Podcasts about wdav

Not every organist incorporates jazz and gospel into their repertoire, but Alcee Chriss III does. He's one of America's most talented young organists, and he's coming to Charlotte's Covenant Presbyterian Church for a masterclass and recital. In this episode, learn more about Alcee Chriss and what audiences can expect from his Charlotte appearance.

Now in his second season as Music Director with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Kwame Ryan can also add Grammy Award winner to his list of accomplishments. On this Piedmont Arts episode, general manager and host Frank Dominguez caught up with Maestro Ryan and they talked about the award, as well as his recent engagement conducting George Gerswin's Porgy and Bess with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

This year the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra launched its first ever Spotlight Series featuring a Spotlight Artist. The brainchild of music director Kwame Ryan, the series provides a deeper exploration of one artistic voice each season. The inaugural Spotlight Artist is Gabriel Kahane, a singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist whose work spans many genres. Kahane is the guest on this Piedmont Arts podcast episode where you can learn more about him and his musical collaboration with the CSO.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is launching a new program to preserve and advance traditional music. The American Roots Institute will highlight bluegrass, folk, blues, jazz, and gospel for School of the Arts high school and college students. With North Carolina's rich history of roots music, UNCSA is a fitting home for this new institute. On this episode, we talk to UNCSA School of Music Dean, Saxton Rose.

Hear from the Charlotte Master Chorale's longtime Artistic Director Kenney Potter about what makes the vocal ensemble so special and why you'll want to be at their upcoming performances of Sergei Rachmaninoff's Vespers. You'll also hear about the new reality show being produced in Charlotte called “Kings of the Queen City.”

You don't have to wait until summer for a festival celebrating the music and legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach. This year, Bach Charlotte has added their very first Bach WinterFest to the calendar. It's a series of concerts happening in venues around the Queen City. Find out more about it by listening to a conversation with Bach Charlotte's executive director Garrett Murphy.

Cellist Anita Graff reflects on a life in music, from Bach to jazz, and previews her Charlotte debut. Opera Carolina director Dr. Shante Williams discusses the new Classical Artist Fund, supporting singers and the many creatives behind the scenes.

Pop singers have “American Idol” and “The Voice.” Country singers are competing on a new show called “The Road.” For up-and-coming opera talent, it's all about the Laffont Competition. We talk with Artistic Director and Professor Steven LaCosse about the Metropolitan Opera's annual search for the next great singers, and the North Carolina District portion of the Laffont Competition that's coming to Charlotte in January.

Artist Jack Boul loved to paint the world around him: people sitting on benches, urban streetscapes, cows in a pasture, and the mountain scenery of western North Carolina. Boul's work is included in collections at the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian, and the Library of Congress as well as other private and public collections. And now there's an exhibition of his art at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum that highlights his special connection to the Blowing Rock/Boone area. It's called “Jack Boul: Land, City, Home.” On this Piedmont Arts podcast, hear a conversation with Jack Boul's son David who helped organize the exhibition to help ensure his father's legacy. "Catawba" by Jack Boul "Quartet" by Jack Boul "Atlantic Beach" by Jack Boul "Canal" by Jack Boul "Self Portrait" by Jack Boul "Artist Studio" by Jack Boul

On this Piedmont Arts podcast, Phil Vavra and Dan Drayer preview concerts, opera and dance performances, plays and musicals, as well as where to take in the big displays of festive lights across the region.

BNS Productions (Brand New Sheriff Productions) is theater company based in Charlotte that presents award-winning performances highlighting the African American experience. They'll perform Be A Lion at the Booth Playhouse, a production that has been a favorite with Charlotte audiences for years. Inspired by The Wiz, Be A Lion is the creation of award-winning playwright, producer, and director Rory D. Sheriff, who is our guest on this Piedmont Arts podcast episode.

