Podcasts about Virginia Arts Festival

Jana Lee Ross speaks with Rob Fisher, Goode Family Artistic Advisor for Musical Theater and American Songbook with the Virginia Arts Festival, about an upcoming performance featuring Broadway star Kelli O'Hara with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Along with Broadway favorites, the program includes a new work by American composer Libby Larsen, setting poems by former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo.

Raymond Jones speaks with a trio of innovative string players ahead of their Virginia Arts Festival performance. Legendary bassist Edgar Meyer is known for his adventurous collaborations with artists of all genres. His newest adventure includes the extraordinary classical violinist and Kentucky fiddler Tessa Lark and cellist/composer Joshua Roman.

Jana Lee Ross speaks with Virginia Symphony Music Director Eric Jacobsen and mandolinist/composer Chris Thile about musical storytelling, and their upcoming Virginia Arts Festival performances of Thile's new work ATTENTION! A narrative song cycle for extroverted mandolinist and orchestra.

Raymond Jones speaks with Todd Stoll, who directs the Attucks Jazz Orchestra in Virginia Arts Festival's celebration of the 125th anniversary of Duke Ellington's birth, with a program that goes well beyond the greatest hits.

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

Rebecca Weinstein talks with Broadway music director Rob Fisher about Virginia Arts Festival's upcoming performance of Chicago the Musical - in Concert, with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

Raymond Jones speaks with Randall Goosby about his upcoming Virginia Arts Festival performance at the Attucks Theatre, recent recording projects, and the original dedicatee of Beethoven's Kreutzer Sonata.

Virginia Arts Festival presents the Swiss ensemble Mummenschanz on Saturday, October 29 at Chrysler Hall. Rebecca spoke with Artistic Director and Founding Member Floriana Frassetto.

"Being part of an ensemble taught me to look not just at my line but at all the music. The composer gives you so much information in the orchestra that you don't get from just the vocal line. That really informs your character. It allows me to be more fun and more creative if I can focus on being part of the whole at any given time."Bass Benjamin Sieverding of Minneapolis, MN has gained notice for his “resonant, expressive bass” (StarTribune). He most recently made his Metropolitan Opera debut as one of the Offstage Voices/Jury in Brett Dean's Hamlet. In 2022, he also made his Intermountain Opera Bozeman debut as Mr. Noble (Pish-Tush) in The Montana Mikado. In 2021, he made his Tulsa Opera debut as Betto in Gianni Schicchi and his Omaha Symphony debut performing excerpts from Mozart's Requiem and Handel's Messiah. In 2020, he was slated to return to Minnesota Opera to sing the roles of Bull and Neal in the world premiere of Edward Tulane, to make his Austin Opera debut as the Mandarin in Turandot, reprise the Dough's Mate in Companionship with Virginia Arts Festival, reprise Doctor Grenvil in La traviata with Out of the Box Opera, and return to Mill City Summer Opera as Sparafucile/Ceprano in Rigoletto. Mr. Sieverding has performed several roles with Minnesota Opera including Alfred Austrian in The Fix, Prison Warden George Benton in Dead Man Walking, Colline in La bohème, Frère Laurent in Roméo et Juliette, Sacristan in Tosca, and Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte. Other recent performances include appearances with South Dakota State Symphony, Madison Opera, Glacier Symphony, Pacific Symphony, Fort Worth Opera, Opera in the Heights, Opera South Dakota, Lakes Area Music Festival, and Madison Symphony Orchestra. In the upcoming season, Mr. Sieverding returns to Minnesota Opera, The Metropolitan Opera, and Madison Opera.To get in touch with Ben, you can visit his website: www.benjaminsieverding.com.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson from Pexels

