Keep in touch with upcoming musical events as local, regional, national, and international musicians and artists visit the Classic FM studios. Interviews and live performances inform and entertain you! Follow WCNY on Facebook and Twitter to learn of upcoming Live at WCNY Radio Events, with host Diane Jones.
Live at WCNY – On the Radio!
Diane Jones Diane Jones is your mid-day host weekdays from 10 am to 2 pm. An active composer, she has received commissions from nationally and internationally-recognized musicians and ensembles, as well as completing 5 residencies in Syracuse area schools, introducing young musicians to composition. Diane performs regularly with Samba Laranja, the Central New York Flute Choir, and the 315 Ensemble. Her music has been featured on two SAMMY-award winning CDs. Follow Diane on Twitter (@ComposerJones) and Facebook (PetDragonMusic) for more about her programming and her music.
Flutist Linda Chesis Founder/Artistic Director – Cooperstown Summer Music Festival
The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival season finale is coming up this weekend! Festival founder and artistic director Linda Chesis spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the festival and bringing these artists to the area. Not to mention – the festival celebrates its 25th season next year! Linda has invited listeners to let her know what they’d like to hear in the coming anniversary season – perhaps a returning artist, or a program theme that you’d love to hear.
Find out about the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival here.
And send your ideas for next year’s festival to info@CooperstownMusicFest.org.
The Juilliard String Quartet is opening the new season for the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music – their 25th appearance with that organization! Program director Travis Newton stopped into the studios to chat with us about the upcoming season and the return to in-person concerts. He also gave us some insight into what it takes to plan a season of chamber music!
More about the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music is available here.
Caroline Sheridan Artistic Director – Syracuse City Ballet
The new season with Syracuse City Ballet kicks off this weekend with their production of Stravinsky’s “The Firebird.” Artistic Director Caroline Sheridan stopped into the studios to talk about the production, and other exciting things in store for the ballet. She also shared her journey as she pursued her lifelong goal of choreographing and artistic direction.
Information about the Syracuse City Ballet can be found here.
The Skaneateles Library Guitar Series opens the new season this weekend with a performance from guitarist Ken Meyer. Ken stopped into the Classic FM studio to talk about this weekend’s concert, his background in rock, and give us some insights into composing for guitar. And he treated us to a bit of music along the way.
More about the Skaneateles Library concert series is available here.
Charles Gounod By Bayard Bertall – Bibliothèque nationale de France, département Musique, PD-US
Coming in November – a concert presentation of Charles Gounod’s “St. Cecilia’s Mass” with soloists Dominick Corbaccio, Julia Ebner, and David Rudari. Megan Fallon and Dominick Corbaccio stopped into the Classic FM studios to talk about the concert, and how to become part of the performance. They are hoping to have 100 choir members – so listen now to learn more! (And keep in mind – rehearsals start on Sunday, 9/25!)
You can e-mail Megan Fallon for more information on rehearsals and this performance here: mfallon@StanleyLawOffices.com.
The new season of Keyboard Conversations is coming to Utica this weekend! Jeffrey Siegel, creator of Keyboard Conversations, spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about this weekend’s concert of “American Pianistic Treasures.” He gave us a glimpse into the music and stories he’ll be sharing. He also was kind enough to present our Number 1 on the Listener Favorite countdown, and introduce his own recording of the work!
Kumara Music (L-R: Sean Harkness, Shem Gibboury, Samite) photo by M.Barletta
Kumara Music presents “heart-centered music” in a concert coming up this weekend. This trio of talented musicians stopped into the Classic FM studios to talk about the concert, and the philosophy behind their trio and how they are working to help with healing through music. We also enjoyed a sample of some of the music they’ll be performing and including on their debut album.
Coming up this Sunday, pianists Ida Tili-Trebicka and Tina Toglia will be performing a concert of “Trailblazing Women,” music for piano four-hands by women composers of the past 4 centuries. Ida and Tina stopped into the Classic FM studios to talk about the concert, and to share just a taste of the works they have in store.
You can learn more about the concert here, or by calling the parish office at (315) 655-9063.
The Imani Winds open the 2022 Cooperstown Summer Music Festival
After a 2-year hiatus, the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival is back! Founder and Artistic Director Linda Chesis spoke to us about the return of the festival, and the excitement of live performance. And all of the artists originally scheduled for last year’s festival are back this year, so no need to miss a minute!
You can learn more about the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival here.
Pianist Aaron Wunsch (L) and cellist Julia Bruskin, Co-Artistic Directors of the Skaneateles Festival
The Skaneateles Festival is poised for a great season, and the concerts and special programs are exciting! Festival co-artistic directors Aaron Wunsch & Julia Bruskin once again came to the studios to give us a preview of the season, and share some past performances from artists who have come back to the lake once again!
All the details about the Skaneateles Festival, including the musicians, special programs and gatherings, can be found here.
Schola Cantorum of Syracuse hosts an early music workshop every summer, which concludes with a concert from the participants open to the public. After a 2-year hiatus, the workshop has resumed, and we had workshop director Dr. Kristina Boerger and Schola Cantorum founder and artistic director Barry Torres chat with us about this year’s concert.
The Syracuse Chamber Orchestra is wrapping up it’s inaugural season with a “Mostly Mozart” concert. Founder and music director Victor Vallo came into the studios to talk about this concert, and the talented musicians that play in the ensemble.
Information about the Syracuse Chamber Orchestra can be found here.
It was an absolute blast to talk to Fred Grandy and Richard Barth today. They are the stars of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” coming up over the next two weekends at The Redhouse. We talked about the show, and their journeys into the arts. They even gave some advice for aspiring young artists.
What an amazing afternoon! We had six outstanding young musicians in the studio to give us a preview of this weekend’s CMM concert. This is the annual showcase of Central New York talent presented by Civic Morning Musicals, and it is a marvelous event.
