Hear & Now Live

     Prior to each Masterpiece Series performance, ticket holders for that performance can enhance their musical experience by attending Hear & Now Live, the lively and scintilating discussions about the evening's music and guest artist. These programs are led by noted by noted musicians and musicologist, and include members of the New West Symphony. The free, thirty-minute discussions take place in the concert halls one hour prior to the performances.

     William Toutant received his Ph.D. in music theory and composition from Michigan State University.  He joined the music faculty of California State University, Northridge in 1975.  Since then he has served not only as professor of music, but also as Administrator-in-Charge of the Department of Art--Three-Dimensional Media, The Department of Theatre and The Department of Art and as Acting General Manager of radio station KCSN.  He also served for thirteen years as Associate Dean of the College of Arts, Media, and Communication, for six years as Dean and for two years as Artistic Advisor to Academic Affairs.  His compositions have been performed in the US, Mexico, Nicaragua, France, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Spain and Romania. From 1994 through 1998 he was the American Executive Director of the Romanian-American Music Days Festival in Constanţa, Romania.  His music is available on compact discs released by North/South Recordings and Capstone Records.  For the past fifteen years he has been the writer and host of “The KCSN Opera House” heard every Sunday night at 8 p.m. over 88.5 FM and www.kcsn.org.