After a lifetime on the air, there is no other artist that I have had the pleasure of interacting with longer than Bruce Hornsby. In my mid-20's, and working in Portland, OR, I was lucky to tag along with my Program Director of KMJK (Magic 107) to see an RCA Records showcase with a new artist for 1986 that they were showing off. Little did I know that I would be in the crowd when Bruce would christen the renovated Harrison Opera House. I was the guest that evening of Kathie Moore...and little did I know the role she had in getting Bruce's music heard by RCA in the first place. I was there when Bill Reid asked Bruce to open the Virginia Beach Amphitheater, on the sand at Duck-Inn when Bruce came down on a Friday afternoon to play for the Coast Radio faithful. And I was there on the campus of William and Mary when Bruce announced his first line-up for the Virginia Arts Festival's Funhouse Fest, a three-year run that was curated by Bruce. Well, June brought the passing of our dear friend Kathie, and while celebrating her life, I felt the need to reach out to Bruce once again...to not only lift up the memory of this special game-changer, but to also celebrate yet another chapter in Bruce Hornsby's amazing career. His 23rd album came out in late spring. It's called "'Flicted," and I thought it appropriate to catch up with Bruce, and get you ready for his return-home concert at The Ferguson Center in early November. Let's get 'Flicted with Brother Bruce...on PopUp Radio.

Renowned Broadway conductor Rob Fisher, who's a longtime collaborator with the Virginia Arts Festival, was recently appointed its Goode Family Artistic Advisor for Broadway and American Songbook. For the Festival's 25th Anniversary Season, he's conducting the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for The Sound of Music, and serving as Music Director for a concert with Renee Fleming and Kristin Chenoweth. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Rob recently about these upcoming performances and the relevance of classic Broadway musicals.

Raymond Jones speaks with Virginia Arts Festival's Director of Chamber Music, Olga Kern, about this season's upcoming concerts

"In the context of talking about the value of choral music, are you acknowledging the identity of the person in front of you? Does the beauty of what we do require components of strict uniformity in which that person has to forget themselves, or does it speak to an amplification of self?"Dr. Jace Kaholokula Saplan serves as the Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. Dr. Saplan teaches courses in undergraduate and graduate choral conducting and pedagogy, conducts the Concert Choir and the University of Hawai'i Chamber Singers, and oversees the graduate choral conducting program. Dr. Saplan received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University-Portland,  Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Oregon, and Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting with cognates in Music Education and Ethnomusicology from the University of Miami Frost School of Music.Known for work in celebrating the intersection between Hawaiian music and choral performance, Dr. Saplan is the artistic director of Nā Wai Chamber Choir, a professional vocal ensemble based in Hawaiʻi dedicated to the preservation and propagation of Hawaiian choral music. Under Dr. Saplan's direction, Nā Wai has commissioned and mentored emerging Native Hawaiian composers and conductors, toured throughout rural Hawaiian communities, and led workshops on the performance of Hawaiian choral music at schools and universities throughout the country.​Prior to this appointment to the University of Hawai'i, Dr. Saplan served as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Hamilton College and the Artistic Director of the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble. Dr. Saplan also was the chorus master for the Frost Opera Program at the University of Miami and prepared a number of contemporary works such as Golijov's Ainadamar, Kuster's Old Presque Isle (done in collaboration with the John Duffy Composer's Institute and the Virginia Arts Festival), and a premiere work by Grammy-nominated composer Shawn Crouch. Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to get in contact with our hosts.Visit Jace's website at www.jacesaplan.com if you'd like to get more info or get in contact.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson from Pexels

Wayla speaks with Ormsby Wilkins, Music Director for American Ballet Theatre, about the company's upcoming performances at the Virginia Arts Festival, the relationship between music and dance, and how it felt to come back to performing after the hiatus caused by the pandemic.

The In[HEIR]itance Project is a national arts organization that helps disconnected communities navigate challenging civic conversations through live theatre. Their latest project is happening right here in Hampton Roads! Using the unique history of coastal Virginia, and the Bible book of Exodus as the inherited text, the project is advancing a community dialogue on racial dynamics, redlining and displacement that will become a play to be performed at the Attucks Theatre in May, 2022 as part of the Virginia Arts Festival. Guest host Lisa Godley talks with Zhailon Levingston, Playmaker; theater artist, educator and organizer, Ariel Warmflash; and Navy vet/certified doer Jackie Glass about the project, the stories, the process and how you can get involved.