Drive around many Charlotte neighborhoods, and you're likely to see murals. There are hundreds of them across the city bringing a vibrant quality to the urban landscape. For art lovers, they turn the city into an open-air gallery that can be enjoyed for free. On this episode, you can take a tour of some murals with Charlotte is Creative's Makayla Binter, who is herself an artist. She shows us around Luminous Lane, a once grim alleyway between 3rd and 4th Streets in Uptown that has been transformed into a colorful uplifting space. And get to know WDAV's new weeknight evening host Keenan Harmon a little better as he takes questions from Phil Vavra. “Arts and culture are why people don't just move to Charlotte—they stay. It's what turns a city into a community.”Makayla Binter By Russell Fenn / @Sofles Ali Loncar / @ahloncar Luminous Lane entrance by @treazy_treaz By @John_Hairston_Jr Pam Imhof / @theleftbrainedartist Peace By Darian Fleming / @daflemingo-and Matt Moore / @puckmcgruff Lion by @treazy_treaz Luminous Lane entrance by @treazy_treaz By Osiris Rain / @osirisrain Evening Opus with Keenan Harmon Keenan Harmon Tune in to the Evening Opus and more Classical Music with Keenan Harmon weeknights at 7 p.m. and learn more about The Nexus Jazz Group at the Stage Door Theater.

The Magicians Table is making its North American debut this month at Charlotte's new venue, Blume Studios. Created in London, it's a show about a legendary illusionist, his loving widow, and a cast of magicians who perform at your table. It may change your idea of what a magic show can be. Artist Kevin Hammonds and Blumenthal Arts' CEO Tom Gabbard talk about this immersive experience.

On October 24th, Davidson College dedicated a new sculpture called “With These Hands: A Memorial to the Enslaved and Exploited” by artist Hank Willis Thomas. It acknowledges those individuals who built the college and served the institution in numerous ways but whose story has rarely been included in the college's history. Davidson graduate Clint Smith, an award-winning poet and author, talks about the sculpture's significance for Davidson and the larger community. We also learn about the 2025 “Mad About Modern Home Tour.”

After 64 years, the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro is closing. The festival, which has been an important part of the Triad and the state's cultural life, is ending due to failed negotiations between faculty artists, staff, and the EMF Board. We get the perspectives of both faculty and staff representatives on why talks broke down. We also talk with Dr. Shanté Williams of Opera Carolina about their “Night to Remember” concert that features arias by Puccini's heroines.

Charlotte Ballet kicks off a new season with "Fall Works," a program of three contemporary ballets at the Knight Theater. The show includes the world premiere of "As I Am" by South African choreographer Mthuthuzeli November. We talked with November about the inspiration for the ballet and preview the program's other exciting works.

A new symphony takes the spotlight as the Charlotte Civic Orchestra presents the premiere of Symphony No. 1, “The Wolf” by rising local composer Sean Michael Smith at Central Piedmont's Dale Halton Theater. We talk with Smith about his creative journey and debut work, then hear how the Bechtler Museum and Novant Health are blending art and wellness through their inspiring new “Art on Prescription” partnership.

Theatre Charlotte is now in its 98th season of engaging, entertaining, and enlightening audiences of all ages. Artistic Director Chris Timmons talks about which shows are hitting the stage this season, including a special appearance at WDAV's Small Batch Concert. Plus, hear an interview with the folks organizing Una Noche Entre Suenos, an afternoon of Tango music and dance coming to Charlotte.

Confluence, the Carolinas' music industry conference, brings together artists, entrepreneurs, and fans for daytime panels and nightly concerts across Charlotte. Host Rachel Stewart talks with organizers Rick Thurmond and Liz Brigham about how the event supports the region's thriving independent music scene, the collaborative spirit behind its growth, and the mix of live showcases. Highlights include a keynote with Grammy president Panos Panay and performances by emerging artists you'll want to discover before they reach bigger stages.

