PODCAST

Piedmont Arts Podcast

WDAV Classical Public Radio

Interviews with artists, performers and community arts leaders.

music performing arts

All Episodes

Jake Heggie and Jay Grymes on Violins of Hope

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2022/04/20

For several decades Israeli luthier Amnon Weinstein has been lovingly restoring violins with Holocaust histories, preserving their stories and those of their owners. These violins are known as the Violins of Hope, and they will be featured in concerts at the Stan Greenspon Center at UNC-Charlotte (UNCC). A new work written specifically for these instruments, "Intonations: Songs from the Violins of Hope," by renowned composer Jake Heggie will receive its East Coast premiere at these

en-us

Karen Kamensek on the Charlotte Symphony

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2022/04/18

Karen Kamensek is the guest conductor for Charlotte Symphony (CSO) and leads a program with Sibelius' Symphony No. 2 and Shostakovich's Violin Concerto No. 1 featuring CSO concertmaster Calin Lupanu. Kamensek is in demand around the world as a guest conductor for both opera productions and symphonic concerts. Her recording of Philip Glass's Akhnaten with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus recently won the Grammy for Best Opera Recording. She talks about what she's

en-us

Alan Black on “I Will Wade Out”

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2022/03/28

After 35 years, Alan Black is retiring as principal cello of the Charlotte Symphony. Before he transitions to his new role as cello section player, he’ll be in the spotlight at the Charlotte Symphony’s “Music and Healing” concert at Queens University. He’ll be the soloist for the premiere of a work written for him by South Carolina composer Leonard Mark Lewis called “I Will Wade Out.” Black talks about his collaboration with Lewis. And he reflects on his

en-us

Frances Blaker and Barbara Blaker Krumdieck on “Biber...

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2022/03/21

North Carolina Baroque Orchestra’s (NCBO) spring concert is called "Biber to Bach: Captivating Concertos for Strings." NCBO founders Frances Blaker and Barbara Blaker Krumdieck talk about the history of the orchestra and its special role in the musical life of the Charlotte region.

en-us

Joshua Gerson on the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2022/03/21

Joshua Gerson, guest conductor for a series of Charlotte Symphony concerts, talks about his work with youth orchestras as well as his approach to conducting an unfamiliar orchestra. He also shares why he’s interested in conducting new compositions.

en-us

Paolo Bortolameolli on the Charlotte Symphony

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2022/02/21

Guest conductor Paolo Bortolameolli will lead the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) in Kabalevsky's Cello Concerto No. 1 , featuring cellist Christine Lamprea plus works by Corigliano and Gabriela Ortiz. Bortolameolli is a strong advocate for bringing new compositions and new audiences to classical music. He describes some of his novel approaches to this challenge. He also talks about the music on the program for the upcoming CSO concerts. Pictured: Paolo Bortolameolli photo by Michiko

en-us

Ivalas Quartet on the Davidson College Concert Series

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2022/02/21

The Ivalas Quartet took first place at the 2019 WDAV Young Chamber Musicians Competition. Since that time, they've been building a career for themselves focusing on their mission of “enhancing the classical music world with voices less known and sometimes unheard.” They spoke with WDAV about their love of chamber music and their joy in sharing classical music with young people and other audiences who are new to it.

en-us

Ilmar Gavilán on Harlem Quartet

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2022/02/14

Based in New York, the Harlem Quartet was founded in 2006 by The Sphinx Organization, a national non-profit devoted to building diversity in classical music and providing educational access for underserved communities. The quartet will perform in a local concert presented by Chamber Music Raleigh and WDAV . Harlem Quartet violinist Ilmar Gavilán talks about their mission to advance diversity in classical music by exploring new repertoire and reaching new audiences. Learn more about the

en-us

Wil B. on Black Violin

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2022/02/07

Black Violin brings their unique blend of classical and hip-hop to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte. The genre-defying duo of violinist Kev Marcus and violist Wil B. is known for its artistry and high energy performances. On this episode, Wil B. talks about breaking down cultural barriers through music and thinking about musical genres in a more fluid way. He also explains Black Violin's commitment to music education and providing opportunities for young people that allow

en-us

Craig Hella Johnson on "Considering Matthew Shepard"

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2022/02/07

Charlotte Master Chorale brings back Considering Matthew Shepard, a “fusion oratorio” that examines the notorious 1998 hate crime that triggered a new era of activism. Acclaimed choral conductor Craig Hella Johnson talks about the work.

en-us

Sidney Outlaw & Matthew Troy on Western Piedmont...

