WHATS NEW?
April 30, 2025
My wife and I had the pleasure of attending a private “House Concert” on Sunday. We saw the Grand Rapids Guitar Duo play an absolutely lovely program that was met with an encore and a lot of applause. I personally believe that this is one of the best ways to experience classical guitar (and probably small chamber music in general). As a performer I always enjoyed performing in small settings and as an avid audience member it’s even better. We’ve hosted a couple of events also and are anxious to do it again.
In case you missed it…
I had a great conversation with true crime author ROD SADLER. His new book “Depraved Obsession” is about the pursuit and capture of a sadistic serial killer. As a retired cop Rod has a unique perspective and is a compelling story teller. It will be on sale after May 6. You can find it and his other books on Amazon.
Coming up…
Pianist POLINA FRADKINA left her home in St. Petersburg and moved to Denmark in 2022 due to her opposition to the war. She has worked as a concert artist, in film, and has done a lot in cross-cultural projects. A fascinating and multi-talented artist.
In other news…
The MID-MICHIGAN CLASSICAL GUITAR SOCIETY will present their (our) Spring Recital on May 4 in Midland, Mich. This group is made up of award winning professionals and avid amateurs. We will also feature special guest Ryan Apple for a short solo program. For additional info you can just contact me.
Composer GERALD COHEN, librettist DEBORAH BREVORT and others presented an informative webinar about the creation and production of their opera “Steal A Pencil For Me”. I highly recommend checking it out. You can find it here.
Pianist Yebwon Sunwoo (2017 Van Cliburn gold medalist) will be appearing at Carnegie Hall on May 2. It looks like an amazing program. You should try to be there if you’re in NYC. For more information and tickets click here.
April 23, 2025
My wife and I will attend a private “house” concert on Sunday. I really love these events. I’ve attended several, hosted a few, and even performed at some in the past. It’s always a casually elegant time listening to wonderful music in a very intimate setting and then making new friends. If you’ve ever been involved in house concerts as a host or guest you know what I mean. If you haven’t then you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s also a great way to support the arts.
Coming up…
True crime author Rod Sadler makes a return visit to talk about his newest book “Depraved Obsession” (due out May 6). Rod is a retired police officer and his insight makes him a very compelling story-teller. Don’t miss it! For more info please click here.
In other news…
The Vega Quartet will be performing with bluegrass greats Mark and Maggie O’Connor at Carnegie Hall on Friday April 25. For more information and tickets click here.
On Tuesday April 29 the Sylvan Winds will be performing with harpist Kristi Shade in a program called “Ravel and His World” at Eglise St. Jean Baptiste in NYC. For additional information and tickets click here.
April 16, 2025
I normally publish a new podcast episode every Sunday. However, because many people will be celebrating Easter this week (including me and mine) I’ve decided to skip a week. This would be a great time for people to catch up on past episodes to see what they’ve missed. The next new episode will be on Sunday April 27.
In case you missed it…
Last weeks guests were violinists Emily Smith and Jessica Wu from the Vega String Quartet. We had a great chat about their long history, their residency at Emory University, their concerts with bluegrass greats Mark and Maggie O’Connor and much more.
In other news…
On April 16 the Michigan State University Choral will be performing Lee Kesselman’s “Hymn To Time”. For tickets and information please click here.
On April 29 the Sylvan Winds will be celebrating Ravel’s 150th birthday with a concert in NYC. They will be joined by harpist Kristi Shade. This will be the final concert of the quintets 46th season. For more information and tickets please click here.
On May 2 pianist Sunwoo Yekwon will be performing at Carnegie Hall. For tickets and additional information click here.
The Jerusalem Quartet will be performing all 15 of Shostakovich’s String Quartets from April 21-30 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. For tickets and additional information please click here.
