the Appian Way from Pines of Rome by Respighi. Paul Evans has the percussion ensemble, Rebecca May is featured, Rebecca Mack is the Concerto Competition winner with Richard Strauss, Dr Zuly Inirio from Unisound and the Black Teaching Artist in Residence program sings Lift Every Voice, Hannah Ishizaki returns to conduct a new favorite she has written-- Miniatures. Jim Cunningham speaks with Executive Director Lindsey Nova and Pierce Cook who also teaches at Mount Lebanon High School and is giving Beethoven talks for the Beethoven String Quartets in the Carnegie Library project of the Pittsburgh Symphony.

Honouring Mental Health Awareness month in Web3 on Self Care, Body Work, Headshots, NFTs, Relationships, being on Music Tours, Journaling, my new Mental Health NFT Selfie Series, and friendships that blossomed through the 7-year journey with my dear fren Alessandra Levy. Alessandra is all things creative. A voice actor, vocalist, bass player and producer. From creating characters at the age of three, to singing in front of large groups at thirteen, she knew her place was on stage, in the studio, and on camera. Growing up in a musical family helped, as weekends were spent having family jam sessions. Soon after her completing degree in studio music, she landed a gig singing with Ben Folds and the Pittsburgh Symphony, sang for Radio City Music Hall as a Rockette, and sang on My Brightest Diamond's album “This is My Hand.” Studio singing quickly opened up the doors for her as a voice actor, with clients such as Google, Starbucks, Verizon, LEGO, Target, Aflac, Cinnabon, Hello Fresh, Ketel One Vodka, Hasbro, Amazon, Fidelity, iHeartRadio and many others. Alessandra Levy's Socials Website: https://www.alessandralevy.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alessandraglevy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alessandravoice/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/alessandravox Check other episodes here: She's All Over The Place: Jimena Buena Vida NFT Artist from Colombia She's All Over The Place: NFTs Sketch by Sketch Mental Health with Sheila Darcey aka sketchpoetic She's All Over The Place: Film Festival Circuit & the Making of Couples Therapy the Award Winning Lockdown Comedy Improv Web Series on Apple Podcasts She's All Over The Place: Voiceover and Mastermind with Alessandra Levy    Connect more with Katie: Music | KC (chonacas.com) Mental Health NFT Collectionhttps://www.heylayer.com/collection/488 Merch and more:https://www.chonacas.com/  

Long time Boston Symphony librarian John Perkel tells Jim Cunningham about his presentation in concert of a new piece of music for strings written by Leonard Bernstein as a student at Harvard at age 18. It was recorded for broadcast on Boston's WCRB in April of 2022 and will be heard in streaming audio on May 22. John Perkel retired in 2017 after more than two decades with the orchestra. John has many ties to Pittsburgh including the Pittsburgh Symphony's former CEO Gideon Toeplitz and Michael Bielski COO and Senior Vice President who he has known since childhood. Michael now serves as chair of the Community Advisory Board for WQED. John remembers visits by Mariss Jansons and Lorin Maazel to Tanglewood and Symphony Hall with great pleasure. He also recalls the work of  Pittsburgh Symphony Music Director William Steinberg in Boston and the contribution of former Pittsburgh cellist Owen Young.

Synopsis In 1987, Telarc Records asked the late conductor Lorin Maazel if he would make a purely orchestral distillation of the four operas that make up Richard Wagner's “The Ring of the Nibelung.” Telarc wanted it all to fit on just one CD. Now, with these four Wagner operas clocking in at about 15 hours, that's a slimming-down assignment worthy of The Biggest Loser. Maazel crafted a 75-minute sequence, played without pause, beginning with the opening pages of the first opera and ending with the closing pages of the last, with all the music appearing in the same order as it does in Wagner's four operas. For the Telarc CD release, Maazel recorded his “Ring without Words” with the Berlin Philharmonic. But what had started as a purely studio affair proved an attractive orchestral showcase for other ensembles, so on today's date in 1990, Maazel led the Pittsburgh Symphony in the debut of his “Ring without Words” as a concert hall work. Since then, he has performed it with orchestras ranging from the New York to the Vienna Philharmonic. Maazel confessed he resisted the idea at first. "I said… it would be desecrating a unique masterpiece. But they kept after me.” In the end, Maazel capitulated, but insisted there couldn't be one note by Lorin Maazel. When one instrumentalist shuddered at a particularly abrupt transition, Maazel told him, "Sorry! That's the composer." Music Played in Today's Program Richard Wagner (1813 - 1883) arr. Lorin Maazel (1930 -2014) — Ring without Words (Berlin Philharmonic; Lorin Maazel, cond.) Telarc 80154.

