Sunday Baroque Conversations: Recent Episodes
Suzanne Bona
It takes a lot of talent and dedication to be a professional musician, and Sunday Baroque host Suzanne Bona invites some of the BEST to share their inspirations, challenges, and triumphs on her podcast SUNDAY BAROQUE CONVERSATIONS. These top-tier artists give a fascinating insider's look at what makes them tick, and what fuels their passion. Go to sundaybaroque.org for more information or subscribe to Sunday Baroque Conversations wherever you get your podcasts.
The largest chamber music competition in the world is based in South Bend, Indiana and was founded by a music loving furniture salesman in 1973. The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association is a comprehensive organization that helps to launch the careers of young emerging chamber musicians, and supports grassroots musical education and outreach. Not only is the competition live-streamed online, there is also a rich performance archive available on its website. Suzanne spoke with Josh Aerie who is the Executive Director of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association about its ambitious mission.
Edward Klorman is a violist and Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin - Madison's Mead Witter School of Music. In 2025 he published his book, BACH: THE CELLO SUITES, exploring what makes these seemingly humble unaccompanied cello compositions so extraordinary and lasting. Over the centuries, they have become the "holy grail" for every serious cellist, and have migrated from the practice room to the concert stage, films, and beyond. Cellists including Yo-Yo Ma and Janos Starker have revisited Bach's Cellos Suites multiple times. Professor Klorman chatted with Suzanne about what makes Bach's music so great.
What would it take to present THE COMPLETE BACH? Thanks to an extraordinary 11-year project underway in Worcester, MA, you can find out! Starting in 2024 and continuing through March 21, 2035, Music Worcester is presenting a series of concerts encompassing all of Johann Sebastian Bach's massive compositional output. Chris Shepherd is Artistic Director of THE COMPLETE BACH, and he talked with Suzanne about how and why this project came to life.
The talented recorder player Vladimir Soares made a recording with harpsichordist Fabian Grosch of Flute Sonatas by Anna Bon di Venezia that I have admired (and played regularly on Sunday Baroque) for years. Vladimir Soares was introduced to music through the Orquestra Villa-Lobos, a social project that provides free musical education to children in the South of Brazil. Soon, he was graduating from the Arts Institute in Porto Alegre and winning competitions. He continued his training at the Musikhochschule Stuttgart, earning his Master's in Chamber Music in 2015 and a Master's in Recorder in 2016 under the guidance of Professor Hans-Joachim Fuss and Andrea Buchert. He also earned the Laurea Prize, which has not been given to a recorder player since 1991. VladimirSoares (with help from translator Jessica Oliveria) spoke with me about his life in music.
, how the concept relates to the album and her group, and how she feels about being a conductor now.
New Zealand-born composer and educator Matthew Suttor's passion for music began when he was a small child. Throughout his career he has explored many facets of music making, with a particular interest in computer music and, now, the use of AI in music and as a creative catalyst. That's what led him to "collaborate" with AI to write his opera about Alan Turing, the British mathematician whose work was key to breaking Nazi codes during World War II. Far ahead of his time, Turing was interested in – and cautious about – AI, and Suttor's opera I AM ALAN TURING explores the nuances and prescience of Turing's life and work. Suzanne spoke with Matthew Suttor about his life in music, including his path to incorporating computers and technology into his musical toolbox, and his philosophy of teaching creativity.
New York-based musician Caroline Shaw is a singer, violinist, composer, and producer who performs in solo and collaborative projects. Growing up in Greenville, NC, her introduction to music came through her mother -- a Suzuki music teacher -- and by listening to her local public radio station! The multi-faceted musician is an innovator whose creative outlets include commissions for a variety of performers and ensembles, singing with the vocal band Roomful of Teeth, and composing for TV, film and stage projects such as the Ken Burns/PBS documentary Leonardo Da Vinci and the FX/Hulu show Fleishman is in Trouble. She has earned 5 Grammy awards, and in 2013 – at age 30 -- she became the youngest recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Music for her composition, PARTITA FOR 8 VOICES. Suzanne spoke with Caroline Shaw about her life in music.
Eric Milnes is a professional instrumentalist and conductor who is also deeply committed to teaching and to fostering amateur talent. Along with instrumentalist Mélisande Corriveau, Milnes is co-director of Quebec's critically acclaimed period instrument orchestra and vocal ensemble, L'Harmonie des Saisons. They're the ensemble-in-residence for BURLINGTON BAROQUE, founded in 2024 to present concerts of historically informed performance in the Burlington, VT area. Eric Milnes spoke with Suzanne about his many musical projects.
From the time she was very young, Thorgy Thor (née Shane Thor Galligan) was an outgoing bundle of energy. Her parents signed her up for a variety of activities, including sports and music, to keep her engaged and to burn off some of that excess energy. Developing skills playing violin, viola, and cello led Thorgy Thor to major in music at The Hartt School (CT), and at SUNY Purchase (NY). After graduation, she was a playing and teaching music by day, and finetuning her skills as a drag queen, ultimately leading to her co-creating her program Thorgy and the Thorchestra. She now tours with her show, which ranges from classical orchestral music to pop favorites, to perform with orchestras all over. Thorgy Thor spoke with Suzanne about the power and importance of music in her life.
Violinist Kristin Lee was born in Seoul, Korea and came to the United States at age 7. At the time she spoke no English and the once-chatty, outgoing little girl suddenly found herself isolated, lonely, without friends. Immersing herself in music helped her bridge that gap, make friends, and find her calling. Kristen Lee spoke with Suzanne about how her experience as a foreign-born citizen of this country has affected her life, including many of her choices as a musician.
Debra Nagy plays baroque oboe, and the historical performance expert is also founding director of the chamber group Les Délices. The award-winning Cleveland-based group has a reputation for performing less well-known music of the baroque era. Debra Nagy spoke with Suzanne about how she finds the music she programs for Les Délices, and the creative process that brings together research, composition in historical styles, improvisation, and artistic collaboration.
The Grammy-nominated Neave Trio consists of violinist Anna Williams, cellist Mikhail Veselov, and pianist Eri Nakamura. They state their goal simply: To Engage. To Exchange. To Connect. Their 2024 album ROOTED features works centered around folk music by composers Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Bedrich Smetana, Joseph Suk, and Frank Martin. Neave Trio spoke with Suzanne about their collaborative process, and the touching story of how their ensemble got its name.
GRAMMY Award-winning musician Will Liverman has been praised for his versatility and skill as a singer. The American operatic baritone has performed in several roles at the Metropolitan Opera, and Lyric Opera Chicago, where he premiered an opera he co-created -- The Factotum – with his longtime friend, DJ King Rico. Will Livermanspoke with Suzanne about his life in music.
ChamberQUEER highlights LGBTQIA voices in contemporary and historical music and reimagines the classical concert experience as a radically inclusive gathering space and musical community for the 21st century. Founded in 2018 by Jules Biber (cello), Danielle Buonaiuto (soprano), Brian Mummert (baritone), and Andrew Yee (cello), ChamberQUEER operates as a collective of performers, composers, and creators. Suzanne speaks with 3 of the founding members (Jules, Danielle and Brian) about their musical paths led them to a broader community.
Byron Schenkman is an American harpsichordist, pianist, and music scholar who specializes in baroque and early music. Along with violinist Ingrid Matthews, Byron Schenkman cofounded Seattle Baroque, which the two musicians directed until 2013. Suzanne spoke with Byron Schenkman -- who has performed on dozens of recordings -- about their current projects, including the online concert series Sound Salon.
In 1982, a group of Early Music fans founded the Connecticut Early Music Society to present an annual festival of concerts every June. They feature a repertory of European music written before about 1800 and they focus on historically-informed performance practices, including the use of period instruments. Ian Watson is Artistic Director of the CT Early Music Festival. He is also an acclaimed keyboardist with a distinguished resume. Ian Watson speaks with Suzanne about the festival and his life in music.