April 9, 2025
I have a couple of music traditions that I’ve established for myself. With Easter only a few days away I will find some time to listen to both of J. S. Bach’s Passions… St. John’s and St. Matthew’s. Yeah I know I can listen to them anytime during the year, but they seem to mean more to me during Holy Week. I’ll be taking next week off from publishing this blog or the podcast so I’ll take this opportunity to wish you all blessings during Easter and Passover.
In case you missed it…
Sunday’s guest was the Swiss virtuoso violinist Rachel Kolly. We had a delightful conversation about her career, her approach to recording, and much more. Please take a few minutes and enjoy it. Here’s a link to her recording of E. Chausson’s “Interlude”.
Coming up…
This week I’m joined by Emily Daggett Smith (1st violin) and Jessica Shuang Wu (2nd violin) from the Vega String Quartet. Please join us as we talk about the quartets beginning, their residency at Emory University, their upcoming concert at Carnegie Hall with Mark and Maggie O’Connor called “Bluegrass and Beethoven”. (Sounds like fun doesn’t it?) For additional information and tickets for the April 25 concert please go here.
In other news…
The Rudersdal Chamber Players will be making their U.S. debut at Victoria Bond’s Cutting Edge Concerts in New York on April 16. You can get additional information and tickets here.
April 2, 2025
In speaking with various musicians over the last couple of years I’ve noticed a common thread. There is a profound interest in performing music by women composers both old and current. I love this trend. We, as consumers and fans, get to hear music that is new to us and we get to discover (through our favorite artists) new repertoire. Speaking for myself…it’s about time. Thanks to all.
In case you missed it…
Danish violinist Christine Pryn talks about founding the Rudensdal Summer Music Festival and the subsequent Rudersdal Chamber Players. We talk about the versatility of the chamber group, their repertoire, and their upcoming U.S. debut in NYC and Pennsylvania.
Coming up…
Swiss violinist Rachel Kolly talks about her busy international performing schedule, her process for recording, her new projects, her collaboration with pianist Christian Chamorro, Bach, and even her cat. (Yep. You read that right.)
In other news…
Classical accordionist Hanzhi Wang will be in recital at the Baruch Performing Arts Center in NYC in May. For more information and tickets please go here.
Also at the Baruch PAC jazz vocalist/trumpeter (Michael Buble) will be appearing in May. For details please go here.
Sylvan Winds
Kristi Shade
The Sylvan Winds will finish their 2024-25 season with guest harpist Kristi Shade on April 29 at Eglise St. Jean Baptiste in NYC. For program and ticket details please go here.
March 26, 2025
Several months ago I decided to start using the scheduling app Calendly to try to make it easier for my guests. It seemed that the back and forth banter of trying to schedule an interview with email was awkward and a huge imposition on my guests. However I’ve recently had people agree to come on the show and then when I send a link to the app they ghost me. If it was only one person I’d shrug it off, but so far the body count just this year is 5 and that includes two organizations that contacted me and asked to be on the show. Most of you have used the app. Would you have preferred to do it “old school”? Drop a comment and let me know please.
In case you missed it…
Last weeks guest was the Emmy and Peabody award winning filmmaker and author Sheila Curran Bernard. We talked about her latest book “Bring Judgement Day” about the folk singer Huddie Ledbetter (Lead Belly).
Coming up…
My guest this week is Danish violinist Christine Pryn. She created the Rudersdal Sommerkoncerter music festival near Copenhagen and is also the founder of the Rudersdal Chamber Players who will be performing at composer Victoria Bond’s “Cutting Edge New Music Festival” in New York on April 16. Please join us as we discuss her devotion to new music and her unique philosophy behind the Rudersdal Chamber Players.
In other news…
I just received a couple of books from author Wednesday Lee Friday (yep, that’s her real name). One of the coolest and quirkiest people I know. Book III in the series is coming. Watch this space.
On April 25 Mark and Maggie O’Connor will be appearing with the Vega Quartet at Carnegie Hall in a program called “Bluegrass and Beethoven”. Sounds like fun.
