Song Cycle: Recent Episodes
Cincinnati Song Initiative
This is Song Cycle, where we talk everything song: its history, its creation, its performance, its life cycle. Many of today鈥檚 leaders in song join the pod to discuss their stories, their relationship with song, and how it can be used to bring people together in creative and powerful ways.
Artist. Administrator. Visionary. Unique. Multi-dimensional. Drag icon. Legend. Just the first few words that come to mind when thinking about renowned singer Stephanie Blythe. Join her and Sam in a no-holds-barred discussion on finding inspiration and meaning from who came before us, the future of classical music, the need for artists to connect with audiences live, and, of course, the drag tenor Blythely Oratonio.
Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.
This one's for you if you need a little inspiration on turning your passions into action. Meet Laura Strickling, literal creator of the #TeamArtSong hashtag, song advocate, conduit between singers, pianists, and composers, and all-around song cheerleader. Get to know her, her story, and go bookmark her brand new album, 40@40!
Sholto Kynoch, Founding Artistic Director of the newly rebranded Oxford International Song Festival, sits down with Sam to discuss song across the Pond, how the organization engages audiences in bold and relevant ways, and that one time they bribed audience members to come to their concerts... for science, of course.
The wholesome content you've been waiting for is finally here. Meet legendary composer and CSI Advisory Council member聽Shawn Okpebholo, who not only writes some of the most searing and poignant vocal music of today, but also keeps it 100% real by never losing sight of the ones who helped him get where he is today and paying it forward by nurturing current relationships to the fullest.
Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.
You know how you have that one friend who seems to be able to do it all? That's Myra Huang. When she's not busy working with the next generation of opera stars at The Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, coaching at Manhattan School of Music,聽 or running the show at the Aspen Opera Theater as director of musical administration and head coach, you can find her on recital stages throughout the world with the greatest artists of our generation. Get to know this consummate artist right here!
Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.
It's the one, the only, Queen City Cabaret! Get to know cool cats Sarah Folsom and Matthew Umphreys and how they got their start swooning their way through Cincinnati. Hear some live clips to get in the mood, learn more about the genre of cabaret and the Great American Songbook, and don't miss our co-production with them on March 18, 2023 - Unforgettable: The Golden Age of the Great American Songbook.
Clip 1: Secret Love - Sammy Fain (music), Paul Francis Webster (lyrics)
Clip 2: When I Fall in Love - Victor Young (music), Edward Heyman (lyrics)
Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.
馃毃 This is not a drill! 馃毃 Song Cycle's third season is here, and our kickoff episode features none other than the incredible English pianist Julius Drake. Dig in with Sam as he learns all about Julius' upbringing, his fascinating career, and that one time Wigmore Hall staff came to him backstage with some shocking news...
Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.
Laura talks with arts administrator and collaborative pianist Allen Perriello. While many of us seem to be going through transitions during these COVID times, Allen talks about what gets him up in the morning, what grounds him, and what keeps him focused. Covering topics ranging from mentors who give that first opportunity to do something great, or giving yourself permission to be an artist or make that job transition, to the power of song to connect us in the hardest of times, this one has a little bit for everyone.聽
Notes
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In this episode, Laura talks with Dr. Amelia Nagoski, DMA, co-author of the New York Times bestselling book, "Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle." They discuss Dr. Nagoski's career, the reality of COVID and its effect on the lives of artists, the patriarchy, and burnout. As many artists are enduring or have endured tough transitions in the last two years and are experiencing burnout, this is an important episode to remind us of how, and why, we make music and what it does to us as people, inside and out.
Notes
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle
Unruly Wellness
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In this episode, Laura talks with singer, arts administrator, and former nurse Nicolette Rader about life transitions and how music can be both the impetus behind and comfort during life and career transitions. They discuss handling those transitions with grace and trust, how mental health and performance go hand-in-hand, and perspective on the work that you do and how it defines you. You also may get a new life hack on how to up your grilled cheese sandwich game.聽
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Laura talks with world-renowned German song scholar Dr. Susan Youens about what led her to her research, the power of art song to make us pay attention, life's journeys, overcoming academic barriers, and of course Schubert and Wolf. This is a lecture in an episode, grab a notebook; you'll want to take notes.
Notes
Book: Clara Schumann Studies
Dr. Youens' Bio
Song: Schubert Bertha's Lied in der Nacht
Song: Schubert Der Winterabend
Song: Wolf Im fr眉hling from M枚rike-Lieder
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In this episode, Laura chats with soprano Dr. Shannon Cochran about the joys of singing during the pandemic, the importance of setting boundaries and self-care, and what tools we have available to replenish ourselves as artists. Keep this one in your back pocket when you need a little pick-me-up.聽
Notes
Shannon Cochran, soprano
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Laura talks with Reggie Smith, singer and life-advice giver extraordinaire. Covering everything from recital programming, song's profound ability to change our thoughts and the thoughts of those around us, and the rewards and challenges of living on the road, like Reggie says, there's "something for everyone".聽
Notes
Reginald Smith, Jr.
