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September 11, 2025
I missed my self-imposed deadline of posting on Wednesdays. I figured that no one was waiting breathlessly for this so an extra day was no big deal. It wasn’t until I woke up this morning that I realized today is the 24th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks so I questioned the appropriateness of even doing this. I have nothing to say about the attacks that haven’t been said and my feelings/emotions are not much different from yours but I still feel compelled to say that I still remember the shock and pain of that day.
My experiment with adding excerpts of music performed by my guests is working. I’m clumsy as can be but, I’m happy to announce, I’m getting better at it. My profound thanks to the guests who have been patient with me as I stumbled my way through. I do believe that it will improve the podcast significantly. I’m scheduling a couple of visual artists and a filmmaker or two in the near future so I’ll need to figure out how to do the same with them. Please hang in there with me.
One of my guests suggested that I also publish short-form clips to social media so I’m starting to experiment with that too. Once again it’s starting out clumsy, but isn’t that really part of the creative process? Or is it just me? Anyway….your suggestions matter. Please don’t be bashful. You can watch one here if you’d like.
When I’m putting together this blog I usually have to go hunting for information. I don’t mind doing it but I’m always afraid I’m going to miss something. If you have something you’d like me to include please send it to roger@rogerhumphey.com.
In case you missed it…
Award-winning guitarist/composer William Anderson talked about contemporary/modern music, performing, and his work with the upcoming Village Trip Festival.
Coming up…
Violist and scholar Edward Klorman his newest book (just out) “Bach: The Cello Suites”and his previous book “Mozart’s Music of Friends”. Great stuff if you’re a geek like me.
In other news…
If you’re going to be in the NYC area this looks like it’s the place to be and the things to do. For more information click here.
Musicians Of The Old Post Road have a new album out. It looks awesome and I can’t wait to listen to it. For more information click here.
Violinist/Conductor Tigran Shiganyan is picking up the baton to conduct Camerata Michigan on Monday October 6 at Fairchild Auditorium on the campus of Michigan State University. It’s an all Haydn program that looks to be great! For more information please click here.
September 5, 2025
I’m back after taking a few weeks off to recharge my batteries. I hope your summer was fruitful and that you have a productive season to look forward to.
My first order of business is to apologize to Lee Kesselman. In my last blog I goofed up and misspelled his name. He briefly and unofficially became Lee Hesselman. I’m still not sure if it was clumsy fingers or clumsy thinking. Either way, I’m sorry Lee.
I’m trying to improve the podcast. I’ve begun to integrate my guests work into the interview. I’ve done it twice now and expect to continue. It’s still a bit awkward but a little editing makes it all better. I’m also beginning to post short excerpts on social media. So there’s a lot to look forward to this season. I’m also trying to improve this blog by including a couple of video links at the end so you can listen to some music. As always I thrive on your input so please don’t be bashful.
In case you missed it…
My final guest of season 7 was Washington D.C. communications consultant Joshua Altman. We had a great conversation about what it’s like to help businesses create a narrative and brand.
Coming up…
Kicking off season 8 guitarist/composer William Anderson talked about performing contemporary music (including working with Milton Babbitt and other luminaries), his work with the upcoming Village Trip Festival, and many other things. Please plan to take a few minutes and hang out with us.
In other news…
The aforementioned Village Trip Festival has some pre-festival events beginning Sept. 12. For all things Village Trip please click here.
Just out… Passages a new album of French cello music spanning three centuries by Louise Dubin and friends. I haven’t heard this yet but you just know I will. For additional info please click here.
This past summer the acclaimed Japanese guitar builder Masaki Sakurai passed away. The very next day I received a short piece that Stepan Rak composed in his memory. So I learned and recorded it. If you would like to listen just click here.
Here’s a link to a short piece by William Anderson called Genius Loci.
