Blog
Cinco de Mayo: The three types of Mexican music
Chances are you've celebrated Cinco de Mayo with tacos, cerveza, and Mexican music! It just sets the right atmosphere to pair Mariachi music with your margaritas. But Mariachi (which comes from the orchestra, by the way), is just a small part of Mexico's rich musical...
Musician Interview: What’s it like working with John Williams
In this exclusive interview, Michael Christie (New West Symphony Music Director) chats with Alyssa Park (Concertmaster of New West Symphony) and Andrew Bain (Principal Horn of the LA Phil) on what it's like working with John Williams, composer of incredible film music...
May the 4th be with you! Thank you John Williams!
On this special May the 4th, let's appreciate the genius of John Williams, whose Star Wars music never fails to excite. First, the bone-chilling Imperial March, conducted by Mr. Williams himself. [youtube]YMvcCfs8mf8[/youtube] Then, speaking of the Force/4th, "The...
Michael Christie Jukebox #14 – “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”
In this installment: Composers and songwriters throughout time have leaned heavily on the inspiration of others and created iconic reimagined versions. Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, 1st movement Walter Murphy: A Fifth of Beethoven J.S. Bach: Prelude in C Major, Well...
‘The Marriage of Figaro’ turns 244
May 1, 1786, The Marriage of Figaro opened at the Burgtheater in Vienna. Five encores were performed opening night, seven at the second performance. For the third performance, posters were drawn up notifying the public that "no piece for more than a single voice is to...
Michael Christie Jukebox #13
In this installment: Beloved performer for audience and fellow musicians alike, Olga Kern joins me for this special Jukebox Playlist and insightful interview segments. Don't miss her extended interview segment and the reveal of her favorite composer at the end of the...
Marcus Roberts Trio for International Jazz Day
One day a year we celebrate a type of music born in America. That's right, April 30 is International Jazz Day. Originating in African-American communities of New Orleans and expanding to all continents and peoples, jazz should be celebrated! What better to enjoy than...
Duke Ellington’s ‘Symphony in Black’
To honor jazz legend Duke Ellington on his birthday (April 29), let's take a look at a fascinating work of his: Symphony in Black. A 9-minute short, it was Billie Holiday's first appearance in film, and "one of the earliest cinematic explorations of African-American...
Higdon Percussion Symphony joins Library of Congress
At our January concert, Happy 250th, Beethoven, we enjoyed Jennifer Higdon's gorgeous piece Pale Yellow, performed by the Eroica Trio. In case you missed it, be sure you give it a listen below: [youtube]EwRyXvUs9cY[/youtube] New West Symphony sends our...
Michael Christie Jukebox #12
In this installment: Let's start the week with some of the most epic music from the last 400 years. We are spoiled for choice so that's why I'm calling this Epic 1! Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra Tallis: Spem in Alium Led Zeppelin: Stairway to Heaven" Mahler:...