On April 29 the Sylvan Winds and harpist Kristi Shade will appear in NYC performing music of Ravel and his contemporaries.
The Jerusalem Quartet will be performing all 15 string quartets by Dimitri Shostakovich at the Cleveland Museum of Art on April 21-30. This is a presentation of the Cleveland Chamber Music Society as part of their 75th anniversary.
March 19, 2025
I need to brag for a moment. A student who’s been with me since he was a little boy is getting ready to go off to college. He will be studying engineering (I’m not sure which kind) but is eligible to apply for a music scholarship also. So in preparation for his video audition he found and learned a transcription of “LaCampenalla” by Franz Liszt. He played for me at his lesson the other day. It was wonderful, of course, and I made a couple of small suggestions about interpretation that he’s going to use. I am so proud of this young man and I know that music will always be an important part of his life. Have I mentioned that I love my job?
Oh, speaking of my job….I gave my first lessons for money and thus began this journey in March of 1968, 57 years ago. Lucky me!!
In case you missed it…
My guest last week was violist Emily Brandenburg. Emily is the newest member of the Cassatt String Quartet and she talked about joining this group to play in their 40th season. We also talked about balancing contemporary music with the standard repertoire, teaching, and much more. If you missed it, please take a moment to watch/listen.
Coming up…
This week I’m speaking with Sheila Curran Bernard. She is an Emmy and Peabody award-winning filmmaker and author. We talk about her latest book “Bring Judgement Day”, the true story of folk singer Huddie Ledbetter (“Midnight Special”, “House of the Rising Sun”, “Goodnight Irene” and many others) also known as LeadBelly. It’s a story of American music history that has been embellished and twisted into folk lore but not very well understood. I think you will find this to be a very interesting conversation.
In other news…
In April, Orli Shaham goes on tour with her brother Gil Shaham. Both musicians have incredibly busy careers of their own, and these concerts are a rare occurrence to see the two in recital together. The repertoire is part of Orli's ongoing project "The Clara Effect," which celebrates the lasting impact of Clara Schumann as a composer, performer, and influencer. This program features music by Clara alongside her husband Robert Schumann and their close friends Johannes Brahms and Amanda Meier.
Concerts are April 3 in Madison, WI (University of Wisconsin), April 5 in Aliso Viejo, CA (SOKA Performing Arts Center), and April 6 in La Jolla, CA (La Jolla Chamber Music Society). Also, the Shahams will tape a special "siblings" episode of NPR's From the Top, (for which Orli is Co-Host and Creative) which will be broadcast nationwide this spring.
On March 20, Victoria Bond's composition “Anne Frank’s Tree” for narrator and orchestra is performed by the Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota. The work is about the great chestnut tree that sustained the 13-year old while she was hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam. A local high school senior, Alexa Scharf, narrates and Robert Vodnoy conducts.
Edward Smaldone is retiring from The Aaron Copeland School of Music at Queens College after 35 years. There will be a concert in his honor on Sunday April 6. For details, including a livestream link please go to their website.
March 12, 2025
In the early sixties as a fledgling folk singer I learned about Huddie Ledbetter (aka Lead Belly). I liked his music and the way he played guitar. He and his music are known to us because of the Folklorist John Lomax and his son Allen. However most of the stuff I learned was either false or seriously exaggerated. In a new book by Sheila Curran Bernard the record is finally set straight. I had the privilege of interviewing her today and will be posting our conversation in a couple of weeks. Watch this space…
In case you missed it…
My guest last week was Jennifer Leshnower the long time violinist with the award winning Cassatt String Quartet. We talked about performing, balancing contemporary music with standard repertoire, and the forty year evolution of the group. If you missed it please check it out.
Coming up…
…and speaking of the Cassatt Quartet, I had a delightful conversation with the newest member violist Emily Brandenburg. We talk about her audition process, her perspective of this award winning group, her love of contemporary music, and much more.