On Saturday, December 4, Virginia Arts Festival presents a holiday spectacular featuring sisters Nadia and Christine DiGiallonardo with the Festival Five led by Rob Fisher. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Nadia and Christine about their musical upbringing and longtime collaboration with Fisher.

As Ask Me Another prepares for its final run of new episodes, enjoy this week's encore of a past favorite, taped at the Virginia Arts Festival. The guest is U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove. She improvises a poem. She plays a game about Star Trek: The Next Generation. Everything you love about this show is well-represented.

WHRV's Jonah Grinkewitz reports on a free and unique concert experience coming to Hampton Roads this week as part of the the Virginia Arts Festival.

Olga Kern discusses upcoming VAF chamber music concerts.

Olga Kern discusses upcoming VAF chamber music concerts.

Virginia Arts Festival and Virginia Opera present Leonard Bernstein's one-act opera "Trouble in Tahiti" the weekend of May 7. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with the leads, mezzo-soprano Marissa Simmons, and bass-baritone Eric McConnell, about the show.

We discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding the shooting of Andrew Brown, Jr. Then, we preview a performance by Broadway actress and singer Laura Osnes at the Virginia Arts Festival's Bank Street Stage on May 2.

Wayla Chambo talks with bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green about his upcoming Virginia Arts Festival performance, how he fell in love with opera, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in classical music.

Raymond Jones speaks with Catalyst Quartet violinist Karla Donehew Perez about the group's upcoming Virginia Arts Festival performance and their Uncovered project, which celebrates works by artists who have been overlooked and sidelined in classical music.

I recently had the great pleasure of interviewing Vivienne Benesch, who is the Producing Artistic Director of PlayMakers Repertory Company in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. At PlayMakers, she has helmed productions of LIFE OF GALILEO, LEAVING EDEN, THE MAY QUEEN, THREE SISTERS, LOVE ALONE, RED, and IN THE NEXT ROOM (OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY). For 12 seasons, she served as Artistic Director of the renowned Chautauqua Theater Company and Conservatory, presiding over the company’s transformation into one of the best summer theatres and most competitive summer training programs in the country. She directed over fifteen productions at CTC including an acclaimed re-imagining of ROMEO AND JULIET featuring the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Theatre, Opera and Dance companies. She brought CTC’s production of AMADEUS, performed with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and Buffalo Philharmonic, to the Virginia Arts Festival featuring PlayMakers company member Ray Dooley. Vivienne has also directed for the Folger Shakespeare Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Trinity Repertory Company, and Red Bull Theatre, among others. In 2018, she directed the world premiere of Noah Haidle’s BIRTHDAY CANDLES for Detroit Public Theatre and will be directing it again on Broadway, starring Debra Messing in the fall of 2021. As an actress, Vivienne has worked on and off-Broadway, in film and television, at many of the country’s most celebrated theatres, and received an OBIE Award for her performance in Lee Blessing’s GOING TO ST. IVES. Vivienne is a graduate of Brown University and NYU’s Graduate Acting Program. As an educator, she has directed for and served on the faculty of some of the nation’s foremost actor training programs, including The Juilliard School, UNC-Chapel Hill’s Professional Actor Training Program, Brown/Trinity Rep MFA Program and at her alma mater, NYU’s Graduate Acting Program. She is the 2017 recipient of the Zelda Fichandler Award given by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation. For more information, please visit: www.playmakersrep.org If you love this show, please leave us a review. Go to RateThisPodcast.com/karereviewspodcast and follow the simple instructions. Follow Kare Reviews at www.karereviews.net and on Twitter: @KareReviews Also please visit the newly launched Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/jeffreykare?fan_landing=true Follow Jeffrey Kare on Twitter: @JeffreyKare If you like what you've heard here, please subscribe to any one of the following places where the Kare Reviews Podcast is available. Anchor: https://anchor.fm/jeffrey-kare Apple: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/kare-reviews-podcast/id1453846013 Google: www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy85NWFhZDFjL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6GL69s4zoDQmBcZf3NALTG Breaker: www.breaker.audio/kare-reviews-podcast Overcast: overcast.fm/itunes1453846013/kare-reviews-podcast Pocket Casts: pca.st/47Vw RadioPublic: radiopublic.com/kare-reviews-podcast-6rMdXk --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jeffrey-kare/support

Over the last few months, the arts community in Hampton Roads has quickly adjusted to a new normal of virtual performances. The Pulitzer Prize-winning murder mystery called “A Soldier’s Play” is running in the Virginia Arts Festival courtyard August 5 through 15. Rebecca interviewed director Anthony Stockard and actor Terrance Livingston, Jr. about how the show came to be and their unconventional rehearsal process.

