HearTOGETHER Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Philadelphia Orchestra / Tori Marchiony
The Philadelphia Orchestra presents the HearTOGETHER Podcast; honest conversations with artists and activists about life, music, social justice, and how they all connect. Hosted by Tori Marchiony.
On the final episode of our series, host Khadija Mbowe is joined by the renowned trumpet player and composer Terence Blanchard. Hear the pair talk like two old friends as they get real about everything from their experiences navigating the opera world to the power that sharing an article has to convey fatherly love.
Get Tickets To See Terence Blanchard Live in Philly on April 7, 2024!
https://www.ensembleartsphilly.org/events-and-tickets/2023-24/kcp/terence-blanchard/
Music from this episode:BLANCHARD - "Opening Credits," Malcolm X
BLANCHARD - "Peculiar Grace," Fire Shut Up in My Bones, The Metropolitan Opera
BLANCHARD - "Step Dance Sequence," Fire Shut Up in My Bones, The Metropolitan Opera
DVORAK - Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 (“From the New World," The Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.
Two-time Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano, Curtis Institute of Music graduate, and former varsity basketball captain J’Nai Bridges joins host Khadija Mbowe for a free-flowing conversation about her wide-ranging musical influences, structured systems for success, and the public humiliation that (inadvertently) led to her becoming a star.
In February 2024, Bridges joined The Philadelphia Orchestra to announce the upcoming rededication of its home inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts as Marian Anderson Hall. It will be the first major concert venue in the world to honor the late performer and trailblazer.
Chapters:
[00:00-2:59] Get To Know J'Nai Bridges
[3:00- ] J'Nai Reflects On Marian Anderson's Impact On Herself And The World
[09:16-12:44] The Public Humiliation That Changed J'Nai's Path
[12:45- 17:15] J'Nai's Full Circle Moment Being Part of the Hall Rededication Announcement
[16:16-17:14] Music: J'Nai Bridges with Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) perform “Whole World In Your Hand” during Global Goal: Unite for Our Future on June 27.
[17:17-20:02 ] The Triumphs and Trials of Travel
[20:03-24:41] How J'Nai Has Developed Structures for Success
[24:42-27:31] J'Nai Reflects on Progress in the Classical Music World
[27:32- 29:27] J'Nai's Cataclysm Sentence
Music from this episode:
BIZET, HABANERA, J’Nai Bridges in the Canadian Opera Company’s 2022 production of Carmen
J'Nai Bridges with Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) perform “Whole World In Your Hand” during Global Goal: Unite for Our Future on June 27.
Links from this episode:READ MORE: The Philadelphia Orchestra to Rename Its Home at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts MARIAN ANDERSON HALL in Honor of the Legendary Contralto, Civil Rights Icon, and Philadelphian: https://www.philorch.org/about-us/contact-us/press-room/news-releases/the-philadelphia-orchestra-to-rename-its-home-at-the-kimmel-center-for-the-performing-arts-marian-anderson-hall-in-honor-of-the-legendary-contralto-civil-rights-icon-and-philadelphian/
Want more Marian Anderson? Listen to our season one episode with Jillian Patricia Pirtles, CEO of the National Marian Anderson Museum: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1364857/5986438
Marian Anderson Museum: http://marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/
J’Nai Bridges:
https://jnaibridgesmezzo.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jnaibmezzo/
https://www.facebook.com/jnaibridgesmezzo/
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.
A candid conversation between host Khadija Mbowe and 23-year-old Detroit Symphony Orchestra assistant conductor, Na'Zir McFadden. You'll hear about his collaborative conducting style, day-in-the-life, and deep Philly roots.
Music from this episode:
STRAUSS, Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (Opening), Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Na’Zir McFadden, conductor.
COLRIDGE-TAYLOR, African Suite: Danse Nègre, Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra, Na’Zir McFadden, conductor.
HOLST, The Planets, Op. 32, Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Na’Zir McFadden, conductor.
Links from this episode:
Nazir McFadden's Website: https://www.nazirmcfadden.com/
What is "The Hive"?: https://music.fandom.com/wiki/Bey_Hive
Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra: https://www.dso.org/community-and-learning/wu-family-academy/civic-youth-ensembles/civic-youth-ensembles
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.
Music historian, pianist, composer, and the Edmund J. and Louise W. Kahn Term Professor of Music at the University of Pennsylvania Dr. Guthrie Ramsey joins Judith Anne Still, daughter of the late composer William Grant Still, to discuss her father’s life and music, how his experiences as a Black man informed his compositions, and how, despite his many “firsts,” his music was largely unrecognized until recently.