Nathalie Stutzmann makes her Pittsburgh Symphony debut May 6th, 7th, and 8th 2022 with Dvorak's New World Symphony and the Brahms Violin Concerto played by Daniel Lozakovich, along with a Heinz Hall first of Missy Mazzoli. Maestra Stutzmann makes her Met debut in two Mozart operas in 2021 and her debut at Bayreuth as well as the new Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony. Then there's the Kristiansand Orchestra in Norway and the recording career as a contralto. What's next? Hear all about it in the interview with Jim Cunningham complete with an assessment of women in the composing and conducting world and a little light shopping in Market Square.

Fanya Lin makes her Pittsburgh debut for the Steinway Society of Western Pa Sunday in Kresge Theater at CMU 3pm April 3. Fanya Lin was born in Taipei Taiwan and studied in the US at Juilliard, Weber University and at the University of Minnesota. She worked with Lydia Artimiw and Jerome Lowenthal, was a top prize winner at the Hastings Piano Competition and recently performed with former Pittsburgh Symphony concertmaster Noah Bendix Balgley. She has suggestions for what you should see on Youtube with her Barber, Rachmaninov, Stravinsky, Chopin and Schumann performances. She teaches at the University of Arizona in Tucson. On her concert schedule is a date for a concert at the stadium in Kaosiung Taiwan which the Pittsburgh Symphony and Manfred Honeck opened in 2009. For Pittsburgh, she plays the Schumann Carnaval, Rachmaninoff Corelli Varations and she explains to Jim Cunningham that she met the composer of her opener the Nostalgia Waltz by Wim Statius Muller who was also a spy for NATO. Will China take over Taiwan amid the upheaval and alliance of Russia and China? She shares the concern of the students of history in the conflict of world events but shares music as a means of bringing peace.

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.

The trumpet studio at Duquesne University working with the Pittsburgh Symphony's Chad Winkler is off to San Antonio Texas where they will share their performance of the Glinka Rusland and Ludmila Overture arranged for brass by Erik Morales. They explain what is happening with the Guild, their studio, provide brass talk about mouthpieces and manufacturers, what it's like to be a woman in a musical world traditionally filled with men and the players they admire in the orchestral world. You can support their crowd funding effort with a link and video on the Duquesne Music website. Jim Cunningham learned it is a worthy cause.

Hello and welcome to Bittersweet Symphony, a podcast where classical musicians share the bitter, the sweet and the bittersweet of life when the concert halls shut their doors and the audiences vanished. In this episode I'm chatting to Christopher Nery, principal bass trombonist with the RTE Concert Orchestra since 2009. He shares bitter memories of the anxiety caused by uncertainty, burnout, cabin fever and misinformation. His sweet memories are of the simple things, like weekly pizza parties with his children, trips to the recycling and the joy of DIY projects in his home. His bittersweet is of the home-schooling experience. Chris has worked with ensembles across Europe including Orchestre National de Bordeaux Aquitaine, Orquestra Nacional de Barcelona y Catalunya, Opera North, BBC Concert Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra and Irish Chamber Orchestra. In the USA he has performed with River City Brass, Pittsburgh Symphony and Sarasota Orchestra amongst others. From 2003-2015 he was Professor of Low Brass at the Conservatoire Perpignan Méditerranée in Perpignan, France and currently teaches bass trombone and euphonium at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin. He is a Buffet Groupe artist playing Courtois trombones and Besson euphoniums and has appeared as guest clinician/adjudicator at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Lyon, the Cork Institute of Technology School of Music, and most recently at the University of Miami, Florida. This episode was recorded in September 2021. GET IN TOUCH WITH CHRIS/LINKS Chris on Facebook RTE Concert Orchestra Twitter RTE Concert Orchestra Instagram GET IN TOUCH WITH BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY Instagram Twitter Facebook #bittersweetsymphony CREDITS Thumbnail Art || Colm MacAthlaoith Writers || Mick Jagger, Richard Ashcroft, Keith Richards Violin || Cliodhna Ryan Production || Cliodhna Ryan Mastering || Patrick Stefan Groenland