Over the last few months, the arts community in Hampton Roads has quickly adjusted to a new normal of virtual performances. The Pulitzer Prize-winning murder mystery called “A Soldier’s Play” is running in the Virginia Arts Festival courtyard August 5 through 15. Rebecca interviewed director Anthony Stockard and actor Terrance Livingston, Jr. about how the show came to be and their unconventional rehearsal process.

When you look at the scope of Vivienne Benesch’s career thus far, she certainly has an impressive resume, from actress to director to the Producing Artistic Director of http://playmakersrep.org/ (PlayMakers Repertory Company). In fact, it was recently announced that Vivienne will make her Broadway directorial debut next year, directing Debra Messing in Noah Haidle’s play BIRTHDAY CANDLES. But when you speak to Vivienne, it becomes very clear that what is most important to her is building connections and nurturing relationships. Hear what Vivienne has to say about that, the role theater has in strengthening community, and her full-circle journey back to Broadway, this time as a director. About the Guest Vivienne Benesch is in her fourth full season as a theater maker and company member and Producing Artistic Director here at PlayMakers in Chapel Hill. For 12 seasons, she served as Artistic Director of the renowned https://chq.org/chautauqua-theater-company (Chautauqua Theater Company and Conservatory), presiding over the company’s transformation into one of the best summer theatres and most competitive summer training programs in the country. She directed over 15 productions at CTC including an acclaimed re-imagining of ROMEO AND JULIET featuring the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Theatre, Opera and Dance companies. She brought CTC’s production of AMADEUS performed with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and Buffalo Philharmonic, to the Virginia Arts Festival featuring PlayMakers company member Ray Dooley. She has helmed productions of LIFE OF GALILEO, THE MAY QUEEN, THREE SISTERS, LOVE ALONE, RED and IN THE NEXT ROOM for PlayMakers, directed extensively for The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, and directed THE HEIDI CHRONICLES for Trinity Repertory Company. As an actress, Vivienne has worked on and off-Broadway, in film and television, and at many of the country’s most celebrated theatres. She has appeared with Gene Wilder, Al Pacino and Blythe Danner, performed with Maggie Smith in the London revival of Edward Albee’s THE LADY FROM DUBUQUE, and received an OBIE Award for her performance in Lee Blessing’s GOING TO ST. IVES. Vivienne is a graduate of Brown University and NYU’s Graduate Acting Program. As an educator, she has directed for and served on the faculty of some of the nation’s foremost actor training programs, including The Juilliard School, UNC-Chapel Hill’s Professional Actor Training Program, Brown/Trinity Rep MFA Program and at her alma mater, NYU’s Graduate Acting Program. She is the 2017 recipient of the Zelda Finchandler Award given by the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation. Connect with RDU on Stage Facebook – @rduonstage Twitter – @rduonstage Instagram – @rduonstage Web http://www.rduonstage.com/ (www.rduonstage.com) Support this podcast

Last weekend, Virginia Arts Festival presented an interpretation of Shakespeare’s play Antony and Cleopatra at the Ferguson Center and Chrysler Hall, in addition to a show featuring Michael Feinstein at the Sandler Center. From classical music and Shakespeare to Broadway and cabaret, the 2019 season had a bit of something for every taste.

This Week in Mal’s World, Mal Vincent previews the Virginia Arts Festival’s production of “Antony and Cleopatra.” He talks about previous productions and adaptations, as well as the musical history associated with the classic play. You can see it May 17th and 18th at the Ferguson Center for the Performing Arts in Newport News. Tickets and information can be found at https://secure.vafest.org/704.

Wayla speaks with violinist Domenic Salerni about the Dali Quartet's history and mission, and their upcoming Virginia Arts Festival concerts with pianist Olga Kern.