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Laura talks with Matt Cahill about the importance of healing through music and that our artistic journeys should give both those making the art and those consuming the art new life and perspective. This is a good one if you're in need of some artistic TLC.
Notes
Hogfish
ATSinging
Book: Coddling of the American Mind
Book: Pedagogy of the Oppressed
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Laura talks with Martha Guth and Erika Switzer of Sparks and Wiry Cries about the importance of song as a medium to connect people especially during a time when connection feels less available, leadership in the arts, and the ability to stay flexible in times of uncertainty. In addition to some sound advice about toe safety.
Notes
Sparks and Wiry Cries
Martha Guth
Erika Switzer
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In this episode, Laura and Sam recap the first season of Song Cycle and the fifth season of Cincinnati Song Initiative. While goofy and sometimes incoherent, Laura and Sam manage to discuss the important things: the successes and opportunities presented by the pandemic, the importance of story, and some favorite moments from the pod and the groundbreaking all-digital season. That's a wrap for season one, everybody. Thanks for listening and Song Cycle will be back for a second season, starting in September!聽
Notes
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In this episode Laura talks with Will Liverman. Will is a baritone, a composer, and an arts advocate. This conversation solidifies the importance of storytelling, accepting that you have your own voice to tell your own stories, and recognizing that to bring about social change both in the music world and whole world at large requires deliberate action and intention. Will is engaging with the rich history of classical vocal music while blazing new trails for the future of our art form by connecting with and performing the music of underrepresented communities and their stories.
Notes
Will Liverman
Creating The Factotum
Dreams of a New Day
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In this episode, Laura talks with Kathy Kelly, a pianist, coach, conductor, writer, mentor, and arts leader. And, if that wasn't enough, Kathy is a fierce advocate for gender and racial equity in the musical world by fostering and creating music that will perpetuate and transform our musical world one collaboration at a time.
Notes
Kathleen Kelly
Kathleen Kelly - Instagram
Kathleen Kelly - Twitter
GDQ Arts
Melissa Dunphy - Video
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In this episode, Laura talks with bass-baritone Dav贸ne Tines. Dav贸ne is a multi-talented, many-faceted storyteller, communicator, arts leader and singer. In addition to preparing for his time singing in the Cincinnati May Festival, Dav贸ne is innovating the performance realm of vocal music and changing lives along the way. Maybe have a tissue ready while listening to this episode: powerful stories await.聽
Dav贸ne Tines
Cincinnati May Festival
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In this episode, Laura talks with Linda McAlister, the executive director of Schmidt Vocal Arts, CSI board member, and arts leader and advocate. Covering everything from changing careers to presidential pardons to Amanda Gorman, Linda talks about her career as a performer in the US and in Europe and transitioning into her role in arts administration, and the importance of allowing yourself to be comfortable with change. She is a perfect example of, if you have a calling, it will find you and guide you where you need to be. Even if it's not where you thought you would end up.
Notes:
Schmidt Vocal Arts聽
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In this episode, Laura and Sam talk with Karen Slack about... well, everything. This extraordinary artist shares her story about her life and career and gets real about the struggles within the industry, how to stay creative during a time when it feels almost impossible, and our hopes for the future. Especially during the pandemic, it's important to remember that real connection can happen even when we're not physically together, and this particular episode left me feeling more connected to the artists in my life than I have in a long time. This is one you won't want to miss.聽
Notes
Karen Slack - Twitter
Karen Slack - Instagram
Kiki Konversations
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In this episode, Laura talks with JJ Penna, a phenomenal pianist, coach, and mentor. Talking with JJ is like getting a lesson in how to listen - both to other people and to music and its texts - which comes full circle when he gives his advice at the end of the episode. While every moment with JJ feels like it has its own profound importance, its especially that way when talking about the future and evolution of art song.
Notes
Poet's Journey / Song Cycles of Benjamin Britten
New England Conservatory
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Cincinnati Song Initiative
In this episode, Laura sits down with Margo Garrett, a shining light and pioneer of the collaborative piano world, and all-around wonderful person. They talk about Margo's career, what it's like to be a woman in the classical music world, and how to keep our art alive, even when it feels almost impossible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notes
4D Piano
Ernest Bloch: Music for Viola and Piano
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Laura sits down (with herself) to talk about art song: a brief history, how it's different from other musical forms, and why it's important especially today.
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Laura has a conversation with Dr. Eileen Strempel. Eileen is the inaugural dean for the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA, a prolific singer and performer, a fierce advocate for new music especially by female composers, and a pioneer in educational leadership and equity.
Notes
Eileen's book: Beyond Free College: Making Higher Education Work for 21st Century Students
The Self-Care Wheel
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Laura sits down with opera director and acting teacher David Paul to talk about the tough questions being asked regarding the performing arts world, our responsibility to respond to calls for change and adaptation, and one of Laura's profoundly embarrassing moments during her youth.聽
Notes
David Paul, director
Top 10 Role Study
Wolftrap's The Orpheus Project
PoetLOVE
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Laura and Sam sit down (virtually) to talk about CSI, art song, community, and the importance of flossing.聽
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