Information about Civic Morning Musicals is available here.
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is preparing for it’s final concert of the season – opening with a newly commissioned work! We spoke to composer Seth Grosshandler, as well as guest artist clarinetist Michael Wayne, about the concert and the incredible music and talent of the orchestra.
More about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is available here.
The Geneva Music Festival is happening right now! Festival founder and director Geoffrey Herd, along with festival regulars Jinjoo Cho, violin, Eric Wong, viola, and Max Geissler, cello, joined in the conversation about the festival, the joy of coming together to create live music, and the friendships that carry through all that they do.
All the details about the Geneva Music Festival (going on through June 12th) can be found here.
The 315 Ensemble continues it’s season with “Strains in the Signals,” a concert of new electro-acoustic works from composers based in Central New York as well as abroad. Founder and Artistic Director Chris Cresswell stopped into the studios to talk about the concert, the history of the ensemble, and share some insight into listening – hint: you don’t need to be an expert!
The Clinton Symphony Orchestra presents “Lyrical Masterpieces” this weekend, and we were excited to chat with Maestro Octavio Mas-Arocas and guest violinist Yvonne Lam about the concert. Not only did we chat about the music, we spoke about the importance of performances for young audiences, and the connections the musicians and audiences feel.
Information about the Clinton Symphony Orchestra of the Mohawk Valley is available here.
The Syracuse chapter of the American Guild of Organists is hosting a recital for the dedication of the newly restored E.M. Skinner Organ, Op. 579 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Organist Colin MacKnight and restoration expert Ben Merchant of Kerner & Merchant Pipeorgan Builders stopped into the studios to chat about the recital, the music that best fits the organ and the space, and what it takes to do a restoration like this.
Chelsea Opera – Cast of “The Parting” by Tom Cipullo
Chelsea Opera is preparing the New York premiere of “The Parting,” by Tom Cipullo. We were treated not only to conversation, but wonderful performances from the cast. Joining us in the studios were: Leonarda Priore, founder of Chelsea Opera; Jestin Pieper, assistant conductor for the production, and the cast: Peter Kendall Clark (“Miklos Radnoti”); Laura Dixon Strickling (“Fanni Garamati” – a role written specifically for her); and Sarah Hertzel (“Death”). We talked about this moving opera, and listened to these incredible singers.
Symphoria’s Pops series finale is coming up this weekend, with special guests The Doo Wop Project. It promises to be an exciting program, and we had a chance to chat with Pam Murchison, Executive Director with Symphoria, about the concert, the rest of the season, and the incredible musicians here in the heart of our community.
Civic Morning Musicals present pianist Jacob Ertl with “The Pianist Speaks.” It’s a program that explores “music as a vehicle for social justice, change, and the spiritual journey within.” Jacob stopped into the studios to talk about the program, what inspired it, and how it all came together.
The Civic Morning Musicals website is available here.
You can find out more about Jacob Ertl at his website.
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra of Ithaca (Chamber Concert Series)
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra presents orchestral and chamber concerts throughout their season. Cellist Elizabeth Simkin spoke to host Bruce Paulsen about the upcoming string chamber music concert, with music by Shostakovich and Mendelssohn, and how playing in small ensembles is reflected in the orchestral performances.
You can find the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra website here.
Schola Cantorum of Syracuse is presenting a program of Easter and Pentecost music from Byrd to Bach this week. Barry Torres, Artistic Director of Schola Cantorum spoke to us about the program and the exciting experience the ensemble has in store for the audience.
Learn more about Schola Cantorum of Syracuse here.
This weekend, the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music host the Vonsattel String Quartet. Violinist Sarah Crocker Vonsattel spoke to host Bruce Paulsen to tell us more about what’s in store for this concert.
Information about the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music is available here.
Next week the Silverwood Clarinet Choir is the featured performer for Civic Morning Musicals “First Mondays” concert series. Kathy Freer, Artistic Director and founder of the Silverwood Clarinet Choir, along with manager Ken Freer, stopped into the studios to talk about this concert with music spanning 400 years. The choir will also welcome guest conductor and soloist Allan Kolsky from Symphoria.
More about Civic Morning Musicals can be found here.
And the Silverwood Clarinet Choir website is here.
Syracuse Opera and Tri-Cities Opera are joining forces for the upcoming production of Rossini’s “Cinderella.” Christian Capocaccia and John Rozzoni stopped into the Classic FM studios to talk about the production, and about the incredible benefits of their new collaboration.
Coming up this weekend a program of “Great String Trios and Duos,” part of the Sunday’s Live! series with Civic Morning Musicals. Cellist Gregory Wood stopped into the Classic FM studios to talk about the program, and about his collaboration with violinist Jeeyoung Park and violist William Fort-Smith. And we took a listen to just some of the music on the program.
More about Civic Morning Musicals can be found here.
Civic Morning Musicals presents a new concert series, First Mondays, with great performances on the first Monday of every month. Coming up next week, a performance from Samba Laranja, the S.U. Brazilian Ensemble. Co-director of the ensemble, Dr. Elisa Dekaney, came to the Classic FM studios to talk about the concert, the music, and a bit of the culture of Brazil. It’s sure to be an exciting concert from these talented young musicians.
More about Civic Morning Musicals can be found here.
And all the latest about Samba Laranja is on their Facebook page.
Martha Grener, flute and Rob Bridge, percussion are giving a concert at OCC on Wednesday evening. The concert wraps up a day of workshops for the OCC Flute and Percussion Day. Martha stopped into the Classic FM studios to tell us about the concert, the pairing of flute with percussion, and give us some insight into just what happens during a MasterClass.
More about Music at SUNY OCC is available on their Facebook page.