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.

Rebecca Evans interviews Cantus member Paul Scholtz about the group’s upcoming Virginia Arts Festival performance, what it’s like being a professional singer and member of Cantus, and how he keeps his passion for singing alive.

During the weekend of April 12, the 2019 Virginia Arts Festival kicked off with a series of wonderful programs spanning art forms, genres, and time periods, including a Bach Celebration and a recital from pianist Olga Kern.

Raymond Jones speaks with Tasmin Little, renowned British violinist and Virginia Arts Festival performer.

Rebecca Evans interviews Music Director Rob Fisher about Virginia Arts Festival's upcoming concert, working with Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, and growing up as a musician in Hampton Roads.

Wayla Chambo speaks with choreographer Sir Richard Alston about his new work, "Arrived" (commissioned through the Virginia Arts Festival’s partnership with the 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution), and about how he sees the relationship between music and dance.

Joe Flanagan and Kathy Barnstorf will guest host an exciting, fun show about the business of sports coverage. What is it like to follow a big game for TV or the newspaper? What are the stories behind the stories? We will also get the latest updates on big new happenings with the Virginia Arts Festival. After that, we'll find out what's going on this week in Mal's World.

Rebecca reviews the Naughton sisters' appearance at the Robin Hixon Theater, the last classical performance in Virginia Arts Festival’s 22nd season.

Recently, Virginia Arts Festival produced a Mozart Celebration at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. This concert paid homage to his piano concertos, and featured masterful pianist, André-Michel Schub.

This Week in Mal’s World, actress/singer Brooke Shields will perform at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach as part of the Virginia Arts Festival’s Bernstein 100 Celebration, on May 12, 2018. Music director, arranger and conductor Rob Fisher conducts the Virginia Symphony for the evening with song, music and more. Mal Vincent spoke with Shields about her upcoming visit to Hampton Roads, her acting career and how she came into the music scene. For more information on tickets, visit www.vafest.org.

This week in Mal’s World, The Virginia Arts Festival presents another year of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra performing the score to a Harry Potter film for audiences at Chrysler Hall this weekend, May 4-5, 2018. This year it’s “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert” and Mal Vincent recalls interviewing the three stars over the 8-year run of the film series. What were their most challenging parts in the second film? Mal shares those stories and more. For more information on tickets, visit www.vafast.org.

Virginia Arts Festival brought magic to the Chrysler Hall stage with Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of Romeo and Juliet. Arts reporter Rebecca Evans shares her thoughts on the performance.

Rebecca Evans reviews the opening weekend of the Virginia Arts Festival's 22nd season. The season kicked off with Bernstein at 100, a tribute to famed composer, conductor, and teacher Leonard Bernstein.

WHRO's Wayla Chambo interviews Joann Falletta about Bernstein at 100! Virginia Arts Festival's celebration of Leonard Bernstein's 100th birthday on April 13th and 14th.

For the first time, Virginia Arts Festival presented a series of Fringe shows on the ODU campus. Rebecca shares her thoughts on an evening with the experimental theatre troupe the Neo-Futurists.

Ask Me Another goes to the Virginia Arts Festival with former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove. This episode originally aired on August 25, 2017.

Ask Me Another goes to the Virginia Arts Festival with former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove. We quiz the 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' fan on famous poems rewritten about characters from the series.

Considered “highly imaginative…with big ideas” (Baltimore Sun) and “stirring and uplifting” (Miami Herald), award-winning composer Jake Runestad (b. 1986) has received commissions and performances from leading ensembles and organizations such as Washington National Opera, the Netherlands Radio Choir, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Seraphic Fire, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Virginia Arts Festival, the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Craig Hella Johnson and the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble, Spire Chamber Ensemble, and the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. Dubbed a “choral rockstar” by American Public Media, Jake is one of the most frequently performed composers in the U.S.A. and travels extensively to work with ensembles as a clinician and resident composer. Jake Runestad holds a Master's degree in composition from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University where he studied with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts. Prior to graduate school, he studied privately with acclaimed composer Libby Larsen. A native of Rockford, IL, Mr. Runestad currently lives in Minneapolis, MN and his music is published by Boosey & Hawkes and JR Music. Join The Portfolio Composer community and support the creation of the platform on Patreon. Just $1/month to enable the creation of more great content to help you build your career! In this episode Jake discusses the value of learning from other composers, as well as: Time management F.A.Q.s Websites Commissions Meditation Website: www.jakerunestad.com Recommended Listening: Dominick Argento, Walden Pond Recommended Reading: Robert Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values Give The Portfolio Composer a review on iTunes! This post contains affiliate links.