Music from this episode:
STILL, Symphony No. 4 (“Autochthonous”), The Philadelphia Orchestra
STILL, Out of the Silence, First Philadelphia Orchestra performances, Jeffrey Khaner, flute
Links from this episode:
William Grant Still Music - http://www.williamgrantstillmusic.com/
Dr. Guthrie Ramsey on Twitter — https://twitter.com/DrGuyMusiQology
William Grant Still and the Adventure of Discovery — https://www.philorch.org/about-us/learn-more/Blog/william-grant-still-and-the-adventure-of-discovery/
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.
On our season finale, interdisciplinary artist respectfulchild (they/them) shares a frank discussion with host Khadija Mbowe about their creative journey of experimentation and discovery. Born in Canada to Chinese and Malaysian parents, early on, respectfulchild yearned to defy expectations as a classical music student. Today, their compositions and artwork are a vehicle to imagine, discover, and occupy altogether new ways of being.
Chapters:
[00:00] Introduction - what's in a name?
[04:35] Early musical influences
[09:13] Expectations of people with Asian heritage in classical music
[14:22] Finding spiritual connection through creating interactive art
[22:43] Upcoming album: breaking boundaries of gender & music
[27:00] Striving for enjoyment
Music from this episode:
- “Beauty," from respectfulchild's upcoming album, 更新 re:new (2023)
- "Forest," from In the Shadow of the Pines (2021), the original soundtrack to Anne Koizumi’s 2021 animated short documentary of the same name
- “Glitter” from, respectfulchild’s debut album, 在找 ::searching:: (2017)
Links from this episode:
- respectfulchild website
- Native Women's Shelter of Montreal
- 落叶归根 , Falling leaves return to their roots at Ramey Modern,
- Remai Modern Emerging Artist Series
- Girls Rock Saskatoon
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.
Ian Cusson celebrates deep questions and despises stereotypes. is In this episode, you'll hear the sought-after Indigenous (Georgian Bay Métis Community) and French Canadian composer share a candid conversation with host Khadija Mbowe, digging into his experiences of privilege, shame, and one anecdote of sweet, swift, cosmic justice.
Chapters:[00:00] Introduction
[02:49] Métis community influence on Ian's artistic approach today
[10:00] Navigating indigenous heritage and Western religion will be a lifelong process
[16:50] The privilege and shame of being "white-passing"
[25:16] Becoming better by making art
[34:23] In-depth lightning round bonus!
**Music from this episode:
Ian Cusson, "*Le Loup de Lafontaine,"world premiere performance byAlexander Shelley & NAC Orchestra as part of the Móshkamo Festival which marked the launch of the National Arts Centre’s Indigenous Theatre department. Le loup de Lafontaine was a National Arts Centre Orchestra commission as part of the Carrefour Composer Program, made possible by the Canada Council for the Arts. Ian Cusson, "*Where There’s a Wall,”Song-cycle for voice and piano with text by Joy Kogawa. Performed by Krisztina Szabó, voice and Rachael Kerr, piano. Recorded at the Canadian Music Centre, Toronto on November 14, 2019, by John Gray.
Ian Cusson, "Of the Sea," a co-production with Obsidian Theatre Company and Tapestry Opera. Libretto by Kanika Ambrose, Directed by Philip Akin, Conducted by Jennifer Tung.
Links from this episode:Métis Nation
Yvette Nolan
Katherena Vermette
More on Ian's Louis Riel re-do
BANFF Indigenous Classical Music Gathering
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.
Mari Esabel Valverde is an award-winning composer of choral music and among the leading voices in American choral composition today. In addition to instructing high schoolers in classical voice, she has specialized in working with transgender vocalists like herself. In this episode, you'll hear Mari tell host Khadija Mbowe about how she learned to overcome self-doubt, why "respect" is a trap, and why she loves icy people as much as she loves icy weather.
Chapters:
[01:53] Identifying opportunities for progress
[04:31] Unpacking the term "Latinx," and low representation in the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)
[07:45] Early musical influences: Gameboy, Linda Ronstadt, and Debussy, oh my!
[11:40] The correlation between weather and personality
[15:10] Teaching herself and others to unlearn shame
[21:25] Why Mari doesn't care for the word “respect"
[24:15] Building and breaking trust
[27:53] Parting advice
[30:58] Lightning round
Music from this episode:
"Winter Ride" (2018)
"A Winter Ride" by Amy Lowell.