Kevin Sylvester and Wilner Baptiste met as talented teenage music students in Florida, playing violin and viola respectively. They clicked as friends, and after pursuing their university training in music, the two classically trained instrumentalists formed their hip hop duo, Black Violin. Their performances are energetic, surprising, and captivating. They use the stage names Kev Marcus and Wil B, and take their show on the road. Suzanne spoke with Wil B about his path to life as a musician, and how Black Violin is paying it forward to foster the musical talents of the NEXT generation.
If you are a fan of NPR's Tiny Desk concerts, you're in luck! Tom Huizenga is a long time NPR producer, editor and reporter whose work you've probably heard. Suzanne interviewed Tom about some of his favorite Tiny Desk performances and NPR interviews, and he shared stories about what it was like to meet some of his personal musical idols.
Grammy-nominated pianist Simone Dinnerstein has a wide variety of musical passions, but music by Johann Sebastian Bach is an important part of her foundation. She believes Bach's music has it all – intelligence and heart – and her expertise inspired The New York Times to describe her as "an utterly distinctive voice in the forest of Bach interpretation." Simone Dinnerstein joined Suzanne to talk about what makes Bach's music so important, her ensemble Baroklyn, and her longstanding Bach Concert Series at Miller Theatre at Columbia University, which begins in late March 2024.
Morgan Sullivan came to singing later than many other professional singers do. Nevertheless she has achieved success as a freelance musician who has performed with numerous top tier ensembles, including Bach Collegium Japan, Folger Consort, and American Baroque Orchestra among many others. She has also recorded music by Brahms and Schutz with Yale Schola Cantorum. The singer, composer, and harpsichordist also teaches and coaches(mostly NON-singers) with a particular focus on providing gender affirming voice care. Suzanne spoke with Morgan Sullivan about her life in music.
Frederick Ballentine is an American tenor whose awards include a Grammy for his recording of George Gershwin's PORGY AND BESS. The opera star exudes a sense of ease, confidence, and fun when it comes to his career as an in-demand collaborator on everything from classic operas, to cutting-edge contemporary works. Frederick Ballentine spoke with Suzanne about his beloved teachers and mentors, his musical projects, and how he memorizes so much music!
Award-winning musician Shawn Okpebholo earned his degrees at the prestigious University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. But he credits his start in music to The Salvation Army church, where he received free music lessons as a child, and to his mother's tenacious support. The breadth of Dr. Okpebholo's work is extraordinary: chamber works, art songs and choral music, opera, orchestral music and concertos, and music for wind and brass band, as well as some jazz, film music, and pop. He is in demand as a composer for commissions from top-tier ensembles including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, United States Air Force Strings, Tanglewood, Aspen, and Imani Winds, to name just a few. Shawn Okpebholo spoke with Suzanne about his career as a working composer and an educator.
From the time he was just a small child, Charles Wilson III – aka BLKBOK – showed extraordinary musical talent. The budding piano virtuoso's family nurtured his interests, which blossomed to include many genres of music: classical, hip-hop, rap, and much more. BLKBOK chose his name, in part, as a way to honor his admiration for Johann Sebastian Bach. Full of energy and positivity, BLKBOK is not just a musician – he is a dynamic and compelling spokesperson for the power of music to inspire and unite us. Suzanne spoke with BLKBOK – who describes himself as an Artist, Pianist, Composer, and Lover of Humans – on how he strives to embody that in everything he does.
"Being an artist is living a life of service." The words of Jessie Montgomery, who has earned acclaim, awards, and praise for her growing body of work as a composer, violinist, teacher, and activist. The musician credits her many teachers and mentors – and her parents – for opening up worlds to her. Jessie Montgomery shared stories about her experiences – including that time she was a little girl folding programs backstage with a VERY famous American actor before he became famous. She spoke with Suzanne about her life as a musician – and how she expresses her creativity in a few of her non-musical passions, too!
Scotland-based American conductor Kellen Gray is Assistant Conductor of the English National Opera and Assistant Conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He's attuned to the orchestral repertory, including Bela Bartok, Antonin Dvorak, Aaron Copland, and Ralph Vaughan Williams. He's also passionate about championing African-diasporic composers, and has two critically acclaimed albums - African-American Voices 1 and 2 - with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Suzanne spoke with Kellen Gray about his introduction to music growing up in South Carolina, and how it continues to impact his work as a conductor.
Grammy-nominated flutist Brandon Patrick George is a member of Imani Winds and has appeared as a soloist with soloist with the Atlanta, Baltimore, and Albany symphonies, American Composers Orchestra, and the Orchestra of St. Luke's, among others. He's also on the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music. Suzanne spoke with Brandon Patrick George about his debut 2020 solo recording, and welcomed him back in Fall 2023 to talk about his second solo recording, TWOFOLD, which pairs solo flute works by composers such as C.P.E. Bach, Ruth Crawford Seeger, and Claude Debussy with new works by composers including Reena Esmail, Saad Haddad, and Shawn E. Okpebholo.
As a music lover, you may be familiar with Melvin Chen for his recordings of piano music by Dmitri Shostakovich or Ludwig van Beethoven. He put his double degrees from The Juilliard School to work as Professor in the Practice of Piano at Yale School of Music and is Director of Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, which is Yale's Summer School of Music. Melvin Chen arrived at his career in music after earning degrees in chemistry and physics from Yale and Harvard. He spoke with Suzanne about how he has allowed his passion, energy, and curiosity steer his many diverse interests.
Acclaimed harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani - the first and only harpsichordist to be named a BBC New Generation Artist, and the youngest ever recipient of the Wigmore Medal – is an outspoken and passionate advocate for his instrument. Although the harpsichord is most closely associated with baroque music, Mahan Esfanai’s repertory is large and diverse, from Johann Sebastian Bach to contemporary commissions. He plays as a soloist, chamber musician, and even with symphony orchestras. Mahan Esfahani talked with Suzanne about his career path and his experiences working with (and educating) some of musical collaborators about the versatility of the harpsichord.
Loki Karuna (formerly Garrett McQueen) began his life in music as a bassoonist, earning degrees in music and performing in orchestras. His passion for music and justice propelled his career as a musician, leading him to become a radio and podcast producer, and an activist. An eloquent storyteller, Loki Karuna spoke with Suzanne about his weekly podcast Trilloquoy, his job as Director of Artist Equity of the American Composers Orchestra, and his nationally- syndicated radio programs - The Sound of 13 and Gateways Music Festival. He also shared some of his thoughts about diversity, disruption, and discovery in the world of classical music.
Howard Bass, Tina Chancey, and Susan Gaeta are the members of Trio Sefardi, a group they formed in 2010 to perform traditional songs of the Sephardim – the descendants of Jews exiled from Spain in 1492. They draw on their individual experience and expertise in many different genres of music, including jazz, folk, and early music, and they mine the rich song traditions of Sephardic communities from the former Yugoslavia, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, and North Africa. Trio Sefardi has a special place in their hearts for the traditional and original songs they learned from their mentor, Bosnian-born singer/composer and 2002 National Heritage awardee Flory Jagoda. Suzanne spoke with Tina Chancey and Howard Bass about their work with Trio Sefardi, and why this music is so personally important to each of them.
Tammy McCann loves music. She lives and breathes her craft, and starts each day acknowledging and celebrating Music's importance in her life. She talked with Suzanne about her life as a professional jazz singer, her start as an opera singer, and how playing the double bass is the instrument she feels she was meant to play.
Kelly Hall-Tompkins is a dynamo – full of energy, positivity, passion, and initiative. The talented violinist is an award-winning and acclaimed musician with an international career, as well as an entrepreneur, humanitarian, and social justice advocate who founded MUSIC KITCHEN – FOOD FOR THE SOUL. She brings together other professional musicians to share the uplifting power of music with unhoused people, and the movement continues to grow. Suzanne spoke with Kelly Hall-Tompkins about the power and passion of music, and how she loves to share it.
Award-winning and critically-acclaimed singer Elijah McCormack's repertory includes baroque music, contemporary music, and everything in between. He is a male soprano who grew up in a family in which music was and is an important priority – they all sing in the church choir, and his late father played viola in a local professional orchestra. (Growing up in Connecticut, Elijah has also been listening to Sunday Baroque all his life!) He didn't start considering music as his career path until he was already in college studying art and had the encouragement of teachers and mentors. Suzanne spoke with him about his growing career in music, including defining "male soprano" as compared to other vocal ranges, and his experience as a transgender musician.