The Syracuse Vocal Ensemble is preparing for “Shakespeare and Love,” a concert featuring works composed on texts by Shakespeare, along with performances of sonnets and scenes with guest artists, Mark Cole and Robin Curtis. Julie Pretzat, Artistic Director of the ensemble, stopped into the studios to tell us more about the concert, and the fun they have had in putting it all together. She also gave us a hint about what’s in store for next season!
Countertenor Reginald Mobley is in Central New York for two performances with NYS Baroque this weekend. He took a short break from rehearsal to chat about the concert, and told us the amazing background of composer Ignatius Sancho, a former slave who became a composer and the first black person to vote in Parlimentary elections. We also learned how Reggie made the change from aspiring painter to Grammy-nominated singer.
The Euclid Quartet is coming to Utica this weekend, for the next concert with the Chamber Music Society of Utica. Violinist Jameson Cooper took a bit of time as the quartet was travelling to chat with us about the concert, and the joys of pairing familiar and new works on the same program.
Jameson has shared some additional information about the Paterson string quartet they will be performing, which you can see here.
More from the Chamber Music Society of Utica can be found here.
And information about the Euclid Quartet is available here.
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is presenting a “Celebration of Song” this weekend, with two very special guests. Soprano Lucy Fitz Gibbon and guest conductor Kirk Trevor spoke to us about the concert, the joys of live music, and the wonderful arrangement of the Mahler Symphony 4 for chamber orchestra.
More about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is available here.
Lucy Fitz Gibbon’s website is here, and Kirk Trevor’s is available here.
Peppie Calvar’s Mass of Reconciliation is coming to Hendricks Chapel on the SU campus this week as part of the Music & Message series and the Malmgren Concert series. Peppie stopped into the studios to talk about this high-energy mass blending jazz and funk styles, and about the resilience and commitment of the remarkable students who are a part of the performance.
Information about concerts at Hendricks Chapel is available here.
The Frisson Ensemble is coming to Syracuse this weekend! The Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music season continues, and Tom Gallant, Artistic Director of the Frisson Ensemble, spoke to us about the program they have in store. He also gave us some insight into the flexible nature of the ensemble, and just where the name “Frisson” originated.
Information about the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music available here.
Syracuse City Ballet is presenting the final performance of this season, “Romantic, Classical and Modern” over the next three weekends in their own studios. Artistic Director Aldo Santiago stopped by the studios to give us some insight into the works, having an audience right in the studio space, and what it takes to become part of the corps of dancers.
Information about Syracuse City Ballet is available here.
Ted Lange comes to Syracuse! Ted is the director of “Fences,” the play by August Wilson, opening at The Red House this weekend. He spoke to host Bruce Paulsen about the play, the importance of this work, and shared a bit of his life in the theater – including his studies at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.
More about “Fences” and The Red House Arts Center here.
Schola Cantorum of Syracuse presents “Infelix ego,” several settings of Savonarola’s Psalm 50. Music Director Barry Torres spoke to Diane Jones about the concert and these incredible settings. He also gave us some insight into the wonderful musicians in this ensemble.
Pianist Jon Nakamatsu, guest artist with Symphoria
Jon Nakamatsu is the guest artist this weekend with Symphoria. Jon gave us some insight into the Piano Concerto in G from Maurice Ravel, and the incredible music not only for him as a pianist, but the members of the orchestra as well. And he told us how he went from teaching high school German to a full-time career as a concert pianist.
Pianist Natasha Paremski is back in Syracuse to perform with Symphoria once again! This time, she brings back-to-back Gershwin, performing both rhapsodies with the orchestra. Natasha took some time out from her rehearsal to chat with us about the program, and the importance of sharing music with our children.
The B Sharp Musical Club presents “Piano Collaborations: 2, 4, 6, 8, hands that make the music great!” coming up this weekend. B Sharp members present music for two pianos – an opportunity that doesn’t happen often. Sar-Shalom Strong stopped into the studios to talk about the program, the joys and challenges of coordinating both performers and instruments, and give us a bit of history about B Sharp.
More about the B Sharp Musical Club at their website.
Symphoria is back in the Crouse Hinds Theater in Syracuse for their Holiday Pops Concert! Principal Pops conductor Sean O’Loughlin joined us to talk about the concert, their guests, and the excitement of returning to the OnCenter!
Barry Torres, director of Schola Cantorum of Syracuse, chatted with us about the upcoming holiday concert by Schola Cantorum of Syracuse. Find out about the wonderful music and connections in this amazing group.
More about Schola Cantorum of Syracuse at their website.
After a 2-year hiatus, the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble is presenting a live concert! It’s “A Global Feast of Carols,” and SVE artistic director Julie Pretzat stopped into the studios to tell us all about the concert, the joys of returning to live performance, and the challenges of singing while masked!
More about the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble is available here.
Syracuse Opera brings “The Ballad of the Brown King” to life this weekend! This Christmas cantata, composed by Margaret Bonds with text by Langston Hughes, brings influences of European, Jazz, Calypso, gospel music, and blues to this telling of the tale of the African king, Balthazar. Christian Capocaccia, General and Artistic Director of Syracuse Opera, and Sonya Hines, radio announcer and journalist, stopped into the Classic FM studios to chat about this exciting production in the heart of Syracuse.
More about this and the entire Syracuse Opera season available here.
The 315 Ensemble is preparing for it’s relaunch – and it’s first concert in the US! Chris Cresswell, composer and founder of the 315 Ensemble, came to the studios to talk about the concert, the music, and how he brings traditional instruments and technology together.
Information about this production at The 315 Ensemble available at their website.
Joanie Anderson plays Delores van Cartier in “Sister Act”
The Red House returns to live performances with “Sister Act,” the hit broadway musical based on the 1996 film. We were fortunate to have Temar Underwood, Artistic Director of The Red House, along with Joanie Anderson, who plays Delores van Cartier in Sister Act, in the studios to talk about the opening production. We had a great time and lots of laughs!