In other news…
The Cleveland Chamber Music Society will present the Jerusalem String Quartet in concert on April 21-30. They will be presenting all 15 quartets by Dimitri Shostakovich over the five days. This sounds amazing. For more information please click here.
March 5, 2025
One of the joys of doing the podcast is meeting and interviewing artists from all disciplines that are new to me. That joy of discovery really keeps me going. It keeps me humble too. There is so much going on that I don’t know about, and in my conceit I assume you don’t either, and I feel privileged to blast it out to the world. Part of my preparation for an interview is to look, read, or listen to the work of each artist. Truthfully I didn’t care much for modern art or music 50-60 years ago and I dragged that prejudice around with me all of these years. But I’ve done a complete turn around in the last year and a half and fully embrace these works. Last night I listened to pianist Paul Barnes play “Illuminations” by Victoria Bond (not because I had to but because I wanted to). She was on the podcast on Nov 11, 2024. If you would like to listen also here’s a YouTube link. From an art, literature, and music perspective this is a wonderful time. I guess I need actors and dancers on the show to get a more complete view. If you know anyone please send them my way.
In case you missed it…
Last weeks guest was the award-winning playwright and librettist Deborah Brevoort. We talked about creativity, writing, opera, and her work as a Fulbright Specialist on behalf of the U.S. State Dept.
Coming up…
My guest this weekend is Jennifer Leshnower from the Cassatt Quartet. We talk about the groups adjusting to Covid, their focus on new music, and much more.
In other news…
The Augustana (SD) University Choir will be premiering my I AM THE ONE (Lyrics by Hildegard von Bingen) at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis on Sunday, March 9. they will be singing at the 10:30 a.m. service and at a 65 minute concert which starts at 4 p.m. I hope to see you there!
Lee Kesselman
Author Rod Sadler’s book tour continues with an appearance on March 15 at the West Bloomfield Township (Michigan) Library, West Acres Branch.
February 26, 2025
One of the nice things about the internet is that geography doesn’t matter. I’m sitting here in a small, quiet town in Michigan and I’m able to interview people from all around the world. I’ve interviewed folks from Australia, Germany, Canada, Poland, Uzbekistan, and the Czech Republic as well as cities big and small in the U.S. While I was aware that new books were being written and new art was being created, I didn’t realize how much new classical music is being created and performed. It’s very encouraging to know that, despite the lack of acknowledgment from the big media companies, new artists are still able to thrive.
It’s also fascinating to see how the marketing has evolved. Small boutique publishing and record labels, self publishing, pop-up art galleries, and online marketplaces big and small. Although artists aren’t getting rich they are earning a living. As long as we’re willing to change with the times I think we have a bright future ahead of us.
In case you missed it…
I had a wonderful conversation with the unique and eclectic guitarist/composer Stepan Rak in Sunday’s podcast. I hope you get a chance to catch it.
Coming up…
This week I interview writer/librettist Deborah Brevoort. She’s written lyrics for nine operas, several musicals and more. It was a fascinating interview with a very talented woman. Please join us as we talk about her work as a writer, teacher, and advocate.
In other news…
BACH Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana and Sarah Riskind are performing Lee Kesselman’s “Kadosh/Benedictus” for Brass Quintet and Organ This Sunday, March 2, at 7:30 at the 1st United Methodist Church in Champaign, Illinois.
February 19, 2025
I am honestly surprised by how much this little podcast/blog has grown in the past 12 months. The amazing guests and all of you wonderful subscribers have really helped me turn this into something that can benefit people in the arts and their fans and I thank you for it. I’ll try to keep it up and make it better.
In case you missed it…
My guest on Creative Conversations this week is the director of Sinfonia Varsovia Janusz Marynowski. This outstanding orchestra is Poland’s finest and one of Europe’s best. But it’s much more than that as he explained. You definitely should take some time and watch/listen.
Coming up…
One of the guitar worlds most unique and eclectic composer/performers is Stepan Rak. We had a great conversation and he even grabbed his guitar and played a bit. If you’re into guitar or new compositions or both you won’t want to miss this.