Lauren Rico is a veteran classical music broadcaster who keeps countless listeners across the United States company with her friendly, down-to-earth approach. In 2016 she started sharing her passion for classical music with a different audience: readers of romance novels. Beginning with her self-published erotic thriller, REVERIE – in which she set out to "put the sexy back in Bach." She followed up with two more novels, RHAPSODY and REQUIEM. Lauren is my longtime colleague and personal friend, and we chatted about how and why she added "award-winning author" to her resume and (literally) wrote a new chapter in her career.
For as long as I can remember, naysayers have been predicting the "death of classical music." Audiences are aging, and ticket sales are often a struggle for classical music concerts, and some people are concerned that the art form will "die" as a result. Andrew Ousley leaned into that fear when he established his concert series, THE DEATH OF CLASSICAL, in 2015. He even holds the concerts in venues such as crypts, catacombs, and cemeteries. As a result, audiences are alive and well for THE DEATH OF CLASSICAL – attracting younger people and classical music newbies. Suzanne spoke with Andrew Ousley – an entrepreneur, writer, photographer, and public relations innovator – about his mission to give new life to classical music.
Violinist Yanet Campbell Secades is featured on the 2023 recording BREAKING BARRIERS with Carlos Bastidas leading Ontario Pops Orchestra. The Camagüey, Cuba native is one of three up-and-coming young women instrumentalists performing as soloists in concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi. Yanet Campbell Secades joined Suzanne to chat about her early interest in and talent for music, what it was like having her professional-musician father as her first private teacher, making BREAKING BARRIERS, and what she's looking forward to next.
Alison DeSimone is a musicologist – someone who is a scholar of music and its relationship with a wide variety of other disciplines. She is an Associate Professor of Musicology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City – and she specializes in music of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Alison DeSimone joined Suzanne to talk about what a musicologist does in general, her personal areas of expertise, and how she found a way to combine her passions for music and history into a career as a musicologist.
James O'Donnell is a Professor in the Practice of Organ at Yale University's Institute of Sacred Music and the Yale School of Music, where he teaches graduate-level organ majors and other students in sacred music. He also directs a newly-established professional liturgical vocal ensemble at Yale. James O'Donnell brings to New Haven his exceptional talent and vast experience as a concert organist, choral conductor, liturgical musician, and teacher, having served as Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral and Organist and Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey. Suzanne spoke with James O'Donnell about his life in music, including his work on such historic events as a 2010 service attended by Pope Benedict and the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.
There's a particular type of collaboration that exists in a chamber music ensemble. The award-winning Catalyst Quartet's collaborative efforts involved choosing projects and conducting scholarly research that will have maximum impact in their mission to achieve unity and celebrate composers of color whose works have been overlooked by the traditional canon. Catalyst Quartet cellist Karlos Rodriguez spoke with Suzanne about the ensemble's ongoing series of UNCOVERED recordings that highlight the musical genius of composers such as Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, William Grant Still, and George Walker, to name just a few.
The talented young pianist Clayton Stephenson's story is more than just an inspiring example of the power of music. It is also a story of tenacity and resourcefulness, and the importance of teachers and mentors. The New York City native loves to immerse himself in the work of the countless musicians he admires. Clayton Stephenson is currently enrolled in a dual degree program at Harvard and the New England Conservatory of Music, and balancing a busy performing schedule as a concert pianist. He made time to come to the studio and speak with Suzanne about his zest for life and music, and to play a few tunes.
Violinist Holly Mulcahy is concertmaster of the Wichita Symphony, and has previously held that position in other symphonic orchestras across the country. She is also a busy soloist and chamber musician who regularly performs at a maximum security prison. Holly Mulcahy is the founder and leader of an organization that strives to " … help people in need through the power of art, culture, communication, and live music." She spoke with Suzanne about her passion for bringing music to EVERYONE, and the intelligence and deep thinking she regularly encounters from the inmates she meets.
Dr. Rochelle Sennet is a versatile musician, with a wide repertory. The prize-winning pianist has recorded (so far) two albums called BACH TO BLACK in which she combines works by Johann Sebastian Bach with works by Black composers including Samuel Coleridge Taylor, Frederick Tillis, and R. Nathaniel Dett, Florence Price, and many others. Dr. Sennet spoke with Suzanne about her life in music – beginning with her beloved first teacher and mentor – and some of the experiences along the way that have shaped her as a performer and teacher.
Randall Scotting's 2022 debut recording THE CROWN is a tribute to famed 17th century Italian castrato singer, Senesino. Scotting collaborated with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, conducted by Laurence Cummings, and their collection of these Heroic Arias is receiving critical acclaim. The countertenor spoke with Suzanne about how he found his way to a career in music, details about the countertenor vocal range and its pivotal roles, and about Senesino (aka Francesco Bernardi), who was the subject of Scotting's PhD thesis.
Since her 1984 debut with the Chicago Symphony at age 10, American violinist Rachel Barton Pine has been a trailblazer. Her musical tastes are broad and inclusive – from the baroque era, through all the major classical and romantic works, to contemporary commissions, and heavy metal – and she's a seasoned soloist and chamber musician. Rachel spoke with Suzanne about her career, including the recent 25th anniversary re-issue of her recording of VIOLIN CONCERTOS BY BLACK COMPOSERS, and her ongoing personal and professional commitment to promoting the artistic achievements of Black musicians.
Brooklyn native Eric Rice did not set out to become a professional musician and musicologist. He discovered early music while studying at Bowdoin College and, after four years as a schooner captain at the South Street Seaport Museum, he earned his PhD in Musicology and a Certificate in Medieval and Renaissance studies from Columbia University. He worked as Artistic Director of the Connecticut Early Music Festival and music director of the Boston-based ensemble Exsultemus. Dr. Rice is currently head of the Music Department at the University of Connecticut, where he teaches music history and directs the Collegium. He spoke with Suzanne about his career as a musician and educator, and his musical group, Ensemble Origo, and their 2021 recording of music by Orlando di Lasso for the 1568 wedding of the Duke of Bavaria.
North Carolina native André Raphel is an award-winning orchestral conductor with an international career. An expert in the classic orchestral repertory as well as a proponent of new music, Maestro Raphel's experience with US orchestras includes appearances with the Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. André Raphel spoke with Suzanne about his career in music, including explaining the role of a conductor and talking about some of his favorite composers.
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction! The celebrated French violinist and composer Jean-Marie Leclair was found murdered in his Paris apartment. Despite several obvious potential suspects, no one was ever charged with the crime. It remains an unsolved mystery, and the Canadian group Infusion Baroque has crafted a unique and clever concert experience with actor/musician Mike Fan to present the whodunit. Suzanne spoke with Mike and Infusion Baroque violinist Sallynee Amawat about their collaboration.
In 4th grade, Stephen Schultz had a chance to learn an instrument to play in the school band. He ended up being assigned to play his third choice – the flute – which was a very good thing, because the instrument is his perfect match. Stephen Schultz is one of the foremost baroque flute players, and he says that baroque music is his first love. He spoke with Suzanne about his career as a performer and teacher, his passion for Bach, Mahler and the Beatles, and he even took out two of his instruments to demonstrate the difference between baroque and modern flutes.
When Jason Vieaux started playing guitar he was immediately smitten with the instrument and with music, in general, practicing long and hard on his own. His tenacity paid off with some early competition wins, and he continued to hone his skills thanks to teachers and mentors who recognized and further cultivated his talent and determination. Now the Grammy-winning musician is paying it forward, training the next generation of guitarists, in addition to collaborating with other top-tier musicians, recording some of his favorite music, and even composing. Jason Vieaux spoke with Suzanne about his path to becoming a professional musician.
The multi-talented performer Anthony Roth Costanzo is a young countertenor whose projects include operas, recitals, films, and Broadway. The New York Times called him "Vocally brilliant and dramatically fearless." Suzanne spoke with the remarkable, Grammy-winning musician about his multi-faceted passions and interests.