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2022/01/31

The Western Piedmont Symphony's next Masterworks concert on features baritone Sidney Outlaw who performs Wagner's "O You, My Fair Evening Star" and Mahler's "Songs of a Wayfarer". Hear Outlaw and Western Piedmont music director Matthew Troy chat about everything from Mahler's intent when he wrote "Songs of a Wayfarer" to the preparation necessary for performing such a work to their best practices as musicians for surviving the pandemic.

en-us

Jessica Cottis on the Charlotte Symphony

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2022/01/24

Jessica Cottis will be the guest conductor for concerts by the Charlotte Symphony. The program will feature Kurt Weill's The Seven Deadly Sins with soprano Lindsay Kesselman, Ravel's Piano Concerto in G with pianist Stewart Goodyear, and works by Stravinsky and Jessie Montgomery. Cottis talks about how this program of 20th and 21st century works came together and why they make a compelling grouping. She also talks about her passion for sharing classical music with young listeners and

en-us

JoAnn Falletta and Karen Ni Bhroin on "Celebrate!"...

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2022/01/03

The Winston-Salem Symphony is kicking off its 75th anniversary year with concerts called "Celebrate!" Sharing conducting duties are Karen Ni Bhroin, the symphony’s Assistant Conductor, and Grammy winner JoAnn Falletta, one of the most renowned conductors working in the world today. The two talk about the environment for women in classical music today compared to the past. They also talk about the importance and benefits of expanding the concert repertoire to include works by

en-us

Kenney Potter on Celebrating the Charlotte Master...

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2021/12/06

Seventy years ago, a group of Charlotte singers founded the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte to perform great choral masterpieces. Today that organization is known as Charlotte Master Chorale, but regardless of name, they remain an important institution in the cultural life of our region performing often throughout the year. Artistic director Dr. Kenney Potter talks about celebrating this important milestone with a season of concert repertoire that ranges from beloved classics to newer, diverse

en-us

Tanja Bechtler and Adam Watkins on "Beatles with the...

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2021/11/14

Cellist Tanja Bechtler and arranger Adam Watkins speak about their concert of Beatles tunes arranged as chamber music. The two also discuss the collaborative process that resulted in the arrangements they perform, as well as the enduring appeal of The Beatles’ music to multiple generations. Learn more about the Beatles with the Bechtler Ensemble concert at Queens University

en-us

Roderick Cox on the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2021/10/27

Guest conductor Roderick Cox talks about how he chose the music for his program with the Charlotte Symphony, and why the Brahms Serenade No. 2 is particularly close to his heart. He also describes the Roderick Cox Music Initiative, a project that provides scholarships for young musicians of color from underrepresented communities. In only two years, the Initiative has been able to award thousands of dollars to help young artists pursue their dreams. Pictured: Roderick Cox; photo by Susie Knoll

en-us

Harvey Cummings II on the Noteworthy Concert Series

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2021/10/22

The NoteWorthy concert series is presented by WDAV in partnership with the FAIR PLAY Music Equity Alliance . The series brings together gifted Black and brown artists from the Charlotte music scene with classical musicians for some genre-blending, community building music. Charlotte composer and musician Harvey Cummings II is featured in the series. He talks with WDAV about his enjoyment of arranging string parts for his jazz compositions and about the value of collaborating with musicians from

en-us

Cathy Youngblood on The Sacred Veil

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2021/10/18

The Sacred Veil , a relatively new work by acclaimed American composer Eric Whitacre and librettist Charles Anthony Silvestri, explores the loss of a loved one to cancer. Caritas Artistic Director, Cathy Youngblood, explains why Caritas A Capella Ensemble of Charlotte chose to present this work. She walks us through the composition providing insight into ways the music addresses human grief and love.

en-us

Deanna Tham on “The Symphonic Voice”

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2021/09/20

Deanna Tham is the music director of the Union Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony is kicking off its 2021 - 2022 season with an in-person concert featuring Juilliard trained soprano Gina Gutierrez in a program called “The Symphonic Voice.” Maestro Tham talks about the upcoming season and the important role the orchestra plays in the cultural fabric of Union County.

en-us

James Meena & Douglas Tappin on "I Dream"

Piedmont Arts Podcast ·

2021/09/16

In 2018, Opera Carolina stepped out of its comfort zone to present the powerful rhythm & blues opera I Dream , a fictional chronicle of the final days of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s life. Now I Dream returns for performances at the Belk Theatre in Charlotte. We revisit an interview before the premier with James Meena, general director and principal conductor of Opera Carolina. He talks about his aspirations for this new work. You’ll also hear from composer Douglas

en-us

302 results

Piedmont Arts Podcast

All Episodes

Similar Podcasts

Pasquale Maassen Soundcloud

Pasquale Maassen

Marian Klose

Marian Klose

sevenism

sevenism

Dean Delray"s LET THERE BE TALK

Cactus Radio Network

Word In Your Ear

Mark Ellen, David Hepworth and Alex Gold