The Muse in Music

In this episode of The Muse in Music, I welcome Robert Kahn, Music Director of the Great Falls Symphony and Assistant Conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, for an engaging conversation about the art of conducting and inspiring musicians and audiences. We explore his musical influences, his approach to programming, and the growing connections between living composers, orchestras, and audiences. Robert shares his experiences with innovative programming, community engagement, and creative collaborations that enrich the concert experience. We also discuss the vital role conductors play in championing new music and the exciting possibilities for the future of orchestral music.

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In this episode of The Muse in Music, I talk with Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Music Director Aram Demirjian about the music and people who inspire his work. We discuss bringing orchestral music into the community, building trust with audiences, and making new music an exciting act of discovery. Aram also shares his passion for American music and his thoughts on the evolving partnership between conductors and composers.

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In this episode of The Muse in Music, I speak with conductor Brian Dollinger about the joy of helping musicians perform beyond what they thought possible. He discusses his love of musical storytelling, his preference for accessible contemporary music, and the ways conductors can prepare audiences to embrace unfamiliar works. We also explore the practical considerations that help new orchestral music receive more performances, from manageable instrumentation to clear notation. Finally, Brian emphasizes the importance of genuine collaboration between conductors and living composers in bringing a composer’s vision fully to life.

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In this episode of The Muse in Music, I speak with conductor Anthony LaGruth. He reflects on how his early life as a trumpeter and aspiring composer led him toward conducting and toward the collaborative act of turning notation into living music. He discusses enduring inspiration from composers such as Mahler, Shostakovich, and Tchaikovsky, while making a strong case for conductors’ close, practical collaboration with living composers. LaGruth also considers how programming, accessible audience communication, and emotionally communicative new music can invite listeners more deeply into orchestral life. Ultimately, he argues for the irreplaceable power of live performance as a shared communal experience.

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In this episode of The Muse in Music, I speak with Grammy-winning conductor James Blachly, Music Director of the Johnstown Symphony and Artistic Director of New York City's Experiential Orchestra, about the profound experiences that inspire his work. James shares his philosophy of conducting as an act of service, explores how orchestras can build meaningful relationships with audiences through innovative programming, and discusses his passion for championing living composers. We also delve into the mission of the Experiential Orchestra, whose immersive performances challenge traditional concert conventions and invite audiences into the very heart of the music-making process. Along the way, James offers thoughtful perspectives on collaborations between conductors and composers, cultivating trust with audiences, and creating concert experiences that are welcoming, transformative, and unforgettable.

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Please join me as I talk with Charles Latshaw, Music Director of the Grand Junction Symphony and Flagstaff Symphony, about what inspires him as a musician and his approach to conducting. We discuss the challenges of conducting, his continuous learning, and the importance of score study. Charles highlights some of his favorite composers, Brahms and Ravel, and their contrasting styles. He also emphasizes the need for contemporary composers to show emotional courage and make clear statements in their music. We also discuss the challenges of programming, balancing old and new music, and the importance of making new music accessible and appealing to audiences. 

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In this episode, I talk with Nick Palmer, Music Director of the Altoona Symphony and North Charleston POPS!, and conductor of the Evenings Under the Stars Music Festival, about the passion that drives his work as a conductor. We discuss the unique excitement of live performance, the importance of connecting with audiences, and his perspective on building relationships between composers, performers, and listeners.  Nick also shares insights from his background as a composition major, reflects on collaborations with composers, and discusses how organizations can champion new music through initiatives such as composer-in-residence programs and social media outreach. Please join us!

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Please join me as I talk with Tito Muñoz, former music director of the Phoenix Symphony and interim principal conductor of the Cleveland Institute of Music orchestra, as he discusses his journey from violinist to conductor, driven by his interest in leadership and fascination with the conductor's role. He emphasizes the importance of genuine, authentic expression in compositions, whether historical or contemporary.   He also highlights the significance of personal relationships and recommendations in programming living composers. 

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Please join me as I talk with Dirk Meyer, Music Director of the Augusta Symphony, Duluth Superior Symphony, and Lyric Opera of the North, as he discusses his passion for conducting, emphasizing the continuous learning and the unique connection with musicians and audiences. He particularly admires late Romantic and Early Modern music, citing composers like Mahler and Strauss. Dirk also appreciates contemporary composers Thomas Adès and Arvo Pärt. He highlights the importance of tailoring programming to different audiences, balancing new music with audience preferences, and building trust through effective communication and preparation. He stresses the need for conductors to be knowledgeable and adaptable to diverse community tastes.

www.dirkmeyer.com

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Please join me as I talk with Robert Moody, Music Director of the Memphis Symphony, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, and Arizona MusicFest, as he discusses his passion for conducting, inspired by a childhood experience with the Chicago Symphony.  He emphasizes the importance of diversity in music, citing influences from Mahler to contemporary composers such as Mason Bates.  Moody highlights the need for orchestras to balance tradition with innovation, advocating for authenticity and cross-cultural influences.  He stresses the communal experience of live music and the importance of programming that engages both audiences and musicians.  Check it out below!

www.robertmoodymusic.com

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