Wayla Chambo interviews Grammy-nominated electric harp virtuoso, singer, and composer Deborah Henson-Conant, one of the performers at the 2017 Virginia Arts Festival’s Norfolk Fringe.

Urban Bush Women is a contemporary dance company that performs innovative and exciting works that bring untold stories to life! In their debut performance with the Virginia Arts Festival,UBW will present the world premiere of "Hair and Other Stories", an evening-length work that addresses matters of race, gender identity and economic inequality through the lens of physic al appearance, including the cultural significance of African American women's hair. On the next Another View we will meet members of the dance troupe, including founder and artistic director Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, and dancer Courtney Cook, and find out how they use real life stories from right here in Hampton Roads as part of their performance! Join us for Another View, Friday, April 21 at noon on 89.5 WHRV-FM or stream us live on this blog!

This week in Mal’s World, Mal Vincent recalls the time he, as a novice music critic, was confronted with reviewing a performance by violinist virtuoso Itzhak Perlman in which one the soloist’s strings broke while he was playing! What was Mal to do? We’ll hear the story and we’ll also find out if Mal considers himself a “reviewer” or “critic.” Perlman is part of the Virginia Arts Festival’s Spring lineup and performs at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach, Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 7:30pm. For more information about tickets for Itzhak Perlman’s performance, visit: www.sandlercenter.org/sandler-calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2017/04/13/473878/-/vaf-itzhak-perlman. For more information on Riverdance (also mentioned in this week’s episode) at the Sandler Center, visit: www.sandlercenter.org/sandler-calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2017/04/26/473887/-/riverdance-the-20th-anniversary-world-tour-part-of-the-great-performance-series. For more on the entire Virginia Arts Festival’s Spring lineup, visit: www.vafest.org.

Virginia Arts Festival soprano Kathleen Battle at the Wilder Center.

After more than 20 years of digging in to the world of food as host of The Splendid Table, Lynne Rossetto Kasper is retiring this week. Francis Lam, Top Chef Masters judge and award-winning The New York Times Magazine columnist, will become the new host of the program this week. Today we'll talk with Lynne about the two decades she spent at the head of one of the world's most beloved radio shows and where her next culinary adventure might take her. We'll also preview the launch of the 2017 Virginia Arts Festival with festival founder, Rob Cross.

Jake Runestad stops by to tell some stories of his youth, including "Old Kmart", the origins of "Nyon Nyon" (and "Ner Ner"), and his viewpoint as a composer when it comes to sharing his art with the world. An entertaining listen, sponsored by KI Concerts. Oliver Scofield of KI drops in to announce a World Premiere commission by Jake as well! Support our sponsor for this episode: KI Concerts Listen Jake's Bio Jake Runestad is an award-winning and frequently-performed composer of “highly imaginative” (Baltimore Sun) and “stirring and uplifting” (Miami Herald) musical works. He has received commissions and performances from leading ensembles and organizations such as Washington National Opera, the Netherlands Radio Choir, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Virginia Arts Festival, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Seraphic Fire, Craig Hella Johnson and Conspirare, and many more. Jake’s visceral music and charismatic personality have fostered a busy schedule of commissions, residencies, workshops, and speaking engagements, enabling him to be one of the youngest full-time composers in the world. Jake Runestad holds a Master’s degree in composition from the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University where he studied with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts. Has has also studied extensively with acclaimed composer Libby Larsen. A native of Rockford, IL, Mr. Runestad is currently based in Minneapolis, MN and his music is published by JR Music. Find out more at: JakeRunestad.com Links Jake's Soundcloud #ikeptliving on Twitter

You can make the best prom ever happen for our disabled young adults at Saint Marys home, drink some suds and bring your buds while supporting the rotary, primeplus and botanical garden, meet our power lifter of public works literally, dance Theater of Harlem meets Tchaikovsky and JoAnn Falletta, hot performances offered by the Virginia Arts Festival

Virginia Arts Festival’s Fringe.

