Composer's Studio

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From legendary educator at the Juilliard School to Professor of Composition and Music Theory at Vanderbilt University, Composer Samuel Zyman is one of the leading Mexican composers on the international scene today.  Known for his use of vigorous rhythmic energy and expressive lyricism, Dr. Zyman infuses the many styles that define his heritage.

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From big ideas to tiny details, join us this week on the Composer's Studio as we embark on a thought provoking discussion about music, life and how harmony relates to the corner of a room.  From rock guitar to pencil and manuscript, from the Aaron Copland School of Music to City University of New York, Edward Smaldone does everything with passion and commitment.

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On this special episode of Composer’s Studio, join Anna and guest host Shanan Estreicher for a fascinating dive into the music of our own Tarik Ghiradella. A master of what might be called minimalist maximalism, Ghiradella’s music undergoes astounding transformations from just a few tones-- mere molecules of sound into a dark, misty malediction, the hope of eternal life in another world, or even the love of a mother for her child. His music has been featured on the American Heroes Channel T.V. series Gunslingers and has composed for The American String Quartet, The Astoria Symphony, The Greensboro philharmonia and the Round rock symphony.  As a drummer, he has toured  Europe and North America and continues his work as a session drummer recording from his home studio. We are very lucky and proud to call him a collaborator and a friend.

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Puerto Rican-born composer and multi-instrumentalist Angélica Negrón’s music is deeply personal, reflecting a sensitive, playful nature that takes nothing for granted. Even the most mundane sounds--a stapler, a calculator, crumpling paper, pots and pans become beautiful in her sound sculptor’s able hands.  Her music has been described as “wistfully idiosyncratic and contemplative,” while The New York Times noted her “capacity to surprise.” Negrón has been commissioned by the Bang on a Can All-Stars, loadbang, MATA Festival, Brooklyn Youth Chorus, Sō Percussion, the American Composers Orchestra and the New York Botanical Garden, among others. We hope you enjoy her music as much as we did this week.

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Composer, performer, conductor, and educator Aaron Noë is a musical hero, for he writes music not only for himself or for professional performers, but for students just beginning their musical explorations. So many composers we have spoken with on this show had their first experience with music in a school band or choral program. In this episode of Composer’s Studio, Tarik and Anna celebrate the music of a composer who has dedicated his life and work to paving the way for others. 

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Composer and sound artist Jenny Olivia Johnson’s  work is a musical memoir, her multi-sensory synesthesia coloring everything she does. Her compositions and artwork range from electroacoustic chamber songs and contemplative solo works to short amplified operas and interactive sound and light sculptures. We can’t take you through one of her fascinating installations, but her music is a fascinating experience all on its own.

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Composer Anthony Constantino wonders, where do I fit in the larger picture? Why does the world need another quartet, another chamber work when so much great work has already been composed? The World already has Beethoven and Stravinsky, Bartok and Shostakovich. Did they not reach the pinnacle of what is possible in classical form? Thankfully, Anthony has figured out how to shut off his doubting mind. Constantino writes everything from chamber, vocal, and electroacoustic music to large scale orchestral works and shows us that there is still plenty of room for new music in the old forms. 

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Composer Peter Askim does it all. Active as a performing bassist, Conductor of the Raleigh Civic Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, Director of Orchestral Studies at North Carolina State University, he is also founder and Artistic Director of The Next Festival of Emerging Artists, fostering and mentoring young composers and performers.  A few months ago,  Peter Askim added ‘Dad’ to his distinguished list of titles. It wasn’t easy for us to get this interview, but it was well worth the wait.  Peter is not only a master of his Art, he is a warm and delightful human being. 

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Anna and Tarik close out the Composer's Studio first season with a holiday special of Sacred Choral works.

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Join Tarik and Anna for a deep conversation with Anthony R. Green, American composer, pianist, and social justice artist, whose solo and collaborative work have been presented in over 25 countries. A passionate activist as well as a composer, Anthony is co-founder and Associate Artistic Director of Castle of our Skins, a concert and educational series dedicated to celebrating Black artistry through music. He is currently a fellow at the Berlin University of the Arts. 

From the composer:

Composer, performer, and social justice artist Anthony R. Green (he/him) has had projects realized in over 25 countries, working with some of today's most ambitious soloists and ensembles, including Julian Otis and Veronica Williams (voice), Ashleigh Gordon (viola), Meraki, and the String Archestra (Berlin), to name a few. He is a former McKnight Visiting Composer, a past fellow at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, and associate director of Castle of our Skins: celebrating Black Artistry through Music. www.anthonyrgreen.com