Founded in 2022, the Stateline Community Orchestra is based in Pineville, North Carolina. On this episode of Piedmont Arts, Phil Vavra speaks with the orchestra's conductor, David Gordon, about what it's like to work with a talented and dedicated group of volunteer musicians who come from all walks of life. You'll also get a preview of their upcoming schedule and hear about other cultural happenings to put on your calendar in the Charlotte region.

The Charlotte Film Festival was started in 2006 to give established and emerging filmmakers a place to showcase their work. After 19 years, it's still going strong. This year's festival is at the International Picture House and promises a diverse line up of full and short-length features, documentaries, and animated films. Host Rachel Stewart talks with festival organizers Jay Morong and Taylor Montalto about what's on offer this year. She also chats with David Wilson, concertmaster of North Carolina Baroque Orchestra Chamber Players, which opens WDAV's Small Batch Concert Series.

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra's 2025-26 season gets underway at its annual Gala concert on September 18th with a very special guest. The CSO's President and Chief Executive Officer, David Fisk, tells us all about that and some other upcoming highlights from the season. Plus, a preview of new Visual Arts offerings across our region and the weekly FanFare segment to help you fill out your events calendar. Learn more about the Charlotte Symphony

Charlotte Ballet's new season begins in October. We talk with artistic director Alejandro Cerrudo about what you'll see - from a world premiere by a South African choreographer to "The Nutcracker" to Cerrudo's own full length ballet, "One Thousand Pieces" in May.

Piedmont Opera has a new interim artistic director, Joseph Mechavich, who has put together a varied and innovative ‘25/'26 season. It includes everything from an unusual, immersive production of Pagliacci to a concert by Grammy-award winning soprano Karen Slack. We talk with Mechavich about the season and the importance of opera and the arts to our communities. Rachel Stewart and Phil Vavra also preview the seasons of other opera companies in the region.

Three Bone Theatre's mission is unique among Charlotte's theater companies. They focus on contemporary works centered around diversity and social justice that can be a catalyst for change in the community. Three Bone's current production is “Electricidad,” a retelling of the ancient Greek tragedy, “Elektra,” in a modern-day Chicano setting. We talk to “Electricidad's” director, Glynnis O'Donoghue, and Three Bone leaders Robin Tynes-Miller and Tiffany Bryant-Jackson. Learn more about Three Bone Theater's “Electricidad”

In 2025, Charlotte Pride celebrates 25 years of LGBTQ arts and culture with the annual Charlotte Pride Festival in its new location at First Ward Park. On this Piedmont Arts podcast, we hear from the Managing Director of Charlotte Pride, Meredith Thompson, about what we can expect during the 2025 festival and parade. Learn more about the Charlotte Pride Parade

Henry David Thoreau's Walden was written in 1854 but has lessons for life in the 21st century. In her new book Finding Your Walden, Charlotte author Jen McGivney explores how the ideas in Walden can help people navigate modern life—from career crossroads to everyday overwhelm—with more clarity and intention.

Since 1937, visitors to North Carolina's Outer Banks have been enhancing their beach vacations by taking in a performance of The Lost Colony at the Waterside Theater in Manteo. We talk to Chuck Still, the Executive Director of the Roanoke Island Historical Association, about the beloved play, how the production has evolved through the years, and the mystery that remains unsolved. You'll also hear about other North Carolina outdoor dramas from across the state.

Charlotte Strings Collective was formed five years ago, in the midst of Black Lives Matter protests, to promote the music of Black composers. On this Piedmont Arts podcast, we talk with three members of the group about its origins and its role in the Charlotte region.

Charlotte will become the home to the first ever International Choral Composers Institute, a 5-day immersive program dedicated to nurturing and teaching choral composers and lyricists of all levels. It's the brainchild of award-winning composer Sherry Blevins. Through the Institute, she hopes to provide an opportunity for composers in our area and beyond to hone their skills and network. You can hear more about her vision for the event and get details about the free concert showcasing participants' works at CPCC.