There have been numerous studies over the years about the positive impact of music on people's lives. Children, especially, seem to benefit from early musical training, although not all kids have equal access to quality musical education. Music Haven in New Haven, Connecticut is a program that offers tuition-free music education, mentoring, and performance opportunities to children from the first grade through high school. Suzanne spoke with one of Music Haven's Teachers – Gregory Tompkins – and his violin student, Reign, who is also now working part time at Music Haven helping younger students.
Baroque music expert JungHae Kim is a sought-after harpsichordist who performs as a soloist and chamber music collaborator all over the world. Her training included studies at Sweelinck Conservatorium in Amsterdam with legendary Dutch musician Gustav Leonhardt, who profoundly influenced her own approach to teaching music theory, ear training, keyboard performance, and chamber music. JungHae Kim spoke with Suzanne about her life in music and her passion for skiing as a polio survivor.
Cellist Khari Joyner is a sought-after musician who performs with numerous top ensembles such as Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. The charismatic young American instrumentalist is also a passionate music teacher who has inspired students all over the world. Dr. Joyner has performed for a number of important occasions, such as the 2008 Maya Angelou Birthday Celebration, and a private performance for President Barack Obama in the Oval Office. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The Juilliard School, where his dissertation -- The Vertex: An Analysis of Mathematics and Music for the 21st Century Student and Performer – looked at the connections and overlap between mathematics and music. Khari Joyner spoke with Suzanne about his music, teaching, and his passion for learning and experiencing new things.
Flutist Demarre McGill exudes energy and passion – for music, for his students, for whatever project he is working on. The Seattle Symphony's Principal Flute is also a busy soloist and chamber musician who immerses himself in the moment, applying his extraordinary talent to playing everything from baroque, classical and romantic era music, to cutting-edge contemporary compositions. Suzanne spoke with Demarre McGill about what makes him tick as a musician and as a person.
Professional musician and teacher Patricia Ann Neely is also a highly respected advocate for diversity and inclusion in the world of classical music and, specifically, early music. She and Suzanne have an ongoing discussion, and in this interview they address the question: what is Black History Month and is it still needed in the year 2022?
British violinist Rachel Podger is internationally renowned as a leading interpreter of music from the Baroque and Classical periods in history. Since childhood, when she was still a beginner violin student, she was a trailblazer – secretly signing up for lessons on Baroque violin in addition to her other studies. Rachel Podger is founder and director of Brecon Baroque Festival in Wales, and she spoke Suzanne about her life as a musician and teacher.
British violinist Rachel Podger is internationally renowned as a leading interpreter of music from the Baroque and Classical periods in history. Since childhood, when she was still a beginner violin student, she was a trailblazer – secretly signing up for lessons on Baroque violin in addition to her other studies. Rachel Podger is founder and director of Brecon Baroque Festival in Wales, and she spoke Suzanne about her life as a musician and teacher.
Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons Concertos are some of the "greatest hits" of the baroque era. They've been recorded many times, and in many different instrumentations. Conductor and keyboard player Jeannette Sorrell and her group Apollo's Fire collaborated with violinist Francisco Fullana on a recording of the Four Seasons that uniquely reflects the rustic spirit of the sonnets that accompany each movement. Suzanne spoke with Jeannette Sorrell about their approach to the Four Seasons, and about her career in music.
Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons Concertos are some of the "greatest hits" of the baroque era. They've been recorded many times, and in many different instrumentations. Conductor and keyboard player Jeannette Sorrell and her group Apollo's Fire collaborated with violinist Francisco Fullana on a recording of the Four Seasons that uniquely reflects the rustic spirit of the sonnets that accompany each movement. Suzanne spoke with Jeannette Sorrell about their approach to the Four Seasons, and about her career in music.
Courtney Beck is Executive Director of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale, and bass-baritone Davóne Tines is the ensemble's Creative Partner. They joined Suzanne to discuss PBO's mission and the scope and goals of Mr. Tines' newly-established Creative Partner position.
Courtney Beck is Executive Director of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale, and bass-baritone Davóne Tines is the ensemble's Creative Partner. They joined Suzanne to discuss PBO's mission and the scope and goals of Mr. Tines' newly-established Creative Partner position.
"Davóne Tines Is Changing What It Means to Be a Classical Singer" That was headline of a New Yorker article about the versatile bass-baritone. It's just one of many profiles of the extraordinary young musician and his passion for opera, gospel music, spirituals, and so much more. The award-winning musician spoke with Suzanne about his life in music.
"Davóne Tines Is Changing What It Means to Be a Classical Singer" That was headline of a New Yorker article about the versatile bass-baritone. It's just one of many profiles of the extraordinary young musician and his passion for opera, gospel music, spirituals, and so much more. The award-winning musician spoke with Suzanne about his life in music.
Dr. Albert Lee is a tenor who has crafted a broad career as a classical vocalist in opera, oratorio, recital, and liturgical music. Dr. Lee received his degrees from The University of Connecticut, The Juilliard School, and Florida State University. Since summer of 2021, Dr. Lee has been Associate Professor of Music and the inaugural Director of Equity, Belonging, and Student Life at Yale University. He spoke with Suzanne about his life in music, and his hopes and plans for his new role at Yale.
Dr. Albert Lee is a tenor who has crafted a broad career as a classical vocalist in opera, oratorio, recital, and liturgical music. Dr. Lee received his degrees from The University of Connecticut, The Juilliard School, and Florida State University. Since summer of 2021, Dr. Lee has been Associate Professor of Music and the inaugural Director of Equity, Belonging, and Student Life at Yale University. He spoke with Suzanne about his life in music, and his hopes and plans for his new role at Yale.
Emily Lau is a composer, singer, teacher and restauranteur who has carved out her own, unique career blending many art forms – and her projects often bridge the gaps between ancient music and modern themes. Her work includes helping creative people channel their empathetic impulses in healthy ways, and impart a spirit of true understanding and collaboration. Suzanne spoke with Emily Lau about what she's most passionate about in this moment.
Emily Lau is a composer, singer, teacher and restauranteur who has carved out her own, unique career blending many art forms – and her projects often bridge the gaps between ancient music and modern themes. Her work includes helping creative people channel their empathetic impulses in healthy ways, and impart a spirit of true understanding and collaboration. Suzanne spoke with Emily Lau about what she's most passionate about in this moment.
Mexican musician Krishnasol Jiménez is an expert in baroque guitar and lute, and historical performance practice. He studied in his native Mexico City, as well as in Spain and Switzerland. Krishnasol Jiménez talked with Suzanne about his career in music, including his collaboration with singer Maria Cristina Kiehr and bassist Roberto Koch on a program that combines music by Spanish baroque composers Santiago de Murcia and Gaspar Sanz with Son Jarocho, present-day folk music from Veracruz in South Mexico. He also shared the story of how he was allowed perform and record on an extraordinary and rare instrument.
Mexican musician Krishnasol Jiménez is an expert in baroque guitar and lute, and historical performance practice. He studied in his native Mexico City, as well as in Spain and Switzerland. Krishnasol Jiménez talked with Suzanne about his career in music, including his collaboration with singer Maria Cristina Kiehr and bassist Roberto Koch on a program that combines music by Spanish baroque composers Santiago de Murcia and Gaspar Sanz with Son Jarocho, present-day folk music from Veracruz in South Mexico. He also shared the story of how he was allowed perform and record on an extraordinary and rare instrument.
Laury Gutiérrez is a performer, scholar, teacher, and passionate advocate for underrepresented musicians. The Venezuelan viola da gamba player became a Fellow in 2008–2009 for the Harvard Radcliffe Institute working on a project to develop the repertory of music composed by Italian women into concert and educational programs for performance and professional recordings. Suzanne spoke with Laury Gutiérrez about her work as an instrumentalist and scholar, and her passion and enthusiasm for music.
Laury Gutiérrez is a performer, scholar, teacher, and passionate advocate for underrepresented musicians. The Venezuelan viola da gamba player became a Fellow in 2008–2009 for the Harvard Radcliffe Institute working on a project to develop the repertory of music composed by Italian women into concert and educational programs for performance and professional recordings. Suzanne spoke with Laury Gutiérrez about her work as an instrumentalist and scholar, and her passion and enthusiasm for music.