Performed by the International Orange Chorale of San Francisco (iocsf.org), conducted by Zane Fiala (premiere recording).
"El triste león" (2019) from Canciones del pasadoTraditional/Folk text from the San Luis Valley, Colorado and New Mexico compiled in Canciones del pasado Copyright © 1967 by Ruth Marie Colville. Used with permission of the author.
Performed by tenor Matthew Valverde, pianist Randy Macy, and violinist Sarah Off.
"Our Phoenix" (2015)
Excerpts from "Our Dangerous Sweetness" © 2012 Amir Rabiyah (https://www.amirrabiyah.com/). Used with permission of the author.
Disclaimer: This audio is courtesy of St. Olaf College and is used by permission. Performed by St. Olaf Chapel Choir, conducted by Tesfa Wondemagegnehu (https://www.tesfawon.com/) assisted by pianist Will Rand and trumpeter Nathan Lyle.
Links from this episode:
- Mari's website
- American Choral Directors Association
- Kat Blaque
- St. Olaf College
- Dr. Anton Armstrong
- "Canciones de mi padre" (yes, Linda Ronstadt has Mexican heritage)
- Golden Sun soundtrack
- Bob the Drag Queen
Babatunde Akinboboye, known online as @babatundehiphopera, became a viral sensation when he started blending his lifelong love of hip-hop with his budding interest in opera. Today, he's built a multi-faceted career that gives him the best of the concert hall and the digital stage. In this candid convo with host Khadija Mbowe, Babatunde talks about overcoming preconceived notions, stepping into his full identity through music, and feeling profound, glowing alignment.
Chapters:
[01:22 ] How Babatunde parlayed his love of hip-hop into singing opera, and viral content.
[04:22] Cross-cultural upbringing
[05:20] Getting peer-pressured into men's choir
[08:08] What does alignment feel like?
[10:27] Creating a home in his art
[13:00] Social media origins and evolution
[18:00] Trade-offs between stage and screen
[20:49] How his Nigerian mother changed her tune about his career choice
[22:51] What music was in the house growing up?
[28:17] In-depth lightning round
Music from this episode:
- Babatunde Akinboboye, Avant ~upcoming~
- Babatunde Akinboboye, Cortigiani (Rigoletto) from Della Citta EP
- Babatunde Akinboboye, Largo (Figaro) from Della Citta EP
- Babatunde Akinboboye, Tanti Beat
Links from this episode:
- Babatunde's website
- @Babatundehiphopera IG
- @Babatundehiphopera TikTok
- @Babatundehiphopera Facebook
- Babatunde's Youtube
- What's that white song that gets you turned up?
- Babatunde x Kendrick Lamar
This one's for the music lovers! Tune in to hear Babatunde Akinboboye tell host Khadija Mbowe about his favorite music, stick around to hear them wax philosophical about training, technology, and the importance of feeling music viscerally.
Chapters:
[00:26] Babatunde's 5 favorite hip-hop artists
[6:18] Babatunde's 5 favorite arias
[08:00] How training threatened to erode Babatunde's relationship with music
[11:09] The threat (or lack thereof) from AI technology
Music and artists mentioned in this episode:
- Snoop Dogg
- Busta Rhymes
- 2Pac
- Eminem
- Dr.Dre (The Chronic)
- Ludacris
- Queen of the Night (The Magic Flute)
- Largo al factotum (The Barber of Seville)
- Toreador's song (Carmen)
- Flower Duet (Lakmé)
- Who makes you laugh?
- Cataclysm sentence?
- Skill you wish you had?
- Song you wish you'd written?
- Worst advice?
Theo Baer aka iT Boy is a Brooklyn-based composer of music that has, at various times, been described as "experimental," "thoughtful," and "cosmic." In this discussion with host Khadija Mbowe, Theo reflects on the influences that brought him here; starting with a childhood growing up as the adopted child of Mennonite missionaries, walking a tightrope between his prodigious musical gifts and the persistence of low expectations— all the while navigating an evolving queer identity.
Chapters:
[2:04] The inextricability of music to Theo's identity
[3:56] The good and bad of working with(in) musical institutions
[5:18] Ever-unfolding lessons of queerness
[8:48] Making music for magical moments
[10:56] Mennonites and musical influences
[12:19] On "radicalizing" his parents
[16:09] The catharsis of vulnerability
[18:13] What success looks like today
Music from this episode:
- Theo Baer aka iT Boy ft. Zachary Paul, Deities,from The Nail House
- Theo Baer aka iT Boy, Tempting (for Richard Maxfield) , from Euphoric Recall
- Theo Baer aka iT Boy, Habits, from Euphoric Recall
- Theo Baer aka iT Boy, Lodge
Links from this episode:
- iT Boy on Bandcamp
- iT Boy on Instagram
- Anderson Center
- Who makes you laugh?
