Laura talks with Reggie Smith, singer and life-advice giver extraordinaire. Covering everything from recital programming, song's profound ability to change our thoughts and the thoughts of those around us, and the rewards and challenges of living on the road, like Reggie says, there's "something for everyone". 

Notes

Reginald Smith, Jr.

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Laura talks with Matt Cahill about the importance of healing through music and that our artistic journeys should give both those making the art and those consuming the art new life and perspective. This is a good one if you're in need of some artistic TLC. 

Notes

Hogfish

ATSinging

Book: Coddling of the American Mind

Book: Pedagogy of the Oppressed

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Laura talks with Martha Guth and Erika Switzer of Sparks and Wiry Cries about the importance of song as a medium to connect people especially during a time when connection feels less available, leadership in the arts, and the ability to stay flexible in times of uncertainty. In addition to some sound advice about toe safety.

Notes

Sparks and Wiry Cries

Martha Guth

Erika Switzer

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In this episode, Laura and Sam recap the first season of Song Cycle and the fifth season of Cincinnati Song Initiative. While goofy and sometimes incoherent, Laura and Sam manage to discuss the important things: the successes and opportunities presented by the pandemic, the importance of story, and some favorite moments from the pod and the groundbreaking all-digital season. That's a wrap for season one, everybody. Thanks for listening and Song Cycle will be back for a second season, starting in September! 

Notes

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In this episode Laura talks with Will Liverman. Will is a baritone, a composer, and an arts advocate. This conversation solidifies the importance of storytelling, accepting that you have your own voice to tell your own stories, and recognizing that to bring about social change both in the music world and whole world at large requires deliberate action and intention. Will is engaging with the rich history of classical vocal music while blazing new trails for the future of our art form by connecting with and performing the music of underrepresented communities and their stories.

Notes

Will Liverman

Creating The Factotum

Dreams of a New Day

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In this episode, Laura talks with Kathy Kelly, a pianist, coach, conductor, writer, mentor, and arts leader. And, if that wasn't enough, Kathy is a fierce advocate for gender and racial equity in the musical world by fostering and creating music that will perpetuate and transform our musical world one collaboration at a time.

Notes

Kathleen Kelly

Kathleen Kelly - Instagram

Kathleen Kelly - Twitter

GDQ Arts

Melissa Dunphy - Video

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In this episode, Laura talks with bass-baritone Davóne Tines. Davóne is a multi-talented, many-faceted storyteller, communicator, arts leader and singer. In addition to preparing for his time singing in the Cincinnati May Festival, Davóne is innovating the performance realm of vocal music and changing lives along the way. Maybe have a tissue ready while listening to this episode: powerful stories await. 

Davóne Tines

Cincinnati May Festival

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In this episode, Laura talks with Linda McAlister, the executive director of Schmidt Vocal Arts, CSI board member, and arts leader and advocate. Covering everything from changing careers to presidential pardons to Amanda Gorman, Linda talks about her career as a performer in the US and in Europe and transitioning into her role in arts administration, and the importance of allowing yourself to be comfortable with change. She is a perfect example of, if you have a calling, it will find you and guide you where you need to be. Even if it's not where you thought you would end up.

Notes:

Schmidt Vocal Arts 

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In this episode, Laura and Sam talk with Karen Slack about... well, everything. This extraordinary artist shares her story about her life and career and gets real about the struggles within the industry, how to stay creative during a time when it feels almost impossible, and our hopes for the future. Especially during the pandemic, it's important to remember that real connection can happen even when we're not physically together, and this particular episode left me feeling more connected to the artists in my life than I have in a long time. This is one you won't want to miss. 

Notes

Karen Slack - Twitter

Karen Slack - Instagram

Kiki Konversations

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In this episode, Laura talks with JJ Penna, a phenomenal pianist, coach, and mentor. Talking with JJ is like getting a lesson in how to listen - both to other people and to music and its texts - which comes full circle when he gives his advice at the end of the episode. While every moment with JJ feels like it has its own profound importance, its especially that way when talking about the future and evolution of art song. 

Notes

Poet's Journey / Song Cycles of Benjamin Britten

New England Conservatory

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Cincinnati Song Initiative