Information about this production at The Red House website.
The Neave Trio is presenting the next concert with the Chamber Music Society of Utica. Their concert, “Her Voice,” brings trios from four women composers to the stage. Cellist Mikhail Veselov shared his insight into the music and the project, and explained just how the trio got its name.
Information about the Chamber Music Society of Utica is available here.
More about the Neave Trio can be found on their website.
Jordan Dodson, guitar Guest Artist – Cayuga Chamber Orchestra
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is gearing up for an exciting concert with guest artist, guitarist Jordan Dodson. Music Director Cornelia Orth joined us for a noontime interview to talk about the concert, and how a guest artist is invited to perform.
Learn more about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra here.
The Nezhdanova Placzek Duo Elena Nezhdanova, piano & Roman Placzek, cello
It was so exciting to have live music in our WCNY studios! Elena Nezhdanova, piano & Roman Planczek, cello, shared their music as well as giving us insights into their upcoming concert, opening the new season with CMM Live. We’ll hear just how French and Czech music are linked together, and get a listen to just some of Roman’s composition, “Dumka.”
More about Civic Morning Musicals and CMM Live available here.
And more about the Nezhdanova-Placzek Duo available here.
Violinist Rubén Rengel is the guest artist for the next Symphoria Masterworks concert. This incredibly talented musician stopped into the Classic FM studios to talk about performing the Korngold Violin Concerto for the first time with an orchestra, and his journey from Venezuela to the US.
Information about this and the full season at Symphoria is available here.
Oswego Opera is back with both live and virtual performances of the Gilbert & Sullivan opera, “H.M.S. Pinafore.” Artistic director Juan La Manna and stage director Benjamin Spierman stopped into the WCNY studios to talk about this production, and the incredible work that Oswego Opera does to mentor up and coming artists.
Information about Oswego Opera Theater is available here.
Schola Cantorum of Syracuse will be performing “Les Deux Guillaumes” for the next two weekends. Director Barry Torres joined mid-day host Diane Jones to talk about the importance of this music, and the talents of the Schola Six, a select group of talented singers who specialize in the close harmonies of these works.
Jeffrey Siegel is coming back to the Munson Williams Proctor Art Institute for another in his Keyboard Conversation series. This time it is “Fantastic Fantasies,” and Jeffrey spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about just what a “fantasy” means to these composers. He also shared a wonderful story about the start of several collaborations with Maestro Zubin Mehta!
Information about Keyboard Conversations can be found here.
Michael Connor (Mr. Scruples) and Keith Harris (Mr. Bluff), from the Syracuse Opera production of Mozart’s “The Impresario”
The Syracuse Opera Company is kicking off the 2021-22 season with a production of Mozart’s “The Impressario.” In the second of two conversations, we spoke with Christian Capocaccia (General & Artistic Director of Syracuse Opera) and Keith Harris (“Mr. Bluff”) about the production. They brought insight into finding the soul of the characters and the music, and the excitement of this wonderful, light opera from Mozart.
Emily Misch (Madame Goldentrill) and Michael Connor (Mr. Scruples), from the Syracuse Opera production of Mozart’s “The Impressario”
The Syracuse Opera Company is kicking off the 2021-22 season with a production of Mozart’s “The Impressario.” Two of the stars, Michael Connor (“Mr. Scruples”) and Emily Misch (“Madame Goldentrill”), stopped into the Classic FM studios to talk about this production, performing in this new theater space, and their experiences with this rarely performed opera in the past.
Cellist Julian Schwarz is returning to Syracuse once again, to perform with Symphoria. He spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the Shostakovich Cello Concerto, the wonderful instrument he has, and the joys of performing live in Syracuse once more.
The Chelsea Opera Company is presenting its first Syracuse production this weekend – “The Medium” by Gian Carlo Menotti. Chelsea co-founder Leonarda Priore and Producing Artistic Director Garrett Heater chatted with mid-day host Diane Jones about the production and just what makes this opera company unique.
Learn more about the Chelsea Opera Company at their website, here.
There’s a new ensemble in town! The Syracuse Chamber Orchestra is giving it’s inaugural concert this Sunday at OCC in Syracuse. Founder and music director Victor Vallo stopped into the Classic FM studios to share more about the orchestra, the talented musicians who are performing, and how the ensemble hopes to grow in this vibrant arts community.
Learn more about the Syracuse Chamber Orchestra at their website, here.
The Society for New Music is presenting a newly commissioned opera about the life of Libba Cotten. Music Director Heather Buchman was in the WCNY studios to talk about this opera – how it came to be, and the life of this remarkable woman who won a Grammy at the age of 93.
The Society for New Music website is available here.
The Wu Han-Setzer-Finckel Trio will be opening the new season of the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music. Wu Han spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, the excitement of performing live again, and how the incredible relationship between the members of the ensemble shine through on stage.
Information about the concert and the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music is available here.
Conductor Sean O’Loughlin opens the 2021-22 Pops Series with Symphoria this weekend, featuring guest artist Joe Carello, saxophone. Sean spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, his work in LA, and his original composition on this weekend’s program.
The Malmgren Concert Series kicks off this weekend and next with two concerts at Hendricks Chapel on the Syracuse University campus. University Organist Annie Laver stopped by the FM Studios to talk about these concerts and the guest artists who are not only performing, but working with the SU students.
Learn more about this series and Hendricks Chapel here.
Octavio Más-Arocas, Music Director – Clinton Symphony
Octavio Más-Arocas is the new Music Director for the Clinton Symphony Orchestra. He joined mid-day host Diane Jones to chat about the new season, this weekend’s concert, and some of the things he learned from his mentors (including Kurt Masur and David Zinmann!)