- Cataclysm sentence?
- Skill you wish you had?
- Song you wish you'd written?
- Worst advice?
Tailinh Agoyo is an award-winning multi-disciplinary artist, TV and film actor, and co-founding director of We Are the Seeds, an organization that amplifies and uplifts Indigenous voices through the arts in an effort to reverse the erasure of native people in Philadelphia and the nation. In this candid conversation with host Khadija Mbowe, you'll hear about how We Are The Seeds is rooted in Tailinh's upbringing alongside her father's artistic career, her experiences attending an Ivy League college, and how she navigated a career in '90s Hollywood.
Chapters:
[1:58] Tailinh Agoyo is all of the things
[4:46] How early familial influences impact Tailinh today
[11:55] Ups and downs at Dartmouth
[16:09] Secret activism in Hollywood
[25:13] How Tailinh's acting career has evolved
[27:00] The root of We Are The Seeds and its growth
[31:20] Looking to the future
Music from this episode:
- Udi Bar David and R. Carlos Nakai, Indigenous, Indigena, from Voyagers
- Zachariah Julian, Oblique from Oblique
- Gabriela Lena Frank, Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout, performed by The Philadelphia Orchestra
Links from this episode:
- Tailinh Agoyo
- We Are The Seeds
- Tchin Agoyo
- Dartmouth's Native American program
- Learn about the land you occupy
- What is Canada's "Truth in reconciliation Commission"?
- Viola Davis reflects on The Help
New host Khadija Mbowe is joined by esteemed soprano Karen Slack for a no-holds-barred conversation about excellence, expectations, and self-esteem.
In this episode, you'll hear:
- [00:00] MUSIC: Hannibal, Healing Tones, Karen Slack with The Philadelphia Orchestra
- [03:25] Fairytale love story
- [05:19] Music in the household
- [07:29] Veterinary dreams
- [8:27] Journey into classical through CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts High School)
- [13:14] MUSIC: Bizet, Habanera, Denyce Graves
- [14:11] Undiagnosed learning challenges
- [15:07] The double-edged sword of winning the Rosa Ponselle scholarship
- [18:45] Approach to mentorship
- [25:49] MUSIC: Price, Bewilderment (with text from Langston Hughes), Michelle Cann and Karen Slack
- [27:09] See the need, fill the need
- [29:03] #KikiKonversations
- [33:14] Who heals the healers; unrealistic expectations placed on black women
- [36:49] The struggle for self-care
- MUSIC: Barnes, Taking Names, Karen Slack
Links from this episode:
- BANFF Opera in the 21st Century Program
- Bellini, "Casta Diva," Maria Callas
- Wagner, "Tristan Und Isolde" - Prelude & Leibestod, Jessye Norman and Herbert von Karajan
- Opera Philadelphia Sounds of Learning Rehearsal Program
- La Forza Del Destino (Ponselle's debut)
- Michelle Cann on the HearTOGETHER podcast
-
SayTheirNames
-
KikiKonversations
- Khadija Mbowe
- Karen Slack
- Who makes you laugh?
- Cataclysm sentence?
- Skill you wish you had?
- Song you wish you'd written?
- Worst advice?
Season 3 of the HearTOGETHER podcast opens with a passing of the torch as Executive Producer Tori Marchiony interviews incoming host, Khadija Mbowe. Khadija is a socio-cultural content creator, classically trained soprano, and self-described loving provocateur. In this episode, you’ll hear about Khadija’s cross-continental upbringing, musical evolution, why they made a sharp turn away from the opera world, and much more.
[07:03] Khadija's cross-continental upbringing
[08:48] Khadija's journey into music
[16:57] Facing impossible comparisons
[23:46] Marigold Music Program
[28:13] The messiness of newness
Music from this episode:
- Owens, A Complaint, performed by Khadija Mbowe
- Khadija Mbowe, Deff Bem toup
- Brahms, Alto Rhapsody, performed by Jessye Norman with The Philadelphia Orchestra
Links from this episode:
- Delusion and ALL Its Remixes by Fab Socialism
- Khadija's Youtube channel
- Khadija's website
- Marigold Music Program
- Terrance Real, How Can I Get Through To You?