August 7, 2025
Summertime is slow. But it’s giving me time to make some changes to the podcast and blog. I’m learning some new techniques to add images and YouTube videos to the interviews in real time so the guests and I can discuss them while the audience watches. I’m still working out some of the bugs but it should be ready to roll by the start of season 8 in September. I expect to lengthen the interview time from 30 minutes to about 45 (ish) too. Several of the guests have expressed some disappointment that the interview is so short.
Thanks to all who help support this thing it’s starting to gain some momentum. As many of you know I’m always on the hunt for new guests. Recently, however, I’ve had people pitching me to be on the show. I’ve said yes to all, but I think that will change this season as I try to focus on people directly involved in the arts.
If I haven’t told you lately, I really appreciate you.
In case you missed it…
In my last interview I had a very nice and informative chat with veteran NYC talent agent Albert Bramante and got an inside peek of the business side of entertainment. If you were ever curious and wanted to look “under the hood” of an actor’s life now is your chance.
Coming up…
Joshua Altman is the founder and CEO of Beltway Media, a Washington DC based communication consulting firm. We had a great discussion about what than entails, how he got into the business, and the creativity he applies to his clients needs.
In other news…
The Village Trip Festival in New York City begins on September 12 and runs through the entire month. There are going to be some amazing events. You won’t want to miss them. For additional information and schedule please click here.
Detroit based violinist Hongyi Mo and pianist John Etsell are releasing their new CD “Metamorphoses” (on the Azica label) on August 15. This is music by F. Poulenc arranged by Mo and is not to be missed.
Composer Lee Kesselman got a glowing review from Fanfare magazine for the album “Would That Loving Were Enough” , a collection of his music.
True crime author Rod Sadler is all over the place on his book tour. Here’s a list:
I have a Patreon page where I offer new arrangements of music (mostly popular songs) for beginning and intermediate guitar and ukulele. I started this mostly for my students to have some fun music to play but it’s open to all of course. However I’ve recently expanded it to include much more sophisticated pieces. I just uploaded my arrangement of “Interlude” by E. Chausson for flute and guitar. It’s a hauntingly beautiful piece that I fell in love with a few months ago. You can listen to the midi recording for free and the sheet music is available for a small fee. Please click here.
July 16, 2025
Last night I watched Rick Beato on YouTube create a pop song using AI. He told it the style he wanted and the subject matter. In a matter of moments a fully formed song popped out (pun intended) that actually sounded pretty consistent with what I’ve heard recently. After another prompt AI also created a “picture” of the fictional artist. I personally find the whole thing disturbing, as did Beato. A week ago I heard an AI attempt to create a new work in a baroque style. It was awful but I’m afraid it won’t be long before it gets better.
I’m not sure where all of this is heading. I’m pretty sure I'm not going to like it. I hope that my humble podcast and this blog will work as a subtle speed bump by putting performers and creators and everyone else involved in the arts in the spotlight.
In case you missed it …
The distinguished and award-winning guitarist Adam Levin talked about the Kithara Project, teaching, touring, recording, and much more.
Coming up…
Albert Bramante, the founder and CEO of Bramante Artists in NYC talks about working with actors and his role in helping to make them successful. An honest and interesting look under the hood to see some of the engine that helps propel a successful acting career.
In other news…
The Cassatt String Quartet will be at the Seal Bay Festival July 27-Aug 6. For additional information please click here.
July 9, 2025
In case you missed it…
The award winning journalist, author, and educator Lucinda Davenport talks about journalism past, present, and future.
Coming up…
The distinguished and award-winning classical guitarist talks about the performing new compositions, chamber music, the future of the guitar and much more.
In other news…
Dr. Brad DeRoche will be hosting a two day seminar for guitarists that he calls his Guitar Academy. It’s an intensive study of guitar technique, sight-reading, memorization, and the art and science of practicing. This is on July 12 & 13 at the Daylight Studio in Midland, Michigan. For additional contact him directly at brderoch@delta.edu.