Award winning cellist Bion Tsang is an international soloist and chamber musician, as well as a teacher. He recently released a recording of Johann Sebastian Bach's 6 Suites for Unaccompanied Cello – the "holy grail" for all serious cellists. Bion Tsang's performance is extra-special because he used an extraordinary instrument considered one of the world's finest. Suzanne spoke with Bion Tsang about Bach, the instrument, and his passion for music.
Award winning cellist Bion Tsang is an international soloist and chamber musician, as well as a teacher. He recently released a recording of Johann Sebastian Bach's 6 Suites for Unaccompanied Cello – the "holy grail" for all serious cellists. Bion Tsang's performance is extra-special because he used an extraordinary instrument considered one of the world's finest. Suzanne spoke with Bion Tsang about Bach, the instrument, and his passion for music.
Johann Sebastian Bach's Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello are such exquisite compositions that it's not only cellists who are eager to play them. Zachary Carrettín is a violinist, violist, and conductor. He has a new recording of Bach's Cello Suites played on viola, and he joined Suzanne to talk about it, and about his varied career as a musician.
Johann Sebastian Bach's Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello are such exquisite compositions that it's not only cellists who are eager to play them. Zachary Carrettín is a violinist, violist, and conductor. He has a new recording of Bach's Cello Suites played on viola, and he joined Suzanne to talk about it, and about his varied career as a musician.
Rafael Sanchez Guevara is a viola da gamba player and cellist based in his hometown of Mexico City. Suzanne discovered one of his exquisite performances on YouTube and featured it on her daily BEAUTIFUL MUSIC blog. She connected with the musician about his early introduction to music, his passion for the baroque era, and his international career as a performer and teacher.
Rafael Sanchez Guevara is a viola da gamba player and cellist based in his hometown of Mexico City. Suzanne discovered one of his exquisite performances on YouTube and featured it on her daily BEAUTIFUL MUSIC blog. She connected with the musician about his early introduction to music, his passion for the baroque era, and his international career as a performer and teacher.
Award-winning American musician Richard Danielpour is a prolific composer, and many of his high-profile works have embraced timely, topical and historic subjects. In early 2020, Danielpour was deeply troubled by COVID-19. Suffering from insomnia and anxiety, he found solace in pianist Simone Dinnerstein's Bach recordings. As he witnessed extraordinary heroism by so many people across the country, Danielpour wanted to honor them. It seemed only natural to write something for solo piano, and to ask Simone Dinnerstein to give the premiere of his composition, An American Mosaic. Richard Danielpour spoke with Suzanne about his new work, Bach, Simone Dinnerstein, and more.
Award-winning American musician Richard Danielpour is a prolific composer, and many of his high-profile works have embraced timely, topical and historic subjects. In early 2020, Danielpour was deeply troubled by COVID-19. Suffering from insomnia and anxiety, he found solace in pianist Simone Dinnerstein's Bach recordings. As he witnessed extraordinary heroism by so many people across the country, Danielpour wanted to honor them. It seemed only natural to write something for solo piano, and to ask Simone Dinnerstein to give the premiere of his composition, An American Mosaic. Richard Danielpour spoke with Suzanne about his new work, Bach, Simone Dinnerstein, and more.
Dr. Joyce Chen is an award-winning harpsichordist who performs frequently as a soloist and in various ensembles in the northeast US, across the country, and internationally. She is a woman of many talents, interests and accomplishments, and Suzanne was fortunate to speak with her about some of them, including her pandemic-era apprenticeship in making her own harpsichord!
Dr. Joyce Chen is an award-winning harpsichordist who performs frequently as a soloist and in various ensembles in the northeast US, across the country, and internationally. She is a woman of many talents, interests and accomplishments, and Suzanne was fortunate to speak with her about some of them, including her pandemic-era apprenticeship in making her own harpsichord!
Bassoonist Andrew Brady is at the top of the top tier instrumentalists. Immediately after graduating from the prestigious Colburn School in Los Angeles he won the audition to become Principal Bassoonist in the Louisiana Philharmonic in 2013. Soon after, he earned the Principal Bassoon job in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The young virtuoso has also long been deeply committed to his family and to community service. Andrew Brady spoke with Suzanne about how he started playing bassoon, and what he hopes to accomplish in his future.
Acclaimed soprano Sherezade Panthaki has an international career as a singer, teacher, and expert in the field of baroque and early music. Born and raised in India, Ms. Panthaki began her musical education at an early age, first as an accomplished pianist, until she discovered that singing was a more personal and expressive means for her to connect with audiences. Sherezade Panthaki chatted with Suzanne about her career, and some of the music she finds most compelling.
Guitarist Richard Savino and his group El Mundo released a new recording in Spring 2021 featuring music from the Cathedral of Guatemala City. The Grammy-nominated musicians are exploring a rich variety of music from colonial Latin America during the baroque era. Richard Savino and two of the singers on the recording, Nell Snaidas and Jennifer Ellis Kampani, joined Suzanne for a conversation about how they chose, prepared and performed these lovely selections.
Musician, teacher and administrator Patricia Ann Neely has been Chair of Early Music America's IDEA Task Force, and she continues her ongoing conversation with Suzanne about making the world of early music more welcoming and inclusive for all. In this installment, Ms. Neely talks about the importance of ongoing conversations about how to move forward successfully together.
Patricia Ann Neely is a seasoned professional musician. She is an expert performer on a variety of early bowed string instruments including viola da gamba, an expert in historical performance practices, a music teacher, and an administrator. Ms. Neely is also Chair of Early Music America's IDEA Task Force, and she continues her ongoing conversation with Suzanne about making the world of early music more welcoming and inclusive for all.
Melanie Punter has had a busy career as a double bass player for decades. The versatile and talented musician is in demand in modern symphony orchestras, as well as for her work playing baroque and early music with period instrument groups. She spoke with Suzanne about her experiences coming up through the prestigious High School of Music and Art in New York, her work as a member of the Orchestra of St. Luke's and as Principal Bassist of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, and why her position was often a lonely one. She even talked about her experience with a certain VERY big heartthrob musician, impressing Suzanne and the Sunday Baroque team into squeals! Find out who it was, and hear their full conversation.
Sallynee Amawat is a violinist whose passion is for baroque and early music. She was so young when she started playing that she doesn't remember life before the violin and making music! Now she imparts her passion to her own students, who range in age from toddlers to retirees. Sallynee Amawat also a co-founder of the Canadian quartet, Infusion Baroque. She spoke with Suzanne and shared her enthusiasm and perspective on music, teaching, and the importance of cultural relationships and cultural exchanges.
Composer Melika M. Fitzhugh is a multi-instrumentalist whose interests transcend centuries, from modern instruments and genres, all the way back to Renaissance and Baroque instruments and music. She especially loves composing modern music for historical instruments because of the unique "chocolatey" sound they impart. Mel Fitzhugh is energetic and upbeat about her life as a composer and music teacher, and she spoke with Suzanne about the process of composing, and some of the things that inspire and motivate her.
Like many musicians, Dr. Justin Bland has had to adjust his career and his expectations for life during COVID-19 lockdown. 2020 was supposed to be a big year for the American musician, who now lives in Denmark. His engagements as a concerto soloist were all put on hold, and he has used the time to practice and work on projects he might not otherwise have had time to tackle. You can hear some of his signature super-high trumpet playing on his many online video-selfies. Dr. Justin Bland spoke with Suzanne about how and when his love for baroque music began, the historical evolution of the trumpet, and the particular challenges of playing baroque trumpet.
Although Ann Hobson Pilot retired in 2009 after decades as Principal Harpist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, she continues to make music and inspire others. The award-winning international musician spoke with Suzanne about her introduction to music, her trailblazing career as an orchestral harpist, and even how she stays in physical shape to play such a physically demanding instrument. Ms. Pilot also shared her perspective on helping classical music culture become more inclusive and welcoming.