Thanks to Teng Chen, Sound Engineer, and the HearTOGETHER Editorial Council, Noel Dior, Tim German, Tori Marchiony, and Khadija Mbowe.
Where are all the great Black pianists? Michelle Cann is one of the best. And she's determined to help shift the musical landscape to include many more pianists of color in the coming generations.
On the season two finale of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, pianist Michelle Cann joins host Tori Marchiony for an intimate conversation about the nature of competition, expressing something transcendent in music, and the importance of mentorship for up-and-comers.
MUSIC, performed by Michelle Cann
BACH, SarabandePRICE, Sonata in E MinorCHOPIN, Ballade No.3 in A-flat Major, Op.47PRICE, Piano Concerto in One Movement with The Philadelphia OrchestraMixed by Teng Chen
Editorial Council, Noel Dior & Tim German
What do you do to survive? For inti figgis-vizueta, making music inside traditional institutions felt like trying to put a square peg into a round hole– painful, and fruitless. So, she eschewed the status quo and focused on embracing the angles that made her unique.
On this episode of the HearTOGETHER podcast, NYC-based composer inti figgis-vizueta speaks with host Tori Marchiony about her early ambitions for a 9-5 in science, the communities and identities that inform her work today, and her hopes and fears for the next generation of music-makers.
Music in this episode was composed by inti figgis-vizueta
- Attacca Quartet performing Imago .
- red fish blue fish performing To Give You Form and Breath
Click here to learn about why bell hooks didn't capitalize her name.
Mixed by Teng Chen
Editorial Council, Noel Dior and Tim German
What role does empathy play in your life? For Lina González-Granados, it’s a core value for daily living, as well as a musical superpower that’s been instilled in her artistic practice by more than one mentor.
On this episode of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, conductor Lina González-Granados joins host Tori Marchiony for a heartfelt interview about what it took to follow her dreams across the world, her status as a high profile Latina in classical music, and how the pandemic has shifted her priorities. Music in this episode is from The Philadelphia Orchestra, 2021-22 (122nd Season), non-subscription concert #6
- Lina Gonzalez-Granados, conductor
- Branford Marsalis, saxophone
- Dvořák: Serenade in D minor, Op. 44, for winds, cello, and double bass
- Glazunov: Concerto in E-flat major for Saxophone and String Orchestra, Op. 109 (13')
- Villa-Lobos: Fantasia, for saxophone and orchestra (14')
Mixed by Teng Chen
Editorial Council, Tim German & Noel Dior
Reflections on programming, progress, "the American dream," and more!
On January 17th, 2022, as part of The Philadelphia Orchestra's annual day of free community programming in observance of Martin Luther King Jr day, an audience gathered in the Perelman Theater at The Kimmel Center for From Programming to Progress, a live panel discussion with pianist Michelle Cann, Juilliard ethnomusicology professor Dr. Fredara Hadley, and music directoress of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church and CEO of Next Step Associates, Dr. Cassandra Jones, plus a spotlight interview with Andrea Custis (CEO, Urban League Philadelphia). NOTE: In this episode, Dr. Jones laments the last-minute exclusion of Total Praise from the MLK Tribute concert. This omission was the result of COVID-related complications that made the CAPA choir unavailable to perform as planned and not due to a lack of interest. The Philadelphia Orchestra looks forward to including the piece next year.
Which stories are worth repeating? This question has driven storyteller, narrator, and longtime Philadelphia Orchestra collaborator Charlotte Blake Alston throughout her more than 30-year career.
On this episode of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, American griot Charlotte Blake Alston joins host Tori Marchiony for a candid conversation about her transition from being a teacher to a full-time creative, the pillars of her craft, and her responsibility to honesty as a steward of both African-American and African folktales and lived histories.
MUSIC:
DVORAK, Symphony No.9
The Philadelphia Orchestra
BERNSTEIN, Symphony No.3 (Kaddish)
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor
Charlotte Blake Alston Speaker
BARBER, Adagio for Strings
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor
Charlotte Blake Alston Speaker
What does “home” sound like to you? For composer Reena Esmail, this was a question of invention, not recollection. Today, she is celebrated for the seamless interplay between her Western and Hindustani influences in her music, but her journey through craft, culture, and creativity was winding and often treacherous.
In this episode of HearTOGETHER, composer Reena Esmail joins host Tori Marchiony for a heartfelt conversation about growing up between two cultures and two religions, the toxicity of competition, and the importance of constantly challenging her own worldview.