The Clinton Symphony Orchestra website can be found here.
Violinist Tai Murray is the guest artist for “A New Beginning,” the opening concert of the Symphoria MasterWorks series for 2021-22. Tai joined mid-day host Diane Jones to chat about the Tchaikovsky violin concerto, and the importance of listening.
Cornelia Orth Music Director – Cayuga Chamber Orchestra
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is ready to kick off it’s 45th season of music. Maestra Cornelia Orth, Music Director of CCO Ithaca, joined mid-day host Diane Jones to chat about the upcoming season, and the wide array of music in store.
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra website is available here.
Aldo Katton Artistic Director, Syracuse City Ballet
Aldo Kattón from the Syracuse City Ballet stopped by the Classic FM studios to chat about the upcoming production of Peter and the Wolf. He also talked about the excitement of the entire troupe to perform live again, and gave us a few hints about what’s coming up this season.
Aldo was recently named Interim Artistic Director of the Syracuse City Ballet. Congratulations!
The Syracuse City Ballet website is available here.
Jeffrey Siegel returns to Utica for a new season of Keyboard Conversations. This weekend is “The Glorious Music of Chopin.” Jeffrey spoke with mid-day host Diane Jones about the program, and why he chose them to provide reflection and respite from a turbulent year.
Learn about Jeffrey Siegel and Keyboard Conversations here.
Emily Bruskin, violin; Aaron Wunsch, piano; Julia Bruskin, cello
The Skaneateles Festival wraps up this weekend, and we had four outstanding musicians come to the WCNY studios to share their incredible talents. Featured were Co-Artistic Directors of the Skaneateles Festival, Aaron Wunsch (piano) and Julia Bruskin (cello). They were joined by violinist Emily Bruskin, and pianist Avery Gagliano, sharing music of Schubert, Price, and Chopin. If you missed it, or just want to relive these marvelous performances, be sure to listen!
Find out more about the Skaneateles Festival here.
The opening concert for the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival feature the Imani Winds. Bassoonist and founding member Monica Ellis spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the performance, and gave us a bit of history about the ensemble. Not to mention a peek into their upcoming activities as well.
Find out more about the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival here.
The Skaneateles Festival runs throughout August, and festival co-artistic directors Julia Bruskin and Aaron Wunsch came to the WCNY studios to tell us all about the artists and music coming to Central New York. They also gave us a live preview of just some of the music you’ll hear during the festival.
Find out more about the Skaneateles Festival here.
Linda Chesis, founder and artistic director of the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival, is excited to be presenting live performances once again this year. She spoke to host Bruce Paulsen about what this year holds for performers and audience members, including a free performance next week.
Find out more about the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival here.
In the third and last installment of our trio of noontime interviews for “No Cowards In Our Band,” author Anthony B. Knight, Jr. spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the inspiration for this remarkable work, and how the life and work of Frederick Douglass resonates even today.
No Cowards In Our Band airs on WCNY-TV, WCNY Classic FM, and streaming on the web (wcny.org) Saturday night, July 3 at 8:30pm. More details here.
Schola Cantorum of Syracuse presents the Schola 6 in the first live concert in 16 months! Music Director Barry Torres joined mid-day host Diane Jones to chat about the concert, the variety of music, and the talented singers who are thrilled to be performing live once more.
Learn more about Schola Cantorum of Syracuse here.
CMM Live! is presenting its Young Artists concert this weekend, virtually on YouTube. Five of these talented young musicians, along with Ida Trebicka from CMM, joined mid-day host Diane Jones live in the studios to share some conversation and performances with us.
Thanks to Ida along with these musicians for their time and talents:
Rosee Head, violin
Kate O’Leary, flute
Hannah Swyuliski, soprano
Olivia Walberger, violin
Ebun Oguntola, composer/pianist
Syracuse Opera and WCNY have teamed up to bring you a marvelous production about the life of Frederick Douglass, titled “No Cowards In Our Band.” In the second of a series of interview, Music Director Wayne Sanders and Bass Gregory Sheppard joined mid-day host Diane Jones to talk about the production and how it can deeply touch everyone who experiences it.
No Cowards In Our Band will be performed live on Juneteenth, and simulcast on WCNY TV and FM on July 3rd.
More information on the WCNY website here, and on the Syracuse Opera website, here.
Syracuse Opera and WCNY have teamed up to bring you a marvelous production about the life of Frederick Douglass, titled “No Cowards In Our Band.” Masud Olufani, who plays Douglass, joined mid-day host Diane Jones to talk about the production and the importance of both the history within the work, and how it impacts us today.
No Cowards In Our Band will be performed live on Juneteenth, and simulcast on WCNY TV and FM on July 3rd.
More information on the WCNY website here, and on the Syracuse Opera website, here.
Coming up next week, two new cantatas in performance at the Arts at Grace. Steven Stull and Jeanne Goddard from Triphammer Arts, and David Neal from Arts at Grace, spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about these new, commissioned works from composer Robert Paterson and librettist David Cote.
Cornelia Orth Music Director – Cayuga Chamber Orchestra
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is presenting their season finale this weekend. It is the first time the full orchestra will play together since March of 2020, and no one is more excited than Music Director Cornelia Orth! Cornelia spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, and their soloist, CCO concertmaster Christina Bouey.
More from the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra can be found here.
The Silverwood Clarinet Choir has put together a free outdoor concert for this weekend. Co-founders of the ensemble, Ken and Kathy Freer, stopped by the FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert. And they shared a wonderful performance from the group from a prior performance.
The Silverwood Clarinet Choir website can be found here.
The Geneva Music Festival returns this year, with both in-person and live-streamed concerts. Festival founder Geoffrey Herd, along with pianist Henry Kramer and cellist Max Geissler, spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the festival – the music, the venues, and the excitement of returning to the stage to perform for a live audience.