Charlotte is home to a growing community of music creators of all types. It's a collaborative community where musicians work across genres, as evidenced by WDAV's own NoteWorthy and Small Batch concerts. On this Piedmont Arts podcast, we talk with Charlotte Hip Hop artist YUNG Citizen who has worked with many local musicians including Charlotte Strings Collective. He shares his perspective on the Charlotte scene, pursuing a music career in the Queen City, and his work as a mental health advocate.

Did you know the city of Charlotte has its own Poet Laureate? If not, that might be because there has only been one so far. His name is Junious “Jay” Ward, and you'll get to know him on this episode of the Piedmont Arts podcast. Jay talks about his journey with poetry, what it means to be Charlotte's first Poet Laureate, and you'll get to hear some of his work.

There's a new weekly email newsletter in Charlotte focusing on local people and issues. The Charlotte Optimist is published by longtime local writer and editor Michael Graff. On this Piedmont Arts he shares his vision for the new venture. Learn more about The Charlotte Optimist

Broadway is bigger than ever. For the 2024-25 season, Broadway took in $1.9 billion across all productions, which is a record and a 23% increase from the previous year. Many of those shows come to Charlotte as part of Blumenthal Arts' Broadway Lights Series. Blumenthal Arts' president and CEO Tom Gabbard talks about the exciting productions coming to the city in 2025 and 2026.

Alvin C. Jacobs is a Charlotte-based photographer and image activist. His new exhibit "Black Behind Bars" about Black biker culture is on display at the Gantt Center in uptown Charlotte through September 21st, 2025. Learn more about “Black Behind Bars: The Untold Story of Black Biker Culture” at the Harvey B. Gantt Center "Black"Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr. "Family Ties"Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr. "Road Glide"Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr.

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is ready to kick off its 2025 Summer Pops season. On this Piedmont Arts, we ask the CSO's resident conductor, Christopher James Lees, about what we can expect to hear this month at Symphony Park. We also talk about recent news regarding the beloved outdoor venue, as well as what life is like for an in-demand conductor.

Pianist Jeffrey Biegel wanted to mark the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." So, he commissioned a new work by composer Peter Boyer called "Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue." On this Piedmont Arts podcast, Biegel talks about the work, and we also talk with one of the leaders of the Charlotte Bach Festival about the multi-day event that gets underway May 30th.

A new North Carolina theater group called Piedmont Shakespeare company makes its debut in June 2025 with a touring production of "Hamlet." All nine performances at indoor and outdoor venues are free. On this episode of Piedmont Arts, we sit down with the company's three founders to talk about their plans. Learn more about Piedmont Shakespeare Company

Providing students with music education opportunities is the mission of North Carolina Youth Orchestra. Based in the Lake Norman area, the organization has seen rapid growth in recent years and offers kids a range of options from beginning classes to full orchestras. They now serve about 225 students. On this Piedmont Arts podcast, executive director Eric Boruff talks about how North Carolina is working to meet the growing demand for music instruction in our region and about what's next.

By David Boraks Photographer Annie Leibovitz is legendary for her iconic photos of celebrities - from professional athletes and politicians to entertainers and artists. Many of those photos, plus a few you haven't seen, are in the exhibit "Annie Leibovitz/WORK" at the Mint Museum Uptown through the end of August. Jen Sudul-Edwards chief curator for the Mint talks about Leibovitz's style and career. Learn more about the Annie Leibovitz/WORK exhibit at the Mint Museum.