Music in this episode:
- ESMAIL, Piano Trio - Suzana Bartal - piano, Peter Myers - cello, Vijay Gupta - violin
- ESMAIL, This Love Between Us: Yale Schola Cantorum and Juilliard415, David Hill, conductor -- with Rabindra Goswami, sitar and Ramu Pandit, tabla
- ESMAIL, Take What You Need - Street Symphony and Street Symphony Chamber Singers -- Shelley Fox, soprano
- ESMAIL, Interglow: Salastina Music Society - Maia Jasper White - violin Kevin Kumar - violin Meredith Crawford - viola Yoshika Masuda - cello HyeJin Kim - piano Benjamin Smolen - flute
- ESMAIL, Zeher - Brooklyn Rider - Johnny Gandelsman, violin, Colin Jacobsen, violin, Nicholas Cords, viola, Michael Nicolas, cello
Thanks to
Noel Dior & Tim German, Editorial Council
Teng Chen, Audio Engineer
How do you honor the multitudes you contain? The Honorable Elizabeth A. Baker makes space for all that she is by eschewing conventional categorizations and creating art that follows her own curiosities, not the latest trends.
In this episode of HearTOGETHER, new renaissance artist The Honorable Elizabeth A. Baker joins host Tori Marchiony for a candid conversation about self-definition, collaborating with nature, what it takes to truly improvise, and more.
Music in this episode:
- Three Compositions for Piano and Electronics, I. Out of Season, {a series of strange narratives}
- Field Studies 20HPX, Field Studies
- Blips, Beeps, Breeze, Tweet, Field Studies
- Command Voices, Quadrivium
- Remain Calm, REMAIN CALM. This is just a test.
Thanks to
Noel Dior & Tim German, Editorial Council
Teng Chen, Audio Engineer
Do you think of "doing the right thing" as fun and joyful? Lara Downes does.
In this episode of HearTOGETHER, pianist and podcast host (NPR's Amplify) Lara Downes joins host Tori Marchiony for an intimate conversation about growing up as an American abroad, exploring her identity through music, and expanding the cannon to create a more inclusive and vibrant future for concert music. You'll hear about her youth mentorship series, My Promise Project, her ambitious venture to create new recordings of works by Black composers, Rising Sun, and more.
Music in this episode:
- HOLIDAY, I Cover The Waterfront, Lara Downes (A Billie Holiday Songbook)
- GOLSON, On Gossamer Wings, Lara Downes (American Ballads)
- PRICE, Some of These Days, Lara Downes (Lara Downes And Friends)
- STILL, Summerland, Lara Downes (The Bedtime Sessions)
- HOLT, Nora’s Dance, Lara Downes
- BLAKE, Love Will Find a Way, Lara Downes
Thanks to
Noel Dior & Tim German, Editorial Council
Teng Chen, Audio Engineer
What does it take for a 120-year old institution to change? President and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra, Matías Tarnopolsky, is determined to find out.
In this episode, hear the veteran arts administrator reflect on the hectic year that saw concert halls close, but made hearts and minds open in new ways. In this candid conversation with host Tori Marchiony, Matías talks about why institutions like his can't sidestep social issues, what blind auditions miss, and the "universal values" that drive him.
Music in this episode:
- PRICE Piano Concerto in One Movement, Michelle Cann & The Philadelphia Orchestra
- MONTGOMERY Starburst—First Philadelphia Orchestra Performance
- Various Sermon, Davóne Tines
- III. “You Want the Truth, but You Don’t Want to Know,” from X: The Life and
- Times of Malcolm X, by Anthony Davis
- MARSALIS Improvisation
Thanks to
Noel Dior & Tim German, Editorial Council
Teng Chen, Audio Engineer
On the season finale of HearTOGETHER, PA State Representative and Philly native Joanna McClinton (D) speaks with host Tori Marchiony about the importance of music, the politics of hair, and how her faith moves her forward and keeps her focused.
MUSIC:
- WARD, America the Beautiful, The Philadelphia Orchestra
- TRADITIONAL, Amazing Grace, Jeffrey Lang, Anthony Prisk, & Matthew Vaughn
- TRADITIONAL, Great Day, Julia Li, Chay-Hung Chen & Yumi Kendall
- WARREN, Joyful, Joyful, CAPA Choir w/ The Philadelphia Orchestra
Thanks to consulting producer Sofiya Ballin and audio engineer Teng Chen.
Gabriela Lena Frank, The Philadelphia Orchestra’s composer-in-residence is widely celebrated for exploring her multicultural heritage through her work. On this episode, you'll hear about her path, her position on "identity politics", and how she pays it forward.
