Michael Stephen Brown is both a fantastic pianist and composer, and in this episode you’ll be hearing some excerpts from his upcoming album Twelve Blocks, which is a very personal project for him of chamber music and solo piano pieces. You’ll hear the stories and personal connections with each of these works that he’s composed. He shared his experiences at several inspiring arts residencies including living in Aaron Copland’s house unplugged from the internet, his close friendship with the late Shirley Perle, and his research into Felix Mendelssohn’s relationship with Delphine von Schauroth and her compositions. We talked about the importance of removing the stigma from getting therapy and providing more affordable access to mental health support to those in the performing arts through his support of Creative Care. and his longstanding collaboration with cellist and comedian Nick Canellakis; you’ll also be hearing a clip of one of their performances. At the core of this interview are Michael’s broad interests and how he reflects his curiosity and love of storytelling in his creative work. There’s lots more to this in-depth episode, and all the music you’ll be hearing is composed by Michael; have a look at the show notes for all the links.

Photo: Sofian Kahn

(00:00) Intro

(02:31)learning composition and piano from age of 5, teachers Rothgarber, Julliard, Lowenthal, Adler

(06:16) 12 Blocks with clip, Ursula Oppens, Jerome Lowenthal

(08:32) more previews of 12 Blocks with clips, Osmo Vänskä, Erin Keefe, Yaddo residency, Lake Alan, Love’s Lives Lost, Susanna Phillips, SPA trio, Paul Neubauer

(18:35) inspiration from poetry and personal relationships, clip Breakup Etude for Right Hand Alone

(21:45) McDowell artist retreat, Carnival of Endangered Wonders

(29:23) Andràs Schiff mentorship

(31:05) Delphine von Schauroth and Felix Mendelssohn

(34:55) other linked episodes and how to support this series

(35:50) Aaron Copland residency