Learn more about the Geneva Music Festival at their website.
Pianist Natasha Paremski returns to Syracuse once more for another exciting performance. Mid-day host Diane Jones spoke to Natasha about the Tchaikovsky piano concerto she’ll be playing, the story of how she realized she wanted to be a concert pianist, and the days following her packed performance last season for the Rachmaninoff festival with Symphoria.
Pianist Steven Heyman is the guest artist this weekend for a performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with Symphoria. He spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the music, his long-standing collaborations with the musicians of Symphoria, and some of the things he learns from his students.
Cornelia Orth Music Director – Cayuga Chamber Orchestra
Members of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra will be presenting a concert in honor of Percy Browning on March 20. Music Director Cornelia Orth spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones (from Switzerland, no less!) about the concert, and the incredible music they were inspired to program in Percy’s honor. She also introduced us to the talented musicians who will be performing.
Information about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra can be found here.
Symphoria presents its next Pops concert this weekend, when conductor Sean O’Loughlin leads “A Salute to Broadway.” Sean joined mid-day host Diane Jones to chat about the joy of having the full orchestra back on stage together, as well as the incredible variety of music coming from the Broadway state to the Symphoria stage.
The Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music presents its annual mid-winter concert, Classic Sonatas, featuring incredibly talented musicians from right here in Central New York. Pianist and SFCM board member Ida Trebicka spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert – the last mid-winter concert organized by long-time board member John Oberbrunner.
More about Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music is available here.
Ronnie Leigh is guest vocalist for the annual Holiday Pops Concerts with Symphoria. Ronnie joined mid-day host Diane Jones to talk about the concert, and reminisce about his incredible career.
Park Central Church music director Robert Allen and Symphoria cellist Lindsay Groves have teamed up for an all-Beethoven benefit concert, titles “Music for a World in Need.” This live-stream event is also an opportunity to support those in need in our community, and mid-day host Diane Jones chatted with Bob and Lindsay about how this all came together.
Information about the Arts at Park is available here.
Symphoria’s season continues with A Classical Christmas this weekend. Principal Bass Spencer Phillips joined mid-day host Diane Jones live to talk about the concert. He also gave us some insight into his role as music librarian for the symphony, and shared news of a milestone he achieved during this time of distancing and quaranting.
Information about the entire Symphoria season can be found here.
The CCO Brass Quintet (Chris Coletti & Frank Campos, trumpets; Jonathan Dozois, horn; Ben Dettelback, trombone; David Earll, tuba)
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra presents the CCO Brass Quintet in a concert of “Holiday Comfort & Joy.” Ben Dettelback, principal trombone of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, and the music you’ll hear. And we learned how he was tricked into not playing trombone as a youngster.
Find out more about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra season here, including the options for live and streaming viewing of the concerts.
Symphoria’s Casual Series opens with music by Holst and Beethoven – and Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin is putting on his Classical Music Hat to conduct! Mid-day host Diane Jones spoke to Sean about the concert, the way the orchestra is changing and adapting to these livestream events, and the joy in working with The Finger Lakes Trio for the Triple Concerto by Beethoven. And he explains how he is “preparing to thrive” – a sentiment worth sharing.
Find out more about the complete Symphoria season here.
The Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music virtual season continues this weekend with a performance from the Pacifica Quartet. Brandon Vamos, cellist with the Pacifica Quartet, spoke with mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, the choices of programming Beethoven and Jennifer Higdon together, and the way the quartet is adapting to this new performance environment.
Find out more about the complete Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music season here.
Maestro Lawrence Loh, Musical Director – Symphoria
Maestro Lawrence Loh chatted with mid-day host Diane Jones about this weekend’s Symphoria concert, featuring music of Coleridge-Taylor, Beethoven, and Dvorak. They spoke about the incredible musicians featured in the Beethoven Septet, as well as the strength and determination of the musicians and organizers to continue performing live while staying safe and healthy.
Find out more about the complete Symphoria season here.
Pianist Sara Davis Buechner is joining Symphoria for their next Masterworks Concert (streamed from Inspiration Hall), and mid-day host Diane Jones had a chance to chat with her. Sara talked about the concert, as well as her touring and teaching experiences – and even let us know her favorite spot for a Philly cheesesteak!
Find out more about the complete Symphoria season here.
NYS Baroque presents a concert of Medieval Italian music from the 14th century with “The Panther and The Rose.” Artistic Director Deborah Fox spoke with mid-day host Diane Jones about the program, and gave us some insight into the instruments used in this performance.
Violinist William Hagen is the guest artist this weekend with Symphoria. He stopped into the studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the Paganini Violin Concerto, and tell us about his experience at the Queen Elizabeth International Music Competition.
Cornelia Laemmli Orth conducts the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is presenting a concert of “Pivotal Pieces” this weekend. Music Director Cornelia Orth spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, and the talents of the musicians in the ensemble – including principal horn Scott Leger, who is stepping to the front of the orchestra for the Horn Concerto No. 1 of Richard Strauss. They also spoke about the outreach efforts of the orchestra members in the community.
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra website can be found here.
Syracuse City Ballet’s season continues with Cinderella, the wonderful ballet with music from Sergei Prokofiev. Artistic Director Kathleen Rathbun and resident dancer Felipe Panama stopped into the WCNY studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the production, and give some insight into a day in the life of a dancer.
The Syracuse City Ballet website can be found here.
Two of Symphoria’s musicians step to the front of the orchestra this weekend, as soloists for Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante, K. 364. Violinist and concertmaster Peter Rovit and violist Arvilla Wendland are performing, and Maestro Lawrence Loh leads the orchestra. All three came to the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, and what makes Symphoria unique.