Learn more about the Gabriela Frank Creative Academy of Music here
MUSIC:
- FRANK, Leyendas; An Andean Walkabout, Mvt.3 (Philadelphia Orchestra)
- FRANK, Concertino Cusequeño (Philadelphia Orchestra)
- HUNT, Climb (Philadelphia Orchestra)
- FRANK, Leyendas; An Andean Walkabout, Mvt.4 (Philadelphia Orchestra)
Hosted by Tori Marchiony. Thanks to Consulting Producer, Sofiya Ballin and Audio Engineer, Teng Chen.
Sheryl Lee Ralph didn't always see a therapist. But from a young age, she was encouraged to speak her struggles aloud. "You go to church, you find the right minister and you talk about it."
In this special HearTOGETHER Bonus Clip, Ralph and her husband, PA State Senator Vincent Hughes, talk about their own mental health journeys, and their fight to end the stigma around mental health care. Mental Health Resources
MUSIC: Dvořák Symphony No.9, “from The New World,” The Philadelphia Orchestra
Hosted by Tori Marchiony. Mixed by Teng Chen
Episode 7 of the HearTOGETHER Podcast from The Philadelphia Orchestra is twice as nice, with star of stage and screen, Sheryl Lee Ralph and longtime Pennsylvania Senator Vincent Hughes. Married for nearly 20 years, the power couple connected early through their shared commitment to championing positive change (especially in public health). They talk about their first date, what HIV and COVID have in common, how they feel about third party politics, and more.
MUSIC
- KRIEGER & EYAN, "Dreamgirls," Terry Burrell, Loretta Devine & Sheryl Lee Ralph- 1983 MDA Labor Day Telethon
- FUNG, "Prayer," Philadelphia Orchestra- Upcoming Performance 5/15
- HIGDON, "Pale Yellow," Barbara Govatos, Hai-Ye Ni, & Natalie Zhu - Community Concert Recording
- BEETHOVEN, "Symphony No.5," Philadelphia Orchestra- BeethovenNOW Livestream
Hosted by Tori Marchiony. Thanks to Consulting Producer, Sofiya Ballin and Audio Engineer, Teng Chen.
Dr. Eleonora Beck is a musicologist who teaches a course on Music and Social Justice at Lewis & Clark College-- but she's never been the type to stay locked away in an ivory tower. In this episode, you'll hear Beck talk about fighting for change through music, inside musical institutions, and out on the front lines of protest and policy.
Music:
- BECK, Euridice,
- MONK, Railroad (Travel Song), Conrad Tao
- SHOSTAKOVICH, Symphony No.7 Leningrad 4th Movement Part 1, The Philadelphia Orchestra
- TINDLEY, We Shall Overcome, brass quintet
- PRICE, Piano Concerto, Philadelphia Orchestra w/ Michelle Cann
Hosted by Tori Marchiony. Mixed by Teng Chen.
Through her non-profit, Decolonizing the Music Room, Brandi Waller-Pace teaches educators how to create class environments that celebrate, reflect, and speak to Black, brown, Indigenous, and Asian cultural perspectives that are routinely erased. In this episode, you’ll hear about Waller-Pace’s own school experiences, the "decolonizing" lessons that matter most, and why she always maintains the mindset of a student.
MUSIC
- Sally in the Garden, Brandi Waller-Pace
- MARSALIS, Blues Symphony, The Philadelphia Orchestra
- SAINT-GEORGES, Symphony No.2, The Philadelphia Orchestra
LINKS
- “The Uses of Anger” by Audre Lorde
- Ring Around The Rosie Folklore
- Fort Worth African American Roots Music Festival
- Decolonizing The Music Room, Website : Facebook : Twitter
Hosted by Tori Marchiony. Mixed by Teng Chen.
Though many spiritual leaders preach visions of a better future, it's also common to bypass hard facts and focus on the happy ending. Not so for Reverend Mark Tyler. On this episode of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, Tyler shares his path to leadership, the importance of slogans in activism, and what "Defund the Police" means to him.
MUSIC"
- JOHNSON & JOHNSON, "Lift Every Voice," The Philadelphia Orchestra w. vocalist Laurin Talese
- "Magic," Maze ft. Frankie Beverly
- WESLEY WORK JR., "Go Tell It On The Mountain," string quartet w. vocalist Patrice Hawthorne
- TINDLEY, "We Shall Overcome," brass quintet
LINKS
- Our City, Your Orchestra MLK Tribute Concert
Hosted by Tori Marchiony. Mixed by Teng Chen.