Morris "Mo" Pleasure is a global artist with a career spanning more than three decades. He moves effortlessly between a wide range of musical genres including rock, R&B, and jazz, and his early training was in classical piano and gospel music. The Connecticut native is now based in the UK, where even the pandemic has not stopped his projects, such as an upcoming charity single with other stars, including Michael McDonald and Joss Stone. Suzanne spoke with the extraordinary all-around performer, her onetime college classmate, about his life as a musician.
Canadian musician Brandyn Lewis is a professional double-bass player, currently an interim member of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, which he has called a "dream come true." He chatted with Suzanne about the trial and error process of finding the right instrument to play when he was still a child, the teachers, mentors and experiences he had along the way, and his growing career as a performer and teacher himself.
Oleg Timofeyev plays guitar and lute, and is a musicologist. The Moscow-born musician has a particular interest in reviving the Russian 7-string guitar and its repertory. He lives in Iowa now, where he teaches, and recently released a download-only album, MUSIC BY 18TH CENTURY WOMEN COMPOSERS. He spoke with Suzanne about his career, the Russian guitar, and his new recording and the collaborators who worked on it with him.
Kayoko Dan stands confident and poised in front of the orchestras she conducts, drawing on her extensive training as a conductor and educator, and her innate passion for music. So it's a bit disarming that she describes herself as "shy" and "introverted." She says she simply knows when and how to assert herself to get what she wants. That started as far back as when she was 3 years old, and convinced her non-musician parents to sign her up for music classes just like the 5 year old neighbor girl. Kayoko Dan is the 8th Music Director of the Chattanooga Symphony, and she spoke about her career with Suzanne.
Pianist Kyle P. Walker is a busy musician with a wide range of interests and activities: soloist, chamber musician, teacher, and social justice advocate. He says he, "believes music can speak to social issues better than verbal language can." Kyle P. Walker spoke with Suzanne about his career and collaborations, including The Dream Unfinished, an activist orchestra and collective which supports NYC-based civil rights and community organizations, and his solo performance project, Bach to BlackNotes, which features works of J.S. Bach juxtaposed with the music of neglected composers of color.
Have you ever seen a carillon? Better yet, have you ever heard one played? There are more than 150 carillons across the United States, and one of them may well be in your community. David Maker is a retired University of Connecticut music professor who became smitten with carillons many years ago when he learned there was one on the UConn campus. He has become an expert about carillons, and has played many of them all over the world. Suzanne (a UConn music department grad) interviewed her former Orchestration Professor about his passion for carillons.
Brought up in Israel, the eldest child of two University Professors, David Greilsammer is a curious man. He is curious about music, of course. But he is also curious about the world in general: the environment, social issues, and other important issues of our time. He spoke with Suzanne and shared a glimpse into his passionate curiosity, and his broad and inclusive approach to music and the creative impulse.
California native Lara Downes was already studying piano at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as a 5 year old! She grew up to be a virtuoso player with passionate curiosity and a voracious appetite for interesting music and musicians, captivating projects, and meaningful collaborations, and she refuses to be constrained to a singular definition of what a classical musician can and should be. Lara Downes chatted with Suzanne about her brilliant career, including her new video interview series AMPLIFY.
A fine musical instrument is a vital tool for a professional musician. String players often use instruments that are centuries-old, with characteristics particular to the luthier who crafted them. Ilya Finkelshteyn has had the great fortune to play many extraordinary cellos, including the 17th century Montagnana instrument he uses as principal cellist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Suzanne spoke with Ilya about some of the fine cellos he has played, and what makes each of them so special.
As a child, Brandon Patrick George was instantly drawn to the flute. It looked beautiful, and shiny, and he just knew in his heart that he was meant to play it. When he finally had the chance to pick an instrument to learn, there was no question he would choose the flute, and it has proven to be his perfect partner. The talented young musician is full of enthusiasm for everything from baroque music to cutting edge contemporary music, and he spoke with Suzanne about his debut recording and his growing career.
Countertenor Reggie Mobley is a man of many talents. He once considered becoming a visual artist, then he tapped into his extraordinary musical ability. He has sung all over the world, and has a broad range of musical interests, as well as a passion for social justice. Suzanne spoke with him about his career and favorite baroque music and composers (Bach and Handel) and some of the projects he is working on lately.
Countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen sings the role of David in Philharmonia Baroque's 2020 recording of George Frideric Handel's oratorio SAUL. Still in his 20s, the young American musician is a rising star with numerous awards and ambitious projects already under his belt. He chatted with Suzanne about his path to becoming a professional musician.
Violinist Julien Chauvin is a baroque music specialist who has studied with some of the world's prominent early music experts, including flutist Wilbert Hazelzet, cellist and viol player Jaap ter Linden and cellist Anner Bylsma. Julien Chauvin has also played in many of the leading European Baroque ensembles AND has founded several period instrument ensembles, too. One of those groups is Le Concert de la Loge, and Suzanne spoke with him about his recording with them of Concertos by Antonio Vivaldi for the VIVALDI EDITION recording series.
Mark Kroll is a harpsichord and fortepiano player, a scholar, educator and enthusiastic advocate for early music. He is Early Music America's 2020 Howard Mayer Brown Award winner for lifetime achievement for his career, which spans more than a half century. He is passionate about music and, especially, the harpsichord and he is an engaging raconteur. Mark spoke with Suzanne about his favorite musical instrument.
One of the most important jobs in a symphony orchestra is that of the Concertmaster. What exactly are the Concertmaster's duties and what skills make for an outstanding Concertmaster? Stefani Matsuo became Concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in September 2019, following a competitive audition process that attracted candidates from around the world. Suzanne spoke with Stefani about her pivotal role in the orchestra, and her joyous immersion in music since childhood.
I recently had the pleasure to meet Patricia Ann Neely (Pat Neely) in person, when I interviewed her about her career as a musician for this podcast series. Pat has had a long and varied career as a musician, educator, and administrator. She is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, especially in the early music community, and serves as Chair of Early Music America's IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) Taskforce. Ms. Neely recalls with personal experience her own introduction to the field as a young musician, and she is actively engaged in the quest to reach out and draw in people from underserved communities, so they can feel welcome and valued, and experience the joy and personal transformation that music offers. This is the first in what we hope will be an ongoing conversation with Pat about what diversity and inclusion mean, why these are important goals, and what steps are being taken by various organizations achieve them.
The King's Singers is a 6-member British vocal group that was established in 1968, before its current members were even born! The a capella ensemble is internationally celebrated for its broad repertory, virtuosity, charming audience connection, and versatility of musical genres. Chris Bruerton and Nick Ashby are the two baritone singers in the group, and they joined Suzanne in the studio to talk about what it's like to carry on the longstanding King's Singers traditions and craft the group's evolution.
Patricia Ann Neely has a broad range of accomplishments and intellectual interests. She is a professional musician with experience in historical performance practice playing viola da gamba, vielle, violone and double bass. She's performed with prominent early music ensembles all over the world, and has founded her own groups, including Parthenia consort of viols and Abendmusik - New York's Early Music String Band. Pat Neely and Suzanne chatted about her introduction to music, and her career as a performer, teacher, and arts administrator.
Even as a child, Awadagin Pratt had many interests and talents. He was an excellent student, and he excelled at music and tennis with seriousness and intent beyond mere hobbies. He spoke with Suzanne recently about how he made the choice to pursue music when he realized it was the thing he could not live without. They also chatted about his recording projects - past and future - and other milestones in his career as a performer and teacher.
Lee Pringle is passionate about music. He's a singer and conductor with an exciting career that spans musical genres including classical, African American spirituals, and more. Lee Pringle is also passionate about shining a bright light on music, musicians and history that have been overlooked for far too long. He spoke with Suzanne via Skype about some of his many musical projects.
Most people who play period instruments like viola da gamba and baroque violin start their training using the modern versions of those instruments and ultimately stumble onto their Baroque ancestors. Usually they are adults, often training as musicians in college or working as professionals. But thanks to a unique and groundbreaking program founded by Angelo Moreno at Davis High School in Davis, California, students at the public high school can perform on period instruments using gut strings and baroque bows. Mr. Moreno established the DHS Baroque Ensemble, the first group of its kind at the high school level in the USA.As the group prepares to go on its third European concert tour, Angelo Moreno spoke to Suzanne Bona from the studios of Capital Public Radio in Sacramento.