Join us for another edition of Headlines, when we tackle the latest news headlines that have you talking. Today the Virginia Arts Festival takes us to the Fringe with writer, NPR Music editor, programmer, and performer Mark Mobley. We invite you to share your question, and comments by calling in live at 440-2665 or 1-800-940-2240. You can also e-mail the program at hearsay@whrv.org or join us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/hearsaywithcathylewis.

Virginia Arts Festival’s Tattoo.

Mal give his opinion on the Virginia Arts Festival performance of The Tempest.

Super macro scale photography exhibit at Chrysler, Alvin Ailey Dance, The Chieftains and much more from the Virginia Arts Festival, a new way to get weather and Norfolk specific alerts

From the Other Side of the Footlights with M.D. Ridge

From the Other Side of the Footlights with M.D. Ridge

Dwight Davis speaks with with Jackie Evancho about her career and performance for the Virginia Arts Festival.

Composer Libby Larsen Masterworks in the Making

For the past eight years, the Virginia Arts Festival and the John Duffy Composers Institute has offered an opportunity for music of promising young composers to be presented to the public. This year’s “Masterworks in the Making” program concentrated on character and structure. M.D. Ridge reports on the results.

The Virginia Arts Festival concludes with one of the largest and most emotional works in the concert repertoire, the Symphony No. 8 by Gustav Mahler. The work has never been performed in this area, in large part because of the number of musicians required. Raymond Jones spoke with Virginia Symphony conductor Joann Falletta about performing this “Symphony of a Thousand.”

The 2012 Virginia Arts Festival opened with a recital by America’s reigning diva, soprano Renee Fleming. Her appearance at the Harrison Opera House proved once again that Fleming is one of the finest singers before the public today. M.D. Ridge reports on the performance.

The Virginia Arts Festival concludes its 15th season with a concert by the world-renowned MorMon, Tabernacle Choir, their first in Virginia in 50 years. Dwight Davis spoke with the Choir’s General Manager, Scott Barrick, about the group and their music.

In its 15th season, the Virginia Arts Festival welcomes the acclaimed Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio back to Hampton Roads. Their concert will offer music of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Richard Danielpour. The Danielpour piece, titled "Inventions on a Marriage," receives its world premiere at the American Theatre concert. It was written especially for two members of the KLR Trio, cellist Sharon Robinson and violinist Jaime Laredo. Dwight Davis spoke with Mr. Danielpour about the work.

The Virginia Arts Festival presented a new program in its 15th anniversary year – the Flying Proms. This symphonic air show offered vintage aircraft flying to live music performed by the Virginia Symphony. WHRO-FM’s Jonathan Lichtenstein served as co-host and worked to co-ordinate the music with the flights. He spoke with Virginia Symphony Associate Conductor Benjamin Rous about the musical selections for the concert.

In celebration of its 15th Anniversary season, the Virginia Arts Festival presents a concert by cellist Yo Yo Ma and pianist Katheryn Stott. These world-class artists have performed together for many years. Anthony McSpadden spoke with Katheryn Stott about her Fri,endship with Yo Yo Ma and their concert, which includes a special musical birthday present.

Art in its many forms-visual, theatrical, musical-is undoubtedly inspirational, and that inspiration is powerful. In Hampton Roads, community service and outreach is a driving force for several creative projects. On this edition of HearSay, award-winning Virginian-Pilot photographer Stephen Katz joins us to tell us about his project, "Shoot for Good" and how you can participate. Plus, we'll hear how community outreach plays a big part in the Virginia Stage Company's current staging of "The Diary of Anne Frank," and its overall mission from artistic director, Chris Hanna. And then, we'll celebrate 15 years of community arts with the Virginia Arts Festival, which what built upon the very notion of giving back, with executive director (and accomplished musician), Rob Cross.