It's been a long and winding journey, and Nicole Jordan has accomplished her dream of becoming a full-time member of The Philadelphia Orchestra as its new Principal Librarian.
On this episode of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, Jordan shares her journey from aspiring instrumentalist to glass-ceiling-shattering- librarian, plus what's kept her sane in between.
MUSIC:
- Can't Hurry Love, The Supremes
- SIMON,Fate Now ConquersWORLD PREMIERE - PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA COMMISSION
- COLEMAN,Seven O'Clock ShoutWORLD PREMIERE - PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA COMMISSION
Hosted by Tori Marchiony. Mixed by Teng Chen
Jeannine A. Cook is a writer, strategist, and entrepreneur who the city of Philadelphia has been lucky to call a resident for the better part of two decades. On this episode of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, Cook shares some of the challenges and triumphs of opening her brick-and-mortar store, Harriett's Bookshop, how she became a master strategist, and why she doesn't let herself get sidetracked by unsolicited advice.
MUSIC
[Performers; Ohad Bar-David, Cello; Ajibola Rivers, Cello; Angela Zator Nelson, Percussion]
- ARGOV, Lech lamidbar
- NELSON, Percussion Improvisation
- RIVERS, Rumba from Suite No.2
LINKS:
- Read the rest of Jeannine's short story here
- Watch the full Our City, Your Orchestra concert at Harriett's Bookshop here
- Learn about Mahalia Jackson here
Hosted by Tori Marchiony. Mixed by Teng Chen.
The HearTOGETHER Podcast from The Philadelphia Orchestra is a space for honest, intimate conversations about life, music, social justice- and how art can help bring us towards a brighter future. In episode one, you’ll hear from two singers who raise their voices against injustice- Davóne Tines and Jillian Patricia Pirtle.
Davóne Tines is perhaps best-known for his original works which look at complex social issues, directly in the eye. Like 2018’s The Black Clown, based on Langston Hughes’ poem of the same name, about a black clown who is at first forced to wear a white costume, and gradually finds the resolve to take it off. Growing up in “Virginia horse country”, Tines connected deeply to the character. "I realized if I wore a certain thing, people reacted to me a certain way. And so that starts you building a toolkit of how you want people to treat you, so you assign clothes to those things. And you can really shape-shift those things very subtly. And yeah, I think that was almost the beginning of me being a performer," he said.Jillian Patricia Pirtle is a historian, singer, pageant queen, and CEO of The Marian Anderson Historical Society and Museum. Her ongoing battle to preserve Marian’s 150-year old house got even more difficult this summer when three pipes burst in the basement. It’s been an incredibly difficult year, but Pirtle refuses to give up on her mission, saying, “I believe that Marian's legacy and her story makes our stories, what they will become, and our future legacies, possible. So why would I abandon that? You're asking me to abandon myself and you and other little girls who need to have that sense of knowing that they can. If I think of only but myself in this moment, then what?” DONATE
Marian Anderson Museum: http://marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/
Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kyjj43-support-for-marian-anderson-historical-society
WATCH
Davóne Tines Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBnULOJjyv9QOaeUXw5iTjw
Vigil video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkSDFkEoU90
Our City, Your Orchestra series: philorch.org/our-city-your-orchestra
READ
The Black Clown by Langston Hughes: https://americanrepertorytheater.org/media/the-black-clown-poem/
LISTEN
Background on our intro music, Dvořák’s Symphony No.9, “from The New World” https://www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2018/11/24/669557133/dvorak-new-world-symphony-american-anthem
Mixed by Teng Chen
The HearTOGETHER Podcast from The Philadelphia Orchestra is a space for honest, intimate conversations about life, music, social justice- and how art can help bring us towards a brighter future.
On June 6, 2020, The Philadelphia Orchestra presented the first HearTOGETHER live program, dedicated to George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, and the countless Black Lives wrongfully and tragically lost before them, and to the value and dignity of all Black Lives.
This excerpt features American trumpeter, composer, teacher, and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center Wynton Marsalis reflecting on the past, present, and future of classical music. For more from Marsalis, check out this essay he wrote over the summer.
Before HearTOGETHER was a podcast, it was a live event! On August 28, 2020, The Philadelphia Orchestra marked Women’s Equality Day and the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, with a discussion moderated by First Associate Concertmaster Juliette Kang and featuring soprano Angel Blue, and composer Jennifer Higdon. In addition to recognizing the achievements—and failures—of the early suffrage movement, the discussion focused on the panelists' lived experiences as women artists at the top of their field.