We take a break from our chaotic world to listen to music from composers inspired by utopian visions from Ursula K. LeGuin, Thomas More, Plato, HG Wells, John Milton and Greek myth.
Shows
#283 Moments in this Time
Two exciting commissioning projects were a bright spot during this very dark year. They are Thomas Piercy's Moments in this Time and Los Angeles-based piano duo Hocket's #What2020SoundsLike. For each project composers were asked to write short pieces that represent an incredible array of styles and mental states as all navigate this difficult time. We … Continue reading #283 Moments in this Time
#282 Gloria Coates
The symphonies of Gloria Coates have been hailed as "the spirit of an expressionistic-apocalyptic-mystical world view" by German musicologist Ludwig Finscher. Over sixteen symphonies, Coates has created an indelible, absolutely unique and highly personal sound world. We talk with her and feature movements from symphonies 1, 4, 7 and 14.
#281 Composing in the Wilderness
Begun by composer Stephen Lias in 2012 Composing in the Wilderness is a "shared wilderness experience for adventurous composers at all levels." Participants spend two weeks in the wilds of Alaska drawing from that inspiration to write a new piece that will be performed at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival. Applications for 2021 close on … Continue reading #281 Composing in the Wilderness
#280 Clarice Assad
Clarice Assad is a highly acclaimed composer, pianist, singer and arranger renowned for her musical scope and versatility. A prolific Grammy nominated composer, Clarice Assad’s numerous commissions include works for Carnegie Hall, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Orquestra Sinfônica de São Paulo, Chicago Sinfonietta, San Jose Chamber Orchestra, the Boston Youth Orchestra, the … Continue reading #280 Clarice Assad
#279 The Expats
There are a variety of reasons that people decide to leave home for good and settle in another country. But according to the U.S. State Department there has been a veritable exodus lately with a 47% spike in expatriation in 2019 over 2014. We talk with four composers living abroad about their lives and music.
#278 Music of Hong Kong
This is a pivotal moment for Hong Kong as it fights for political autonomy and searches for a national identity. Hong Kong has long been a global hub for artists and musicians but the future is uncertain. We talk with Antony Dapiran, author of City on Fire: the Fight for Hong Kong, about the protest … Continue reading #278 Music of Hong Kong
#277 Musical Legacies: Jorge Luis Borges
The great Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges has had an enormous influence on artists, writers, philosophers and thinkers of all kinds, and composers are no exception. We spoke with renowned Borges scholar Daniel Balderston about the life and times of Borges and with composers Carla Kihlstedt, Diego Vega and Gheorghi Arnaoudov about how his work … Continue reading #277 Musical Legacies: Jorge Luis Borges
#276 Is This Nois?
New music releases have slowed to a trickle, it's true, but they haven't stopped entirely! Seth chats with four creative musicians and ensembles who have recently released wildly inventive new music including saxophone quartet Nois, Third Coast Percussion, Sunny Knable and Amy Wurtz. Music:Vaisseau Fantôme by Nikki HarlaftiApertures by Matthew Arrellin - Performed by NoisSongs … Continue reading #276 Is This Nois?
#275 Sound of Silent Film
Access Contemporary Music's popular Sound of Silent Film Festival features newly commissioned scores performed live to modern silent films. 2020 marks the 15th anniversary and they're celebrating with two ambitious programs presented virtually. Seth talks with several of the filmmakers and composers about their inspiration and process and plays selections of the scores. Find out … Continue reading #275 Sound of Silent Film