Classical Conversations

Cellist Peter Gregson showcases his signature cello and synthesizer sound in his self-titled portrait album of nine modern songs without words. Learn more in this Classical Conversation, hosted by Mary Claire Murphy.

Composer and scholar Lei Liang speaks with Mary Claire Murphy on his album Dui, which he describes as “the ultimate tribute to the past and present bonds that have shaped [his] life.”

Supertrain Records has released Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s Symphony in F# in an archival piano recording by the composer himself and in a 1997 live concert performance by the Italian Swiss Radio Orchestra and Conductor John Mauceri. Maestro Mauceri and Leslie Korngold, the composer’s grandson, join Mary Claire Murphy for the backstory in this Classical Conversation.

Baritone Theo Hoffman implements a “pop bel canto” approach to his program of songs by Schubert and The Beatles, underscoring core similarities between the two in this Classical Conversation with Mary Claire Murphy.

Violinist María Dueñas explores capricious works by Nicolo Paganini and his successors, including Fritz Kreisler, Henryk Wieniawski, Jordi Cervello, and others. She surveys the album here in this Classical Conversation with Mary Claire Murphy.

In this Classical Conversation, Mary Claire Murphy asks composer Cliff Eidelman about the behind-the-scenes of his creative process for film scoring. Mr. Eidelman also comments on his concert discography, including a recent reinterpretation of his symphonic poem The Tempest.

WGTE's Mary Claire Murphy and Logan Cooney sit down with Rick Steves as he visits Toledo, Ohio on his "A Symphonic Journey" tour.

Dr. Chaerin Kim returns to FM 91 to talk about the European premiere of her signature work as a composer, Rendezvous, which she conducts in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31DEEYbgvdw. Dr. Kim shares her passion for music and answers questions about her musical philosophy and background. https://www.chaerinkim.com/blog/

The emerging Fourth Wall Ensemble, founded in 2023, has made a splash in its first year with a double album release, including Awake, with music by Samuel Siskind; and Ad Manus, with vocal selections by Caroline Shaw, Dietrich Buxtehude, Jeff Beal, Eric Whitacre, Morten Lauridsen, and Reena Esmail. Christopher Allen, the ensemble’s artistic and creative director, speaks with Mary Claire Murphy and highlights some of Fourth Wall Ensemble’s recent live performances, especially their appearance on the Death of Classical series that’s held in crypts and cemeteries in New York City.

Percussion guru Rob Desmond and Development guru (and percussionist) Dave Gierke talk with WGTE's Mary Claire Murphy and Brad Cresswell about the Steel Pan Band at Toledo School for the Arts, and the November 5th concert by "Paganini of the Steel Pan" Liam Teague.