Wrapping up Season 2 with an interview with Mr. James Nova, second trombonist of the Pittsburgh Symphony. As one of the fiercest and most technically gifted orchestral trombonists currently in the talent pool, Nova has gained much notoriety as a player, but also as a prolific arranger and home recording artist. He sets himself apart from the norm by playing many different types of trombone at a very high level and finding his own unique voice in the trombone choir world, challenging the classical status quo and carving out his own niche in the community. We talked at length with him exploring different stories from his career, discussing how he got into arranging and overdubbing, and what it means to be a truly great orchestral 2nd trombonist. -- Transition music: Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme), John Williams, James Nova Intro/Outro music: I Will Go Sailing No More, Randy Newman, Lawson Gardner Instagram: @8thposition @dabaldwin903 @lawson.gardner2

This week, Kiff is joined by Dr. Don Greene, a peak performance psychologist. Dr. Greene has taught his comprehensive approach to peak performance mastery at The Juilliard School, Colburn School, New World Symphony, Los Angeles Opera Young Artists Program, Vail Ski School, Perlman Music Program, and US Olympic Training Center. During his thirty-two year career, he has coached more than 1,000 performers to win professional auditions and has guided countless solo performers to successful careers. Some of the performing artists with whom Dr. Greene has worked have won jobs with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, San Francisco Opera, Montreal Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, National Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, to name just a few. Of the Olympic track and field athletes he worked with up until and through the 2016 Games in Rio, 14 won medals, including 5 gold. Dr. Greene has authored eight books including Audition Success, Fight Your Fear & Win, and Performance Success. In 2017, Dr. Greene was named a TED Educator and collaborated with musician Dr. Annie Bosler to produce the TED-Ed How to practice effectively…for just about anything. The video went viral receiving over 31 million views across Facebook and YouTube. You can study with Don or find out more about his approach and classes at www.winningonstage.com 

Alessandra is all things creative. A voice actor, vocalist, bass player and producer. From creating characters at the age of three, to singing in front of large groups at thirteen, she knew her place was on stage, in the studio, and on camera. Growing up in a musical family helped, as weekends were spent having family jam sessions. Soon after her completing degree in studio music, she landed a gig singing with Ben Folds and the Pittsburgh Symphony, sang for Radio City Music Hall as a Rockette, and sang on My Brightest Diamond's album “This is My Hand.” Studio singing quickly opened up the doors for her as a voice actor, with clients such as Google, Starbucks, Verizon, LEGO, Target, Aflac, Cinnabon, Hello Fresh, Ketel One Vodka, Hasbro, Amazon, Fidelity, iHeartRadio and many others.

Stefano Flavoni sits down with Manfred Honeck, music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony. With Grammy nominations every year, Maestro Honeck has brought the Pittsburgh Symphony to extraordinary heights. Hailing from a musical family in Austria, and after nearly a decade as a violist in the Vienna Philharmonic, Manfred Honeck has risen to become one of the most prominent conductors of our time. We take time to discuss his recent production of Beethoven's Fidelio, directed by two-time Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz, not to mention a slew of other composers, including Schubert, Bruckner, Strauss, and more. We also discuss our role as musicians in a turbulent society, as the pandemic rages on, as well as the importance of continuing to make music with our loved ones.