In other news…
After a nearly 20 year absence the Polish Chamber Orchestra (a subset of Sinfonia Varsovia) is returning to the U.S. with soloist Daniel Hope for concerts in Georgia, Florida, and Colorado at the end of February and early March. For more information please go to their website.
The Trio Ghidorah will be performing at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Midland, Michigan on March 15. This should be a great concert. For additional information about them and concert details please click here.
True crime author Rod Sadler is currently in the middle of a book signing tour but somehow has still managed to finish a new book that will be published in March. I’ll try to get him back on the show so he can tell us all about it. For additional info just go to his Facebook page.
February 12, 2025
So I guess the first thing I need to do is apologize to all of you for how icky (I think that’s the technical term) the layout of my blog is. I’m working on it but old people and technology don’t often mix well. I have a plaque that says, “Everything is figure-outable” and I seem to read that out loud a lot these days.
In case you missed it…
Composer, educator, cantor Gerald Cohen talks about writing chamber music, choral music, and opera. The recording of his opera “Steal A Pencil For Me” was recently released as a two-CD set.
Coming up…
On Sunday my guest on Creative Conversations will be Janusz Marynowski the director of Sinfonia Varsovia in Warsaw, Poland. This orchestra and music organization is world renowned and it was a true honor to meet him.
In other news…
The Polish Chamber Orchestra visits the U.S. for the first time in nearly 20 years.
They will be appearing at:
February 23: Vero Beach, FL
Community Church of Vero Beach
February 24: West Palm Beach, FL
Dreyfoos Hall at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
February 28: Atlanta, GA
Schwartz Center for Performing Arts at Emory University
March 02: Beaver Creek, CO
Appearing with the Polish Chamber Orchestra is the acclaimed violinist Daniel Hope playing a program of Mozart, Haydn, and Gluck.
Also…
The Folias Duo (Carmen Maret/flute and Andrew Bergeron/guitar) are teaming up with mandolinist Brian Oberlin and bassist Sallie Bacon for a delightful evening of classical and jazz at The Stray in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Valentine’s Day February 14
One of the things that Creative Conversations is teaching me is that classical music is still alive and well but is evolving like everything else. I think many people have a distorted idea of what the arts are and I hope that the podcast and this blog can help with that. If you would be willing to pass them on it would boost the effort.
February 5, 2025
I used to write a different sort of blog several years ago. It was more of an editorial (or musing….. or brain droppings….etc.) and I published every Monday and Thursday for two and a half years. It was fun because I could just prattle on about a variety of stuff that interested me and I figured not too many people were reading anyway so…. But I realized after a while that I was not offering insight or thoughtful perspectives but just griping and whining. So I stopped. However this is kind of a slow news week so I thought I could stick my toe in the water again and see if I can locate my forgotten “prattle” for just one more week.
Creative Conversations began as an opportunity for me to just record conversations with my artsy-fartsy friends. I thought that because I found these conversations interesting others would too. I was wrong. Nobody cared. However the format has evolved and for the past 1 1/2 years I’ve been interviewing people in fine arts….both creators and people behind the scenes. I’ve been fortunate to meet many successful and yet not very well known artists. And I feel privileged to be able to present them to my small, but growing, audience.
The primary purpose of this blog is to be an extension of the podcast, but I’m still trying to figure out the mechanics of it all. I don’t think that the podcast is on as many platforms as I originally thought and the program I’m using for this blog is really clunky so I may have to ditch it for something better and more “elder” friendly. I very much appreciate you and your patience. Please don’t give up on me.
If you would like to support my efforts just give me your comments and suggestions and please recommend me to your friends. Thanks a bunch!
In case you missed it….
Composer Edward Smaldone was my guest on Creative Conversations on Sunday Feb. 2. We talked about composing, teaching, and his newest CD “What No One Else Sees”. Please take a few minutes and listen. You can learn more about him at www.edwardsmaldone.com
In other news….