For more than 15 years, the Naive recording label has been releasing performances of a huge collection of autograph manuscripts by Antonio Vivaldi contained in an archive in Turin, Italy. The extensive and varied contents illuminate the extent of Vivaldi's prolific and creative genius - an extraordinary cross-section of concertos, operas, and sacred music. Susan Orlando is the artistic director of the project, and she recalled one super-fan's message that the project should be worthy of a Nobel Prize because of its power to be 'better than Prozac' in helping her stay relaxed and content. Susan Orlando spoke with Sunday Baroque host Suzanne Bona via Skype about the Vivaldi Edition.
Viola da gamba player Patricia Halverson, baroque violinist Andrew Fouts, and theorbo and baroque guitar player Scott Pauley are the core members of the Pittsburgh-based group Chatham Baroque. The ensemble specializes in innovative programming of both well-known and lesser known baroque music and musicians, and they promote their work through a thriving concert series, acclaimed recordings, and a well-established outreach program. The three outstanding musicians appreciate the great rapport they share, and are proud of Chatham Baroque's continued growth and expansion. They chatted with Suzanne about their music and their successful business model.
Richard Egarr is an internationally renowned harpsichordist, organist, conductor and baroque music expert. Since 2006 he has been Music Director of the Academy of Ancient Music, founded by Christopher Hogwood in the 1970s. Now he has signed a five-year contract to serve as music director for another prestigious early music group. Suzanne spoke with him about his exciting new gig, his extraordinary career, and a few of his guilty musical pleasures.
Violinist Rachel Barton Pine and harpsichordist Jory Vinikour are both internationally acclaimed musicians. They're also old friends. The warmth of their personal relationship is evident in their performance of Johann Sebastian Bach's Violin and Harpsichord Sonatas on their 2018 CD, and it shines through in their easy, playful rapport when they spoke with Suzanne.
Harry Bicket is an acclaimed conductor whose specialty is baroque music. He is Artistic Director of The English Concert (the British period instrument ensemble) and Chief Conductor/Music Director of Santa Fe Opera, and his international conducting engagements have included performances at the Metropolitan Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra and Messiah with the New York Philharmonic. The Handel expert sat down for a conversation with Suzanne about his fondness for certain other Liverpool musicians, and how he achieved his "proper career" quite by accident.
Cellist Thomas Demenga is a renowned soloist, composer and teacher, whose own teachers and mentors include acclaimed musicians such as Leonard Rose and Mstislav Rostropovich. His repertory includes a full range of historical eras and styles of interpretation and composition, and he is an advocate for New Music. He is also passionate about historical performance practice of baroque music, and a virtuoso performer of the classical and romantic repertory for cello. Suzanne speaks with him about his broad ranging career.
For 33 days, violinist Michelle Ross visited 33 public locations in NYC, performing Bach's Complete Sonatas and Partitas. Suzanne talked with Michelle about that project, her CD Discovering Bach, and her optimism and passion for the future of classical music.
The Harmonious Society of Tickle-Fiddle Gentlemen is an ensemble formed in 2006, with a particular mission to research and present unfairly neglected baroque era composers and their music. Their recording of Concertos by Czech composer Josef Guretsky was released in 2016, and Suzanne spoke with the group's artistic director Robert Rawson about his colleagues and their process for finding their unusual repertory.
Banjo is one of those ubiquitous musical instruments we see and hear in movies and bluegrass concerts, but without really knowing much about it. John Bullard is a banjo virtuoso, and his musical tastes and expertise include playing music from the classical tradition. He and Suzanne had a conversation about the history of the instrument, its unique qualities, and his path to playing a wide repertory, including baroque music, on the banjo.
The lute enjoyed its greatest popularity from the late 15th through late 17th centuries, when many people played the instrument and composed music for it. But thanks to a handful of masterful contemporary lutenists, such as Ronn McFarlane, the instrument continues to thrive in the 21st century. Suzanne spoke with the versatile musician about the lute's history, and his passion for the instrument and its varied repertory.
Ton Koopman began his musical education and career in the 1950s, at the leading edge of the revival of interest in baroque music. His outstanding reputation as a harpsichordist, organist, conductor and teacher has Johann Sebastian Bach's music as its foundation, yet it includes Bach's contemporaries and predecessors as well as many classical and romantic era musicians. Over the decades, Ton Koopman has collaborated with some of the world's most accomplished musicians and ensembles, and he joined Suzanne for a conversation about his experiences.
Avi Avital is a mandolin player and a composer with a broad repertory for his instrument, from many different genres. Suzanne spoke with him about the mandolin and his 2015 recording of Vivaldi Mandolin Concertos with the Venice Baroque Orchestra.
The visual arts and artists of the 17th century are much better known than the music and composers of that same time period, and guitarist Richard Savino wanted to address that oversight. He embarked on a comprehensive project to integrate the paintings of artists such as Artemisia Gentileschi and her contemporaries with music by composers such as Andrea Falconieri, Dario Castello, Giovanni Kapsberger and others. The result is the 2015 recording What Artemesia Heard featuring Richard Savino and his group El Mundo, and he spoke with Sunday Baroque host Suzanne Bona about it.
Guitarist Sharon Isbin is a passionate and articulate advocate for her instrument and for music in general. As an international performer, recording artist, teacher and mentor she is shaping the future of the popular instrument. Suzanne spoke with Sharon Isbin about her impressive career
German-born musician Matthias Maute has achieved an international reputationas conductor, recorder and flute player and as a composer. He is artisticdirector of Ensemble Caprice in Canada, and performs all over the world atfestivals and with other ensembles. His many recordings are regularlyfeatured on Sunday Baroque, and Suzanne had the chance to welcome him in thestudio to discuss his creative approach to being a musician.
Ronn McFarlane and Mark Cudek are among the most sought-after performers specializing in baroque and early music. The founding members of the Baltimore Consort spoke with Suzanne about their trio with Mindy Rosenfeld - Gut, Wind and Wire. They explained the inside scoop on the group's name, talked about some of the unusual instruments they play, and revealed of their surprising and diverse musical tastes.
Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) is often called the first great opera composer, and the opera Il ritorno d'Ulisse (The Return of Ulysses) was one of Monteverdi's late masterpieces. Unfortunately it's not often performed, so The Yale Baroque Opera Project's production in early May 2012 marks its New Haven premiere. The semester-long preparations have brought together talented undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty from Yale's Music and Theatre departments as part of a larger project to promote the study and performance of Baroque opera. Three Yale professors who are working on YBOP, Ellen Rosand, Toni Dorfman and Grant Herreid, had a lively and informative discussion with Suzanne about this thrilling production and their ongoing baroque opera collaboration.
Canadian violinist Lara St. John and French harpist Marie-Pierre Langlamet are old friends who enjoy making music together for fun, and decided to share their enthusiasm and talent on an album featuring Sonatas by Johann Sebastian Bach. Since Bach didn't compose any violin and harp music, their collaboration features intriguing arrangements. Hear their conversation with Suzanne about adapting these lovely works, what is special to them about Bach's music, and which Sonata is their favorite.
Rick Steves is a tried and true expert on European travel, so Suzanne invited him to share his advice about hearing great, live music while you're on vacation in Europe. He talked about some of his favorite musical destinations, and gave suggestions for finding the kinds of venues and concerts to suit your tastes. (Make sure you listen for his insider's tip about getting the best seat in the house at Saint-Sulpice in Paris.)
Guitarist Richard Savino and his group, El Mundo, were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Small Ensemble Performance for their 2011 recording The Kingdoms of Castille. Sunday Baroque contributor Amanda Pond interviewed him about the interesting variety of music on the recording, special considerations for performing it, and what it's like to receive a Grammy nomination.