After the beloved Manor Theater closed its doors in 2020, there weren't many places to see art house and foreign films on the big screen in the Charlotte area. On top of that, the COVID-19 pandemic had put the entire movie theater industry in jeopardy. But that's exactly when the Charlotte Film Society made the bold decision to find investors and start a new, not-for-profit, multi-screen cinema. The Independent Picture House opened its doors in 2022 and hasn't looked back. We talk to executive director Brad Ritter about the early days of this destination for film lovers, as well as what we can look forward to seeing at the Independent Picture House in the weeks and months ahead. Pictured: Executive director Brad Ritter or the Independent Picture House. Phil Vavra/WDAV Pictured: Brad Ritter in the lobby of the Independent Picture House theater. Phil Vavra/WDAV

In recent years, Raehann Bryce-Davis has become a familiar name in the world of opera through performances at the Met, Santa Fe, Houston, Los Angeles, and in opera houses across Europe. She is the mezzo-soprano soloist for the Winston-Salem Symphony's performance of Verdi's Requiem, one of her favorite works to sing. On this episode, Bryce-Davis talks about singing Verdi and her newly released album, “Evolution,” an eclectic recording with everything from art song to electronic dance music. Learn more about Verdi's Requiem at Winston-Salem Symphony. Pictured: Raehann Bryce-Davis. Wolf Dieter Grabner/IMG Artists.

In recent years, Raehann Bryce-Davis has become a familiar name in the world of opera through performances at the Met, Santa Fe, Houston, Los Angeles, and in opera houses across Europe. She is the mezzo-soprano soloist for the Winston-Salem Symphony’s performance of Verdi’s Requiem , one of her favorite works to sing. On this episode, Bryce-Davis talks about singing Verdi and her newly released album, “Evolution,” an eclectic recording with everything from art song to electronic dance music. Learn more about Verdi’s Requiem at Winston-Salem Symphony

After 25 years, Maestro Jim Meena is moving on from Opera Carolina. He led his last production, La Boheme, with the company as their artistic director and principal conductor. Meena sits down with WDAV's Frank Dominguez to talk about his time as one of the Queen City's longest and most influential artistic leaders. They chat about everything from memorable performances of operas like Margaret Garner to the challenges of the 2008 financial crisis and Covid pandemic.

After 25 years, Maestro Jim Meena is moving on from Opera Carolina. He led his last production, La Boheme , with the company as their artistic director and principal conductor. Meena sits down with WDAV’s Frank Dominguez to talk about his time as one of the Queen City’s longest and most influential artistic leaders. They chat about everything from memorable performances of operas like Margaret Garner to the challenges of the 2008 financial crisis and Covid pandemic.

The African art galleries at Charlotte's Mint Museum Randolph have a new look, and it's more than just paint. On this Piedmont Arts, we talk with the curators who researched each of the several hundred objects in the museum's–Jen Sudul Edwards and Lisa Homann. They recently reinstalled the work, along with some new and borrowed pieces, in the first major update in years. Learn more about the Mint Museum African Art Exhibit

The African art galleries at Charlotte's Mint Museum Randolph have a new look, and it's more than just paint. On this Piedmont Arts, we talk with the curators who researched each of the several hundred objects in the museum's–Jen Sudul Edwards and Lisa Homann. They recently reinstalled the work, along with some new and borrowed pieces, in the first major update in years. Learn more about the Mint Museum African Art Exhibit Jennifer Sudul Edwards Lisa Homann African Art exhibit at the Mint Museum Randolph

Adam Santalla Pierce was named president of the Arts & Science Council of Charlotte in February 2025. He talks about the state of the arts in Charlotte and his vision for the organization. Adam Santalla Pierce courtesy of the Arts & Science Council of Charlotte.

Adam Santalla Pierce was named president of the Arts & Science Council of Charlotte in February 2025. He talks about the state of the arts in Charlotte and his vision for the organization. Pictured: Adam Santalla Pierce courtesy of the Arts & Science Council of Charlotte.

On this Piedmont Arts podcast, we talk with Jane Cain and Barbara Krumdieck, organizers of the first Davidson Bach Festival. It's a collaboration between the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra, Organ at Davidson, and the Davidson College Music Department. Jane Cain Barbara Krumdieck