Mary Claire Murphy welcomes Josh Gindele of the Miro Quartet to Classical Conversations for a celebration of the holiday album Hearth, a rich and varied collection of traditional carols and holiday favorites in imaginative arrangements by 15 contemporary composers.

In his concept album, Mt. Mundane, composer Stephen Emmer invites us to leave the banal behind. He elaborates, in conversation with Mary Claire Murphy, on this collection of 15 adagios for piano, orchestra, and choir.

Master guitarist and educator Nicholas Goluses joins WGTE for a conversation about his album, "Across the Horizon." In addition to his formidable solo performing career, Nicholas Goluses is Professor of Guitar at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. https://goluses.com/ https://www.albanyrecords.com/catalog/troy1992/

Uruguayan-American composer and pianist Miguel del Aguila presents the album Torrential Raindance as a colorful showcase of lyrical themes blended with elements of his South American heritage. He overviews the five featured works of Torrential Raindance in this Classical Conversation with Mary Claire Murphy.

Violist Bill Neri speaks on his work at the Sphinx Organization and overviews the album American Mirror, recorded by the organization's self-conducted chamber orchestra and flagship performing ensemble, the Sphinx Virtuosi.

Violinist Anna Williams and pianist Eri Nakamura relay the latest with the Neave Trio, including a new album of French works for piano trio.

Cellist Tamar Sagiv makes her debut on Sono Luminus with a poignant reflection on personal loss, collective grief, and enduring hope.

Violinist Matthew Detrick introduces us to an array of new commissions by the Apollo Chamber Players for the album Ban: Stories of Censorship. https://www.apollochamberplayers.org/ban.html

With the release of the album Song of the Birds, mandolinist Avi Avital joins the Between Worlds Ensemble in a vibrant celebration of folk traditions from Italy, Iberia, and the Black Sea regions. Learn more at https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/artists/avi-avital/news/avi-avitals-song-of-the-birds-a-dialogue-between-folk-and-classical-music-275906

Violinist, composer and educator Austin Wulliman talks about his latest album (Escape Rites) of music written for - and inspired by - the Jack Quartet (of which Austin is a violinist). We hear about his career and music, the inspiration behind his titles and pieces, his John Cage obsession, and more!