Trying to fail: speech and string bass

Trying to fail: speech and string bass

Apr 14, 2020 | All Posts

Playing an instrument and singing at the same time can be challenging, but how about playing and talking? In Failing: A Very Difficult Piece for Solo String Bass, Tom Johnson devised a wickedly fun challenge. The performer is supposed to play string bass and...
Whitacre’s ‘golden brick’ and audience breathing

Whitacre’s ‘golden brick’ and audience breathing

Apr 13, 2020 | All Posts

World-renown choral composer Eric Whitacre finds inspiration in what he calls the “golden brick.” In an interview with Classic FM, Whitacre finds deep emotion in seemingly simple groups of notes that lays the foundation for an entire piece. Watch as he...
Michael Christie Jukebox #6

Michael Christie Jukebox #6

Apr 13, 2020 | All Posts, Michael Christie's Jukebox

Jukebox #6 In this installment: Terracentric – Rodigro y Gabriela Witness Tree – Rodrigo y Gabriela Bernstein – Symphonic Dances from West Side Story Stars – Les Misérables (Original London Cast recording) Bring Him Home – Les...
Michael Christie Jukebox #6

Michael Christie Jukebox #5

Apr 9, 2020 | All Posts, Michael Christie's Jukebox

In this installment: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons (Spring), Julia Fischer Dvořák – Rusalka, Gabriela Beňačková Tosti – Aprile, Elly Ameling Britten – Four Sea Interuldes from Peter Grimes Van Morrison – Moondance Neko Case – I Wish I...
The Specter of the Stage

The Specter of the Stage

Apr 8, 2020 | All Posts

by Stephanie Wilson, Deputy Director, New West SymphonyTheatres are very superstitious places. The drama and music in theatres is only the accompaniment to the tradition and lore that thrive anyplace where there’s a stage. This is about the ghost light. In the 1800’s,...