Reimagining an American classic

The Syrian Civil War has devastated more than lives, homes, and communities. With all that has been lost, Syrian-American composer Malek Jandali feels an imperative to preserve and share traditional Syrian music. On today's show, we'll hear a piece full of traditional Syrian styles and themes: the Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra by Malek Jandali.

In 2005, composer Lalo Schifrin created a series of tangos inspired by his childhood memories in Argentina. One of these tangos reflects the Pampas, the vast grasslands that stretch across central Argentina. Schifrin aimed to capture a feeling of quiet solitude, evoking a sense of infinity as if one were alone in an ocean of tall grass. Today, we will hear the all-star ensemble ‘Viva Tango!’ perform Pampas by Lalo Schifrin.

Nikolai Kapustin’s compositions are filled with joyful syncopations. Some listeners have referred to him as a jazz pianist; however, Kapustin stressed that he was a classically trained composer who simply loved jazz. Today’s show will feature Kapustin’s music at the intersection of classical and jazz.

Pianist Kathryn Stott and cellist Yo-Yo Ma have a new album, Merci, which will also be their last album together. Kathryn Stott is stepping away from performing to focus on teaching and spending time with her family. Stott and Ma recently spoke with Fred Child about how the two forged a partnership that has lasted more than 40 years. Today, we'll hear their conversation and sample a couple of tracks from their new and final album. 

In 2005, composer Lalo Schifrin created a series of tangos inspired by his childhood memories in Argentina. One of these tangos reflects the Pampas, the vast grasslands that stretch across central Argentina. Schifrin aimed to capture a feeling of quiet solitude, evoking a sense of infinity as if one were alone in an ocean of tall grass. Today, we will hear the all-star ensemble ‘Viva Tango!’ perform Pampas by Lalo Schifrin.

Melanie Bonis composed captivating music in Paris in the early 1900s, surprising even her contemporaries. Upon hearing her work, Camille Saint-Saëns exclaimed, "I never imagined a woman could write such music!" Thankfully, this attitude toward female composers is changing, allowing the music to speak for itself. On today’s show, we’ll hear a piano trio by Mel Bonis from a concert presented by the Manhattan School of Music.

Everyone responds differently to a particular musical work. A close friend of Jean Sibelius described his Symphony No. 2 as "the most broken-hearted protest against all the injustice that now threatens to deprive the sun of its light and our flowers of their scent." That was one person's interpretation. What's yours? On today's show, join us at a concert in Taipai to hear Sibelius's second symphony.

Erin Keefe is the concertmaster and the first violinist of the Minnesota Orchestra. She's fantastic in smaller ensemble settings as well. Today, we'll take you to La Jolla's Summerfest to hear Erin Keefe, Jay Campbell, and Joyce Yang play Fanny Mendelssohn's Piano Trio.

Conductor Cristian Macelaru says that Wynton Marsalis is the most important American composer… ever. He says, "No one has focused (as) much on showing America's history and identity in both classical and jazz." We'll hear the world premiere of a new piece by Wynton Marsalis on today’s episode.

Deborah Borda has helped orchestras and the classical ecosphere grow into the 21st century. She has served as the CEO of the New York Philharmonic, the LA Philharmonic, and several other orchestras. Borda approaches her work with an unwavering love of music, clear vision, and determination. On today’s show, our 2024 Classical Woman of the Year, Deborah Borda, joins Fred Child as co-host for a special hour.