With its 6,183 pipes, 95 stops, 111 ranks, 2 consoles and 7 keyboards, installation of the new French organ at New York City's Church of the Ascension was completed in early 2011. Master builder Pascal Quoirin was chosen to design the instrument by the Church's Music Director, distinguished organist and conductor Dennis Keene. Suzanne Bona visited Dr. Keene to discuss the magnificent new instrument, what makes it so special and his plans to introduce it to the musical community.
Pianist Simone Dinnerstein made a big splash in 2007 with her recording of Johann Sebastian Bach's Goldberg Variations. Jan. 2011 brings her first recording for the Sony label, BACH: A Strange Beauty. The all-Bach recording includes the English Suite #3, transcriptions of three Chorale Preludes, and Keyboard Concertos #1 and #5. Once again, she demonstrates her artistry and her sensitivity to Bach's musical line and harmonic genius. Dinnerstein invited Suzanne Bona for a conversation in her parents' Brooklyn home, where she talked about her passion for Bach's music, her newest recording and her upcoming projects.
Nicholas McGegan is a man of many talents and interests: an art aficionado, avid gardener and epicure, to name just a few. He's also one of the most sought-after experts in baroque and early music - a conductor, harpsichordist and scholar. His zest for life is evident in everything he does, especially when he's leading an ensemble in music he knows and loves as much as George Frideric Handel's oratorio MESSIAH. Nicholas McGegan guest conducted the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and May Festival Chorus in Handel's beloved masterpiece, and joined Sunday Baroque host Suzanne Bona in the studios of WGUC Cincinnati to discuss his work and Handel's genius.
Harpsichordist and conductor Jeannette Sorrell founded the successful period instrument ensemble Apollo's Fire - The Cleveland Baroque Orchestra in 1992 after an interview for a job as assistant to a famous conductor went terribly wrong. Sorrell spoke with Sunday Baroque host Suzanne Bona about how her passion for music drove her to finagle free piano lessons as a child, what it's like to work with some of the world's leading early music instrumentalists, and why she thinks baroque and early music resonate with so many people.
Karen Marie Marmer and Jorg-Michael Schwarz are co-directors of Rebel, a baroque ensemble they formed in 1991. The group is named after Jean-Fery Rebel, a French baroque era musician who was a daring musical innovator. They talked with Suzanne about how they fell love with baroque music, and each other, and how their provocative performance practices have given the group's name a double meaning.
Swiss-French flutist Emmanuel Pahud was just 22 years old when he landed the job as principal flutist with the Berlin Philharmonic in 1993. A few years later, he also launched a solo performing career and has recorded flute music spanning several centuries, from contemporary works he has commissioned to baroque concertos and sonatas, and a little jazz music, too. Emmanuel Pahud sat down to chat with Suzanne about his remarkable career making music, including how it's possible to juggle international solo engagements while playing principal chair in a major orchestra.
When renowned conductor Nicholas McGegan spoke with Suzanne Bona, he shared his thoughts about how and why artificial barriers went up between baroque & early music and other kinds of music, and he offered suggestions for making the concert-going experience more enjoyable and popular. He also shared his fondness for Oregon pinot noirs and advice on growing roses when one is always traveling, and he admitted to a naughty musical passion.
Jose Serebrier began his life long love affair with music as a child in Uruguay. He began composing as a teenager, and was just 17 when his first Symphony was premiered by the legendary Leopold Stokowski in New York. Soon after, Serebrier became Stokowski's assistant, and later learned from mentors and teachers including conductors George Szell and Antal Dorati, and composer Aaron Copland. Jose Serebrier has conducted many of the world's great orchestras, and recently released a recording of Stokowski's Orchestral Transcriptions with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (Naxos 8.572050). Suzanne spoke with him about his music, his new CD, and why he is optimistic about the future of classical music.
There's a wonderful world of baroque music from Latin America. Musicians such as Ignacio de Jerusalem and Manuel de Zumaya were talented, highly trained musicians in the tradition of Bach, Handel, and others. Unfortunately their music not as well known, but Sebastian Zubieta's job is to change that. He's a composer/conductor and Director of Music for the Americas Society, a non-profit organization with a mission that includes increasing public awareness and appreciation of the diverse cultural heritage of the Americas. Sebastian Zubieta recently spoke with Suzanne about some outstanding Latin American music and musicians, past and present, and how he gets the word out about them.
The first use of the term viol d'amore is believed to be in John Evelyn's diary of 1679. He described it by saying of it, "I never heard a sweeter Instrument or more surprising..." Frequently heard in baroque music, viola d'amore resembles a violin, but it has extra resonating strings - sympathetic strings - which give it a rich, sonorous and unusual tone. It's also very hard to play, which explains why the specialized instrument isn't more commonly heard. Suzanne Bona spoke with one of the world's viola d'amore experts, Myron Rosenblum, about the instrument, its history, and why he's such a passionate and enthusiastic advocate.
American pianist Simone Dinnerstein has fast been gaining international attention as a commanding and charismatic artist, and as one of the most compelling women pianists performing today. Suzanne talked with her about her new CD, her career and how motherhood has influenced her art.
Frederic Chiu's intriguing piano-playing and teaching springs from a diverse set of experiences and interests - his Asian/American/European background, his musical training, and an early and ongoing exploration of artificial intelligence and human psychology, especially the body-mind-heart connection. He spoke with Suzanne about his career and his non-traditional techniques.
John Holloway plays "baroque violin" with gut strings and a special bow. He also prefers to use autograph manuscripts of the music he plays so he can learn from the composer's notations and handwriting, and he researches the historic context so they will inform and influence his playing. He's a fan and champion of music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Heinrich Biber, and other 17th and 18th century composers, and has made recordings of their music that are both enjoyable and illuminating. John Holloway chatted with Suzanne about his meticulous and scholarly approach.
Rock musician Sting has a fervent love and curiosity for a wide variety of musical genres. He practices his craft playing Johann Sebastian Bach's Cello Suites and he learned to play the lute when a friend gave him one as a gift. Sting was so haunted by the life and music of 16th century "alienated singer-songwriter" John Dowland that he finally heeded his friends' urging and recorded some of Dowland's lute songs. Suzanne spoke with Sting and lutenist Edin Karamazov about their collaboration on SONGS FROM THE LABYRINTH, which features Dowland's lute solos, songs, and readings from one of the composer's letters.
Tim Barringer, Paul Mellon Professor of the History of Art at Yale University, and Eleanor Hughes, a Post-doctoral Research Associate at the Yale Center for British Art, collaborated on a comprehensive interdisciplinary project called ART & MUSIC IN BRITAIN: FOUR ENCOUNTERS 1730 TO 1900. The exhibition combines music, scores, instruments and paintings from various Yale collections, and is on view until December 31, 2006 at the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, CT. They talked with Suzanne about this unique project, and especially about the first of the four "encounters," which deals with George Frideric Handel's London from the 1730s to the 1750s.
Robert Wiemken is co-director of Piffaro Renaissance Band in Philadelphia. He sat down with Suzanne to talk about his group, including explaining where the name "Piffaro" comes from. He also talked about the people and instruments in the ensemble, what it takes to find 500-year-old music to play, and gave a surprising revelation that he's not strictly a "renaissance man" in his personal musical tastes.
Recorder virtuoso Matthias Maute -- who is featured prominently on many recordings you hear regularly on Sunday Baroque -- is also a composer, arranger, conductor and music professor. He spoke with host Suzanne Bona about having to carry around a few dozen different types of recorders for every performance, how he tried (unsuccessfully) to quit playing recorder as a boy, and why being married to a fellow musician is just like running any other family business.
Lutenist and music professor Rolf Lislevand talks with Suzanne about how he first became interested in music (including his early days playing electric guitar!) and his brilliant 2006 recording NUOVE MUSICHE, a Baroque music CD with thrilling improvisations that suggest jazz, Celtic and Latin music.
After decades of dealing with a condition that impaired his ability to play piano with his right hand, pianist Leon Fleisher resumed his two-hand performing with a recording called TWO HANDS. Mr. Fleisher spoke with Suzanne about his life in music, his medical condition (dystonia), and why suffering from it may have actually been a blessing in disguise.