Coming up….
On the next episode of Creative Conversations I speak with the award-winning composer Gerald Cohen. Please join us as we talk about his musical journey including being a cantor and how his faith has influenced his art. We also talk about his latest opera “Steal A Pencil For Me” (libretto by Deborah Brevoort) based on a true love story that takes place in the concentration camps of WWII.
Orli Shaham performs Mozarts Piano Concerto #20 on February 8 & 9 with the Princeton Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Gérard Korsten. Additional details are on their website.
January 29, 2025
I started recording videos of my podcast 12 months ago. Prior to that it was audio only. In Sept. of 2023 I modified the format somewhat so that it was primarily (but not exclusively) fine arts. I am always trying to improve it and let it evolve. Recently, despite my best efforts, it’s becoming mostly a place for musicians. It’s not intentional on my part. It just seems that the musicians are the ones saying “yes” to my interview requests and I have to chase the others down just to get a “maybe”. There are some exceptions, of course, but that seems to be the overwhelming majority. Please hang in there with me as I try to figure of this out. As always, your questions and suggestions are welcome.
In case you missed it…..
My guest last week was the very talented music educator Maggie Malone. She is currently serving as superintendent of the West Michigan Academy of Arts and Academics. It’s a K-8 public school doing some great things. Please check it out if you haven’t alread
In other news…..
Violinist Daniel Hope will be touring the U. S. with the Polish Chamber Orchestra Feb. 23 - Mar. 2.
Daniel Hope
Polish Chamber Orchestra
of Sinfonia Varsovia
PROGRAM: “JOURNEY TO MOZART”
Christoph Willibald Gluck: “Dance of the Furies” from Orfeo ed Euridice
Franz Joseph Haydn: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in G Major
Wojciech Kilar: Orawa
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 3 in G Major
Franz Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 49 in F minor ‘La passione’
February 23: Vero Beach, FL
Community Church of Vero Beach
February 24: West Palm Beach, FL
Dreyfoos Hall at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
February 28: Atlanta, GA
Schwartz Center for Performing Arts at Emory University
March 02: Beaver Creek, CO
Coming next week…..
My guest this weekend is award-winning composer Edward Smaldone. His music has been performed by many different groups and recorded on many different albums. Join us as we talk about composing, teaching, his newest CD “What No One Else Sees”, and we even talk a little guitar.
Guitarist/composer Andrew Bergeron has just completed his Symphony #1 and is premiering it on Feb. 7 & 8. Please go to his Facebook page for more info.
January 22, 2025
I’m not sure what it’s like where you live, but here in Michigan it’s really cold. My personal opinion is that it’s great weather to avoid and stay inside where it’s cozy and warm. Read a book, listen to music (or back episodes of Creative Conversations), and maybe take a nap. For my neighbors - please stay warm. For my friends in the southern hemisphere - enjoy your gardens and breath a sigh of relief that you’re not here right now.
In case you missed it….
Coming this week….
In other news….
My guest last week on Creative Conversations was the wonderful concert pianist Vedrana Subotic. I really enjoyed meeting her and listening to her play. I think you will too. You can watch her YouTube videos or learn more about her on her website.
My guest this weekend is the very talented music educator Maggie Malone. She is the superintendent of the West Michigan Academy of Arts and Academies. A little “truth in advertising” - I’ve known Maggie since she was a little girl taking guitar lessons with me. It was fun to catch up with her and also a treat to learn all about this very special K-8 public school. I hope you’ll find some time to join us.
Author Rod Sadler has just published his new book tour information. Please go to his website to learn more. www.rodsadler.com
Cassatt String Quartet celebrates 40 years of chamber music.
