Contemporary Classical Music Podcast
Kaija Saariaho was a force to be reckoned with in the new classical music world: an innovator in so many ways while maintaining the highest musical integrity. From her early work at IRCAM to her operas and the many works she wrote for ensembles large and small, Saariaho developed a distinctly individual voice that was … Continue reading #383 In Memorium: Kaija Saariaho
Since 2004 New Focus Recordings has put out dozens of wildly creative albums by some of the most interesting figures in contemporary classical music every year. We talk with founder Daniel Lippel and feature a small sample of their incredible catalog in the first of a two-part series. MUSIC Shard by Elliot Carter - Performed … Continue reading #294 New Focus Recordings Part I
Virtuosic violinist Jennifer Koh is known for her commanding performances and technical assurance. Although she performs Tchaikovsky and Bach she’s interested in finding the connection between the arts and music of all eras from traditional to now. Jennifer Koh tells us about some of the 60 works that have been written especially for her including … Continue reading #265 Jennifer Koh
We had the distinct pleasure of attending two recent opera premieres, the World Premiere of Heresy in Dublin by Roger Doyle and the Met’s premiere of L’Amour de Loin by acclaimed composer Kaija Saariaho. Both operas explore universal themes in strikingly different ways, from Doyle’s setting of the infamous heresy trial of Giordano Bruno, to Saariaho’s mythic setting of idealized love. We’ll … Continue reading #216 Love and Heresy
Known just as much for its idyllic setting as its commitment to commissioning exciting works from big name composers, the Santa Fe Opera Festival has been the scene for some landmark developments in modern opera. We’ll feature the premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s Cold Mountain as well as three other fascinating Santa Fe opera commissions. Hosted … Continue reading #166 Santa Fe Opera
Large-scale sacred works might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of contemporary music, but a number of important composers are creating expansive works inspired by their concept of a higher power. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Jesse McQuarters John Adams: When Herod Heard fr. El Niño Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin/Nagano; … Continue reading #127 Modern Oratorio
The latest installment of In the Field brings us to a country that has exported a dizzying list of big name composers and conductors in the last couple of decades: Finland. We’ll talk with established composers and rising stars about their music and the lasting influence of the Sibelius Academy. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by … Continue reading #112 In the Field: Finland Part 1