Composer Maria Schneider’s most recent CD is Sky Blue (ArtistShare). Now Schneider has turned her attention to the classical world, composing music for soprano and orchestra. In this interview, Schneider talks about how a meeting with soprano Dawn Upshaw led to this new direction in her music; how she waded through oceans of poetry to find the text she wanted for her new pieces; and how a chance comment from a college professor led her to the world of jazz. Learn more at mariaschneider.com.

Tracks used in this episode: The Pretty Road; Aires de Lando; Rich’s Piece; How Are Things In Glocca Morra? (Bing Crosby); Sky Blue.