Here is their Spring Season
January 24 (Bronxville, NY): Concert at Reformed Church of Bronxville
January 29 (Briarcliff Manor, NY): Concert at Artis Briarcliff
February 10-17 (Ohio): Tour with pianist Emely Phelps
February 12: Athens, OH
February 14: Oberlin, OH
April 6 (New Canaan, CT): Concert at Treetops Chamber Music Society
July 26-August 5 (Maine): Residency at Seal Bay Festival of American Chamber Music
You can learn more about them at their website
The Folias Duo (Carmen Maret-flute and Andrew Bergeron-guitar) announced their Valentines Day Concert in Grand Rapids, MI. They will be joined by Brian Oberlin and Sally Bacon. For additional information about this and other upcoming concerts please visit their website www.foliasmusic.com
January 15, 2025
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through January. Here at my house we finally put away our Christmas decorations and are putting out a few things for Valentines Day. Like many others, we’ve made and broken a few New Year’s Resolutions. You too? One of the resolutions that I’ve kept, though, is to improve the podcast openings. That starts this week. It’s still a bit rough around the edges but I expect it to improve as I learn more. As always, your suggestions are invited and welcome.
In case you missed it……
My guest last week was author/activist Jane (Keon) Jelenek. Jane stopped by to talk about her latest book “Toxic Town Cleanup”. It’s a followup to 2014 “Tombstone Town”. These books tell of her involvement with a citizens task force that is requiring the EPA and other government people to clean up the former site Velsicol Chemical plant. You can find these books on Amazon.
Coming Up……
My guest on Creative Conversations will be the marvelous concert pianist Vedrona Subotic. We talk about her newest CD “Chiaroscuro”, Beethoven, teaching, and so much more. You can learn more and hear her play at: vedronasubotic.com
In other news……
Author Janet Defever has begun a new blog. It’s pretty nice. Check it out here…
Sono Luminus presents Steal a Pencil for Me, the hauntingly beautiful new opera album from composer Gerald Cohen and librettist Deborah Brevoort released August 23, 2024.
An opera in two acts, Steal a Pencil for Me is a love story full of hope; a drama of overcoming great adversity, set during the dark times of World War II concentration camps. It is based on the true story of Jaap and Ina Polak, who fell in love as prisoners, amid great loss, helping each other to survive. Based on their love letters, which were published in a book of the same title, Steal a Pencil for Me is about the indestructibility of the life spirit and the power of humankind to survive adversity. The opera dramatizes intimate concerns and private dramas in the midst of the epic tragedy of the Holocaust
You can find it on Amazon
Jan. 8, 2025
Happy New Year! I took a couple of weeks of from pretty much everything just to catch my breath and reevaluate stuff. It felt good to spend time with my family, and take a few extra naps without trying to keep to a schedule. I hope your holidays were as good.
I had time to reflect on the podcast and realized that it really evolved a lot since February 2024 when I began publishing video to YouTube. When I first started doing a podcast several years ago it was audio only, each episode was about 60 minutes long and heavily edited. Now it’s about 30 minutes long and mostly unedited (except for the occasional interuption).
I’ve been fortunate to have had some amazing guests on. In the process I’ve read books, seen art, and heard music that I would not have experienced otherwise. I truly feel privileged to have been able to introduce them to you.
As most of you know, I am not very good at marketing. If there is someone you think might enjoy this please send them a link. That’s as close to a plan that I have. I honestly feel like we’re all creating a cozy little community together. If you have suggestions on how I can improve this please speak up and don’t be shy.
In case you missed it….
Last weeks guest was composer/conductor Lee Kesselman. We talked about writing music big and small including opera for children. We also talked about a new CD devoted to his music called “Would That Loving Were Enough”. It’s primarily chamber music from a guy who is known mostly for his choral
music.
In other news….
Speaking of Lee Kesselman….Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana will be performing his Kadosh/Benedictur on their “All About That Brass” program on March 2, 2025. That sounds pretty cool! Check it out if you can.
AND…
Pianist Orli Shaham has been named a Musical America Professional of the Year. Congratulations!!
v
Coming next….
