In this episode, Tom sits down with conductor Lorenzo Lopez for a rich conversation that spans culture, music, and the surprising paths that shape an artist’s life. Calling in from Cleveland, Lorenzo shares his Honduran–Puerto Rican roots, growing up in a multicultural household, and how food, family, and community helped shape his identity. He talks about his time in Indianapolis while earning his master’s degree at Butler University, the city’s vibrant Latino presence, and how those experiences influenced his artistic journey. Lorenzo dives deep into the world of conducting—how he went from piano and French horn to discovering the “magic” of leading an orchestra, why ballet collaborations challenge and inspire him, and what it truly means to honor a composer’s intentions while still bringing your own voice to the podium. From the joys and struggles of live music in dance to the importance of experience, communication, and artistic conviction, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what a conductor actually does and why it matters. Tune in for an insightful, human, and inspiring look into the mind and passion of a modern conductor.

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