June 18, 2025
In case you missed it…
Veteran character actor talked about life as an actor in Hollywood. You’ve seen him as Kermit in “Shameless” and as a guest in many of your favorite TV shows. He pops up in various commercials from time to time too.
Coming up…
Award winning journalist, educator, and researcher Lucinda Davenport talks about the current state of journalism, teaching, and much more. She’s actually co-written 3 textbooks on journalism that are used in over 350 colleges internationally and was an early proponent of online journalism and education.
In other news…
Cambridge University has announced a new book by Edward Klorman. It’s an in-depth study of the Six Unaccompanied Cello Suites by J. S. Bach. Publication is scheduled for September 2025.
The Houston Symphony Bassoons premiered “Blocks” by Lee Kesselman at the Texas Music Festival on Tuesday June 10. It was a great success. Congratulations Lee!
June 11, 2025
I had planned to continue posting podcast episodes and blogs during the summer. That’s in contrast to previous years when I simply went on hiatus from June until September. However, it seems that things are much slower (I should have known…) so I won’t be on any kind of a schedule. I’ll post sporadically as I have content. I’m always on the lookout for guests so if you know anyone or if you’d like to make a return visit please let me know. Also if you are doing something that you would like others to know about please let me know and I’ll put it in the blog. The adage that “content is king” is painfully apparent at the moment. (Yeah I know…I need to quit whining and go outside.)
In case you missed it…
Guitarist/arranger Gregg Nestor has released 15 albums, published over 17,000 pages of music, and has spent several decades as a music proofreader in Hollywood. We talk about that, studio work, his creative process and much more.
Speaking of Hollywood…veteran character actor Jim Hoffmaster makes a return visit to talk about life as a working actor. You’ve seen him in “Shameless”, as a guest on many of your favorite shows, and in many commercials. Don’t miss it!
June 4, 2025
So summer is finally here. Schedules are shifting gears and events are transitioning from lots of concerts to lots of festivals. To composer and writer friends I hope you get a chance to get away from your work and enjoy the season. To my painter friends I hope you can go outside and be creative. Let me give you some advice from a very old man (not me, of course, I’m just passing it along). Relax and enjoy the moment. I’m sure your work will improve as a result.
In case you missed it…
Composer/flutist Sarah Bassingthwaighte talks about her new CD (released on May 20) “Orchestrating The Wild” that was recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra, her unique composing process, performing, teaching and much more. You can learn more and access her CD by going to her website.
Coming up…
Guitarist/arranger Gregg Nestor has published over 17,000 pages of music, recorded 15 albums and continues to arrange for guitar and chamber music. Please join us as he talks about working with Henry Mancini, various movie studios and much more..
In other news…
Pianist Karine Poghosyan will be performing an all Khachaturian program on June 10 at Carnegie Hall. For more information and tickets click here.
Composer/guitarist David Leisner will be performing In New Lebanon, NY on June 7. For program information and tickets please click here.
Composer Gerald Cohen’s new work “Adonai S’fatai Tiftach” will premiere on June 12 in White Plains, NY. For additional information please click here.
May 28, 2025
Memorial Day was this past Monday and it marks the unofficial start of summer. In past years I’ve taken the summer months off and resumed the podcast in September. However it came at a cost. People got out of the habit of listening or watching and it took a while to get my small (but important) audience back. So I’ve decided to continue producing through the summer, although I might miss a week or two. Many of you will be traveling this summer so I hope you will use that time to listen to additional episodes and perhaps introduce your friends to the podcast.
In case you missed it…
The extraordinary pianist Karine Poghosyan talked about her upcoming 10th appearance at Carnegie Hall, performing, touring, recording, and lots more.
Coming up…
The very talented, award winning composer and flutist Sarah Bassingthwaighte talks about the recently released CD of her music recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra, her creative process, performing, teaching, and much more.