Author/activist and longtime friend Jane Jelenek stopped by to talk about her new book “Toxic Town Cleanup”. It’s a followup to her first book “Tombstone Town” and tells of her work on a citizens task force overseeing the cleanup of a former chemical plant that has poisoned the surrounding area. The company, state and local governments, and the EPA have all tried to sweep this under the rug and would have succeeded if not for Jane and her merry band of trouble makers. I know this sounds dreary and dry as dust, but Jane’s writing style makes it very compelling. It actually reads like a whodunnit. The story she tells is happening in many places around country and I’m hopeful it will encourage and inspire others. Please join us for a very important 30 minutes.
Happy Holidays
It’s hard to believe that the holidays are here and the year is nearly done. I made the decision in January to start doing videos via Zoom for my podcast and posting them to YouTube and Spotify. It’s been very successful (depending on how you measure success) and I will continue as best as I can. I keep pretending that I know what I’m doing but I’m convinced I’m going to get caught at it any day now.
I started writing this blog only a few weeks ago as an extension of the podcast and also to toot my own horn periodically. Between the two I have begun to believe that I can help introduce the general population to many of the creative people we know and the hard working people behind the scenes. But I need your help. Please feel free to comment, criticize, or make suggestions that will help this endeavor along. Listen to as many episodes as you can. I’m trying to convince the dreaded algorithm that I actually have friends. And finally, please recommend me to anyone that you think may enjoy this.
I’m going to take the next couple weeks off after this weeks podcast is posted. But I’ll be back to annoy you in January and I’m looking forward to some very cool stuff in 2025. I wish you peace and love and I’ll see you next year.
In case you missed it…
Last weeks podcast featured the very talented singer/songwriter Jamie-Sue Seal. She is also the founder of Smokin’ Sleddog Records and Togo Touring Artists. We had a great discussion about the business of the business and the difficulties all artists face.
Next weeks podcast…
The award-winning violinist/conductor Tigran Shiganyan makes a return visit. Please join us as we discuss his many recent projects and accomplishments.
By the way…since we recorded our interview Tigran has received the American Prize Ernest Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music. He conducted an entire program of music by composer Lowell Liebermann with the Kazakh State Orchestra. Congratulations my friend!
Something extra
I should have posted this before. I’m sorry but I thought people in Mid-Michigan should know.
The Mid-Michigan Classical Guitar Society is presenting its annual Holiday concert on Sunday Dec. 8, 2024 at 7:00 PM at Creative 360 in Midland, MI. We will present performances featuring several of our members, four songs by the full ensemble, and an exciting recital by our featured guest artist Nick Liu. The venue is lovely and very relaxed. This is a family friendly event and is free to attend. Please come spend your Sunday evening with us if you can.
If you would like more information about the Mid-Michigan Classical Guitar Society please visit MMCGS.ORG
Dec. 5, 2024
In case you missed it…..
Last weeks guest on the podcast was columnist, author, podcaster Jeff Giles.
Coming up this weekend…
My guest this weekend is singer songwriter Jamie-Sue Seal. Jamie-Sue is also the founder and CEO of Smokin’ Sleddog Records and Togo artists. This is a great conversation about what goes on behind the scenes in the music business. You won’t want to miss it.
In other news…..
The trio HAVEN has recently released a beautiful new album of music by contemporary composer Lee Kesselman. Lee will be a guest on the podcast in January. Although known primarily for his choral works his talent for writing beautiful melodies and harmonies is very much on display in this CD.
Several years ago I released an album of Christmas Carols. You can buy it through my website or go to YouTube and give it a listen. I’m not comfortable hyping myself here but people get cranky if I don’t let them know stuff.
I don’t want this to become an op-ed place. Goodness knows there are plenty of other places for that. However, President Trump tried to eliminate funding for the arts and humanities during his last term. It’s a distinct possibility that he may do so again. If this funding is important to you please be vigilant and don’t be afraid to contact your representative or senator.
