Contemporary Classical Music Podcast
The country's largest chamber music conference was back this year after a three-year hiatus and Relevant Tones was there. One of the highlights of the conference was two days of incredible ensemble showcases at Drom in lower Manhattan. We feature audio recorded live at these showcases from Shouthouse, Interwoven, the Beo String Quartet and the … Continue reading #366 Chamber Music America Showcases
Clarinetist Thomas Piercy's Tokyo to New York project presents masterpieces from 20th century Japanese avant-garde composers alongside newly commissioned works from New York City composers of today. The result is a fascinating collision of musical worlds. All of the music featured was performed live in a recent concert at the Martha Graham Dance Studio in … Continue reading #364 Tokyo to New York
It's that time again! Here are our very favorite albums from 2022 chosen by Relevant Tones hosts Austin Williams, Matthew Dosland, Stephen Anthony Rawson and Seth Boustead. FEATURED ALBUMS Pripyat by Marina Herlop A Thousand Butterflies by Aftab Darvishi Ghost Song by Cécile McLorin Salvant Evergreen by Caroline Shaw and the Attaca Quartet What is … Continue reading #363 Best Albums of 2022
Welcome to part two of our series with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and their work with the Lakota Music Project. Today’s episode will largely be about traditional Lakota vocal techniques and incorporating it in the context of the symphony orchestra. Jared Tate is a native Chickasaw composer and pianist who approached David Gier about doing a … Continue reading #362 Lakota Music Project Part 2
Relevant Tones has the honor and privilege to present this two part series on the music from South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and their Lakota Music Project. This project is a powerful collaboration between native Lakota music and the symphony orchestra. Joined on the interview is Music Director Delta David Gier and special soloist Bryan Akipa. … Continue reading #361 Lakota Music Project Part 1
For over a century, Japanese mandolin orchestras and clubs have been performing and commissioning music, broadening the instrument’s repertoire and genres with diverse artistic voices. Join host Stephen Anthony Rawson as we listen to a sample of music by Yasuo Kuwahara, Takashi Yoshimatsu, Yoshinao Kobayashi, and more!
Sandbox percussion partners up with Composer/Performer Matt McBane on an 8-movement virtuosic underwater adventure. Drawing on classical minimalism, electronic production, ASMR Youtube videos, and the diverse landscape of ambient modular synth music, Bathymetry features McBane’s Moog synth with Sandbox Percussion on a mix of found instruments (mixing bowls, ping pong balls, glass bottles, etc.), orchestral percussion (vibraphone, tam tam, etc.), and … Continue reading #358 Matt Mcbane’s Bathymetry with sandbox percussion
We celebrate the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos with music written in homage to those who are no longer with us. MUSIC Day of the Dead (excerpt) by Sandunes and Kyla-Rose Smith Conga Line in Hell by Miguel del Aguila For Madeline by Michael Gordon Remembering Aaron from Four Lauds by Elliot Carter … Continue reading #357 Día de los Muertos
Golden Hornet's String Quartet Smackdown is a unique event in which a professional string quartet performs music by sixteen finalists letting the audience decide who will advance to the next round and who will ultimately be the Champion of Smackdown. Submissions are now open for String Quartet Smackdown VIII through December 1st! More info at … Continue reading #356 String Quartet Smackdown
Access Contemporary Music's latest album features music commissioned as part of their innovative project Composer Alive. Each piece was composed in short installments and rehearsed and recorded in real time as they were received. Host Seth Boustead features a sample of this fascinating music. MUSIC Sunshowers by Jane O'Leary (mvmts 1 and 2) De Ánimos … Continue reading #352 Composer Alive Album Release