As one of the final events of the 2010 Virginia Arts Festival, Broadway star Kelli O’Hara will present an evening of American Song in Williamsburg. She’ll be accompanied by an ensemble led by Hampton Roads native, now Broadway conductor, Rob Fisher. Dwight Davis spoke with Rob Fisher about the program, and its emphasis on songs by Harold Arlen.

The 2010 Virginia Arts Festival ends with a concert by the Virginia Symphony in Williamsburg. Joann Falletta will conduct the orchestra in the Royal Fireworks Music of Handel, Tchaikovsky’s Mozartiana and, with cellist Alisa Weilerstein, the dvorak Cello Concerto. Dwight Davis spoke with Joann Falletta about the concert.

The outstanding young cellist Alisa Weilerstein will perform twice in Williamsburg as part of the 2010 Virginia Arts Festival. She spoke with Dwight Davis about the pieces she will be performing, first discussing the Bach cello suites.

The Orion String Quartet returned to the Virginia Arts Festival for three performances during the 2010 season. Dwight Davis spoke with the cellist of the group, Timothy Eddy, about the music of Leon Kirchner and Robert Schumann, which the quartet performed.

For the past 14 years, the Virginia Arts Festival has featured a spectacle of sight and sound with bands from around the world – the Virginia International Tattoo. Dwight Davis spoke with the producer of the tattoo, Scott Jackson about this year’s version.

AMon,g the many outstanding presentations in this year’s Virginia Arts Festival, General Manager Scott Jackson singled out two of special interest. He spoke to Dwight Davis about them.

Music plays a role in many religious services and some find that listening to music can be akin to a religious experience. We'll consider the ways these realms overlap and interrelate with WHRO 90.3 FM's Program Director Dwight Davis, Dr. Sandra Billy, director of the Center for Sacred Music and teaches Sacred Music History at Virginia Wesleyan College and Jamie Bernstein, daughter of the legendary composer Leonard Bernstein. The Virginia Arts Festival and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra will stage a new production of Leonard Bernstein's MASS: A Theater Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers on Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24.

The male vocal ensemble Cantus returns to Hampton Roads as part of the Virginia Arts Festival. The group has garnered praise for impeccably singing a wide-ranging repertoire. Dwight Davis spoke with one of the singers, Aaron Humble, about Cantus.

One of the centerpieces of this year’s Virginia Arts Festival is the Virginia premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s Mon,umental theater piece, Mass, presented April 25th and 26th. Anthony McSpadden spoke with Virginia Symphony conductor Joann Falletta about this exciting and unusual work.

The Virginia Arts Festival, in conjunction with the Tidewater Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, welcomes Canadian organist Isabelle Demers for a performance at Christ and St. Luke’s Church in Norfolk. Jonathan Lichtenstein spoke with Ms. Demers about her career and the concert.

Pianist Andre Michel Schub has been Music Director of the chamber music concerts of the Virginia Arts Festival since the beginning of the Festival. He spoke to WHRO-FM’s Dwight Davis about the chamber series.

This year’s Virginia Arts Festival includes a new production of a favorite balletic masterpiece, Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet”, danced by the Mark Morris Dance Group. This original version, as conceived by Prokofiev and dramatist Sergei Radlov, had a happy ending to Shakespeare’s tale. The new version is based on exclusive archival research conducted in Moscow. Associate Professor of Music at Princeton University, SiMon, Morrison. Dwight Davis spoke to him about the music.

One of the finest string quartets in the world, the Tokyo Quartet, performed in this year’s Virginia Arts Festival. Dwight Davis spoke with second violinist Kikuei Ikeda about the group’s program.

The venerable Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio is featured in two chamber concerts in this year’s Virginia Arts Festival. Dwight Davis spoke with pianist Joseph Kalichstein about the works on the concerts as well as the early days of the trio.

Award-winning composer Ellen Taafe Zwillich has written a new work for a new combination of instruments, a piece co-commissioned by the Virginia Arts Festival. She Spoke to WHRO-FM’s Dwight Davis about her Piano Septet