Piedmont Arts

Karen Kamensek is the guest conductor for Charlotte Symphony (CSO) and leads a program with Sibelius' Symphony No. 2 and Shostakovich's Violin Concerto No. 1 featuring CSO concertmaster Calin Lupanu. Kamensek is in demand around the world as a guest conductor for both opera productions and symphonic concerts. Her recording of Philip Glass's Akhnaten with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus recently won the Grammy for Best Opera Recording. She talks about what she's learned from Philip Glass, what it's like to work with a brand-new orchestra, and how conducting operas and concerts are different. Pictured: Conductor Karen Kamensek by Denise Biffar.

After 35 years, Alan Black is retiring as principal cello of the Charlotte Symphony. Before he transitions to his new role as cello section player, he’ll be in the spotlight at the Charlotte Symphony’s “Music and Healing” concert at Queens University. He’ll be the soloist for the premiere of a work written for him by South Carolina composer Leonard Mark Lewis called “I Will Wade Out.” Black talks about his collaboration with Lewis. And he reflects on his long career in Charlotte explaining why this is a good time for him to pass the baton to new leadership in the cello section.

North Carolina Baroque Orchestra’s (NCBO) spring concert is called "Biber to Bach: Captivating Concertos for Strings." NCBO founders Frances Blaker and Barbara Blaker Krumdieck talk about the history of the orchestra and its special role in the musical life of the Charlotte region.

Joshua Gerson, guest conductor for a series of Charlotte Symphony concerts, talks about his work with youth orchestras as well as his approach to conducting an unfamiliar orchestra. He also shares why he’s interested in conducting new compositions.

Guest conductor Paolo Bortolameolli will lead the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) in Kabalevsky's Cello Concerto No. 1 , featuring cellist Christine Lamprea plus works by Corigliano and Gabriela Ortiz. Bortolameolli is a strong advocate for bringing new compositions and new audiences to classical music. He describes some of his novel approaches to this challenge. He also talks about the music on the program for the upcoming CSO concerts. Pictured: Paolo Bortolameolli photo by Michiko Tierney. Paolo Bortolameolli , conductor

The Ivalas Quartet took first place at the 2019 WDAV Young Chamber Musicians Competition. Since that time, they've been building a career for themselves focusing on their mission of “enhancing the classical music world with voices less known and sometimes unheard.” They spoke with WDAV about their love of chamber music and their joy in sharing classical music with young people and other audiences who are new to it.

Based in New York, the Harlem Quartet was founded in 2006 by The Sphinx Organization, a national non-profit devoted to building diversity in classical music and providing educational access for underserved communities. The quartet will perform in a local concert presented by Chamber Music Raleigh and WDAV . Harlem Quartet violinist Ilmar Gavilán talks about their mission to advance diversity in classical music by exploring new repertoire and reaching new audiences. Learn more about the Charlotte Masters: Harlem Quartet Concert Pictured: Ilmar Gavilán; credit Amy Schroeder

Black Violin brings their unique blend of classical and hip-hop to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte. The genre-defying duo of violinist Kev Marcus and violist Wil B. is known for its artistry and high energy performances. On this episode, Wil B. talks about breaking down cultural barriers through music and thinking about musical genres in a more fluid way. He also explains Black Violin's commitment to music education and providing opportunities for young people that allow them to explore their musical interests. Pictured: Wil B. from Black Violin; photo by Albert Manduca. Wil B. of Black Violin  

Charlotte Master Chorale brings back Considering Matthew Shepard, a “fusion oratorio” that examines the notorious 1998 hate crime that triggered a new era of activism. Acclaimed choral conductor Craig Hella Johnson talks about the work.

The Western Piedmont Symphony's next Masterworks concert on features baritone Sidney Outlaw who performs Wagner's "O You, My Fair Evening Star" and Mahler's "Songs of a Wayfarer". Hear Outlaw and Western Piedmont music director Matthew Troy chat about everything from Mahler's intent when he wrote "Songs of a Wayfarer" to the preparation necessary for performing such a work to their best practices as musicians for surviving the pandemic. Sidney Outlaw , baritone Matthew Troy , conductor