The Syracuse Vocal Ensemble is giving two performances of “For the Birds,” a collaborative concert with the Baltimore Woods Nature Center, the Audubon Society, and local artists. SVE Artistic Director Julie Pretzat spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about this family-friendly event. They also spoke about programming, the talented members of the ensemble, and Julie’s return to the ensemble.
Learn more about the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble here.
Barry Torres Founder & Director of Schola Cantorum
Schola Cantorum of Syracuse is presenting “Kleine Schutz,” small-scale masterpieces from Baroque composer Heinrich Schutz, in concerts in Ithaca and Syracuse. Barry Torres, founder and artistic director of Schola Cantorum of Syracuse, spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the concerts, the instrumentalists who are joining the vocalists for this performance, and the challenges of discovering “lost” works from composers of old.
Information about Schola Cantorum of Syracuse can be found here.
The Akropolis Reed Quintet is coming to Syracuse University for a 5-day residency, including several public events. Clarinetist Kari Landry from Akropolis spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the residency, the challenges of expanding the repertoire, and the music and outreach events the quintet brings to life.
The Akropolis Reed Quintet website is available here.
The Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts website is available here.
Cellist Julian Schwarz is joining Symphoria under Maestro Lawrence Loh this weekend, for a concert that includes Peter Boyer’s “Ellis Island: The Dream of America,” as well as Igor Stravinsky’s arrangement of “The Star Spangled Banner” and Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto. Julian Schwarz and Lawrence Loh joined mid-day host Diane Jones to talk about the concert, and the joys of revisiting familiar pieces. They also talked about the masterclass Julian will be conducting with members of the Symphoria Youth Orchestra, and what an audience can gain from a masterclass.
Information about Symphoria is available on their website here.
It’s A Family Affair this weekend with CMM In Recital Live. Cellist Gregory Wood and pianist Sar-Shalom Strong stopped into the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the recital, and the importance of families enjoying music together.
Information about CMM In Recital Live is available here.
The Telegraph String Quartet won the Grand Prize at the 2014 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition – just 8 months after the quartet was formed. All four members of the quartet spoke with mid-day host Diane Jones about that experience, and about the music they will be performing at the next Chamber Music Society of Utica concert.
More about the Chamber Music Society of Utica is here.
And learn about the Telegraph String Quartet here.
Syracuse Opera presents Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide” this weekend, and host Adam Fine had the chance to speak to director Julie Newell and Christian Capocaccia about the production, and the amazing cast.
This year’s mid-winter concert with the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music is a “Treasury of Trios,” featuring musicians from Central New York. Concert organizers John Oberbrunner and Tom McKay joined Adam Fine to talk about this concert, and the talented musicians on the stage.
The Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music website can be found here.
The Byrne-Kozar Duo and composer/performer Chris Cresswell are opening the 2020 season at the ArtHouse in Syracuse. Chris, Corrine Byrne, and Andy Kozar spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, and the incredible variety of music they perform.
Composer Marc Mellits is in town for the performance of his work, Gravity, on the next concert of the season with the Society for New Music. Marc stopped into the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, and about the connections made through music.
The Society for New Music website can be found here.
In honor of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Susan B. Anthony, and the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, NYS Baroque presents “Nevertheless, She Persisted,” two performances of Baroque music by women. Deborah Fox, lutenist and Artistic Director of NYS Baroque, spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, and how we are discovering new works from these women throughout history.
Jillian Honn, former principal oboist with Symphoria, returns to Syracuse as guest artist this weekend, joined by the orchestra for Jennifer Higdon’s Oboe Concerto. Jillian stopped by the Classic FM Studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the concerto, her studies at Yale, and some of the challenges of playing oboe.
More information about the concert can be found on the Symphoria website.
In honor of the UN Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Arts at Grace and Triphammer Arts will present “Tenebrae: The Passion of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.” Mid-day host Diane Jones spoke to actors David Neal and Steven Stull, as well as director Jeanne Goddard, about this music drama, the life of Bonhoeffer, and how the work has affected them.
Symphoria, one of only two musician-led cooperative orchestras in the US, is presenting a concert of “My Favorite Things,” works chosen by their members for this concert. Jessica King, bassoonist, and Sonya Williams, violinist, from Symphoria, along with soprano Meredith Lustig, who is the guest artist for the concert, joined mid-day host Diane Jones in the studios to talk about this concert, and about the joys of live music.
Barry Torres Founder & Director of Schola Cantorum
Schola Cantorum of Syracuse’s first concerts of the 2019-20 season are coming up this weekend. Founder and director Barry Torres stopped into the WCNY studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the program “Navidad: Spanish and Latin American Music for the Season.” Find out more about this program, co-director Liamna Pestana, and Barry’s thoughts on how this music that is centuries old is still vibrant and living music today.
Symphoria presents its annual Holiday Pops Concerts this weekend, in four performances over three days, with guest artist, vocalist and actress Lizzie Klemperer. Lizzie stopped into the studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the concerts, her family connections with Symphoria, and what it takes to perform on Broadway.
The Syracuse University Brass Ensemble and the Spirit of Syracuse Chorus are joining forces this weekend for a holiday concert at Hendricks Chapel on the Syracuse University Campus. Members of the brass ensemble, along with Amy Manley from the Spirit of Syracuse Chorus, came to the WCNY studios to talk about the concert, and share some wonderful live music with us.
Kathleen Rathbun, Founder & Artistic Director – Syracuse City Ballet
The Syracuse City Ballet is gearing up for their annual production of The Nutcracker, and artistic director/choreographer Kathleen Rathbun stopped into the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about this year’s production, as well as the special sensory-friendly performance that has become an annual tradition.
Composer Christopher Cerrone’s latest work, “The Air Suspended,” is part of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra concert coming up this weekend. He spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the piece, working with pianist Shai Wosner, and about his excitement upon hearing about his Grammy nomination just yesterday.