In other news…
Pianist Min Kwon is performing on May 28, 2025 at Victoria Bond’s Cutting Edge Concert Series in NYC. For additional information and tickets click here.
Composer Gerald Cohen and librettist Deborah Brevoort were recently in a webinar discussing their opera “Steal A Pencil For Me”. It’s a fascinating discussion and is available on YouTube. If you would like to check it out just click here.
May 14, 2025
College is out in most places and commencement and graduation ceremonies are over. Many of the recent grads are now trying to figure out what they are going to do in the future without realizing that they’ve already used up a couple of weeks of it. It also means that the concert season is winding down and the summer festival season is nearly upon us. Outdoor art festivals, music festivals, and a variety of “concerts in the park”. Let me take this opportunity to encourage you to support and attend these various events. Trust me…you’ll feel good about yourself if you do and your life will be richer for it.
FYI - My little podcast and this blog is growing a bit but I’m under no illusion…it’s never going to be really big. (Now if I was a 14 year old girl giving out life advice I’d have many thousands of subscribers by next week…) Because I try my best to provide high quality content and not worry about big numbers I’ve decided to refer to this as a “boutique” podcast/blog. I don’t know if I’ve invented the term but I’m going to pretend that I did.
In case you missed it…
This weeks guest is Korean pianist Yekwon Sunwoo who won the gold medal at the 2017 Van Cliburn competition. We talked about how winning changed his life, touring, recording, and much more. Please join us.
Coming up…
My guest next week is the award winning pianist Kariné Poghosyan. We had a delightful chat about her upcoming concert at Carnegie Hall (June 9 for those in the NYC area), her use of online platforms for concerts and teaching, recording, touring and much more. You’re gonna love her.
In other news…
Victoria Bond’s “Cutting Edge Concerts” is presenting pianist Min Kwon performing selections from her “America/Beautiful” project on May 28 at Symphony Space. For more information and tickets please click here.
Baruch Performing Arts Center is finishing the season on a high note with classical accordionist Hanzhi Wang on May 19. For information and tickets please click here.
San Francisco’s Ear Play series concludes on May 19 with a premiere of Benjamin Sabey’s “Dream Suite” for sextet. For more information and tickets please click here.
May 7, 2025
As I see photos of college graduations occurring that involve past students or family members of current students I find myself reflecting on my years teaching at various colleges. It’s hard to believe that I stopped teaching at college and university a dozen or so years ago. Although I still teach a handful of private students, mostly children, I haven’t accepted a new student in years. This summer several of my students will be heading off to college and will no longer be taking lessons from me. It’s always bittersweet to see the kids grow up and move on.
I don’t know if I will ever fully retire from teaching. I’ve been doing it since 1968 and it’s very much a part of who I am. But as my students slowly grow up and move on my schedule gets increasingly smaller so I may not have a choice. Either way, I wish success and happiness to all of my former students as they begin to take their rightful place in society.
In case you missed it…
Polina Fradkina was this weeks guest. We talked about her concerts and lectures, her educational pursuits, and mixed discipline projects. A truly fascinating artist.
Coming up…
South Korean pianist Yekwon Sunwoo talks about his journey as an artist including winning the gold medal at the Van Cliburn competition in 2017. We also talk about touring and his upcoming appearances.
In other news…
The Mid-Michigan Classical Guitar Society presented our Spring Concert on May 4. The group is made up of professional guitarists and hobbyists. The first half of the evening was a potpourri of members playing solos, duets, and trios followed by the entire group (minus a few who couldn’t be there) playing music as a guitar orchestra. After a brief intermission our special guest Ryan Apple gave a marvelous concert of music by Carlo Domeniconi.
Composer Lee Kesselman has some new music that you can listen to on Soundcloud. You will enjoy spending time on his channel and listening.
Classical accordionist Hanzhi Wang is in concert at the Baruch Performing Arts Center in NYC on May 19. For more information and tickets click here.
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.