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra website is available here.
And Christopher Cerrone’s website is available here.
Syracuse University Opera Workshop (from left to right: Dan Sato, pianist; Diane Jones, WCNY Host; Dr. Kathleen Roland-Silverstein, director; Lindsey Bartlett, soprano; Claire Nolan, soprano; Laura McCall, soprano)
The Syracuse University Opera Workshop is doing something a little different this semester. They are presenting a staged song-cycle of “Vignettes: Ellis Island,” based on stories and letters of immigrants arriving through Ellis Island.
Workshop director, Dr. Kathleen Roland-Silverstein, brought some of the talented performers to the WCNY studios to talk to mid-day host Diane Jones about the performance and the importance of the Opera Workshop.
Information about the upcoming performance can be found here.
The Second Annual Diocesan Festival Choir Concert takes place this weekend in Syracuse. This event brings together 100 singers and musicians from across the community for a single performance. Music director Peter Ciarelli and organist Frank Schultz stopped into the Classic FM studios to talk to mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, and just what it takes to coordinate an event like this.
The concert takes place at 2:00pm on Sunday, November 17 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse.
This weekend is a remarkable event – pianist Natasha Paremski joins Symphoria for a Rachmaninoff Festival. Natasha will be performing all four of Rachmaninoff’s piano concertos – in just two nights! She took a short break from her packed rehearsal schedule to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, and the beauty and power of Rachmaninoff’s music.
Find out more about the Rachmaninoff Festival at the Symphoria website here.
And learn more about Natasha Paremski at her website here.
Juan LaManna, Artistic Director of the Oswego Opera, and Benjamin Spierman, stage director for this weekend’s performance of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” came to the studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the production. Among the topics of conversation were the value – and challenges – of a production in English, and balancing the light and dark aspects of the work.
You can learn more about Oswego Opera Theater on their Facebook page here.
Duo Sonidos is giving a concert in Syracuse this weekend with Civic Morning Musicals, and they stopped by the WCNY studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones. Violinist William Knuth and guitarist Adam Levin (a.k.a. Duo Sonidos) talked about the program, how they met, and shared some of their incredible music with us.
Information about Civic Morning Musicals is available here.
The Gryphon Trio is returning to Central New York, on stage as part of the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music season. Pianist Jamie Parker spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the program which includes a marvelous commissioned work by Dinuk Wijeratne, as well as the Trio’s “Listen Up!” program and their new role at Banff.
Information about the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music is available here.
Carolina Eyck is coming to Syracuse University as part of their Guest Artist series. Carolina is one of the leading Thereminists in the world today, and she stopped into the studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about this unique instrument, how she was introduced to it, and the system she developed for playing. She also played for us live – something not to be missed!
Information about the concert is at the Syracuse University website here.
You can learn more about Carolina at here website, here.
The Rebel Ensemble for the Baroque is coming to Utica, to open the new concert season with the Chamber Music Society of Utica. Joining the ensemble will be Baroque dancers Thomas Baird and Paige Whitley-Bauguess. Karen Marie Marmer and Jorg-Michael Schwarz, co-directors of the Rebel Ensemble, joined mid-day host Diane Jones to talk about the concert, how dancing is a natural pairing with these works, and about what makes Baroque instruments so different from modern ones.
More information about the Chamber Music Society of Utica is available here.
And you can find out more about the Rebel Ensemble here.
Halloween is just around the corner, and Syracuse City Ballet is bringing “Dracula” to the stage this weekend. Artistic Director Kathleen Rathbun stopped into the studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the production, the talented resident dancers, and the “Imagination in Motion” campaign.
The B Sharp Musical Club is hosting its Scholarship Benefit Concert this weekend, and we had a preview of some of the music you’ll hear in the Classic FM studios. Violinist/soprano Solene Le Van, pianist Sar-Shalom Strong, and Judy Marchione, president of the B Sharp Musical Club, joined mid-day host Diane Jones to talk about the concert, and gave us a taste of the incredible music in store this weekend.
Information about the concert and the B Sharp Musical Club is available here.
Jeffrey Siegel brings his Keyboard Conversations to Utica once again this weekend, for a program of “Mistresses and Masterpieces.” Jeffrey spoke with mid-day host Diane Jones about the program, and the intimacy of these works.
Learn about Jeffrey Siegel and Keyboard Conversations here.
Violinist Irina Muresanu is coming to Central New York to perform with the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra. She spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, the music of Arvo Part and George Enescu, and performing with her former student.
More about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is available here.
Violinist Elina Vähälä returns to Syracuse for another appearance with Symphoria this weekend. She stopped into the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about Bernstein’s “Serenade on Plato’s Symposium,” and told us a bit about her marvelous violin.
Maestro Christian Capocaccia & director Robert Swedberg, in rehearsal for Mozart’s “Cosi fan tutte”
Syracuse Opera opens it’s season with Mozart’s “Cosi fan tutte.” Director Robert Swedberg and Christian Capocaccia, artistic and music director with Syracuse Opera, stopped into the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the opera, and the importance of coming to these live performances.
The Juilliard String Quartet is coming back to Syracuse for their 24th appearance with the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music. Astrid Schween, cellist with the quartet, spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, the long history of the Juilliard String Quartet, and the importance of teaching.
Find out about the 70th season of the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music here.
And learn more about the Juilliard String Quartet here.
Guitarist Kenneth Meyer and cellist Gregory Wood are teaming up for the season opener of the CMM In Recital Live! Series, coming up this Sunday. Ken and Greg, along with CMM president Kathleen Roland-Silverstein, stopped into the WCNY studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about this concert of Latin American music, and about the rest of the CMM season.
Great happenings in Ithaca this weekend! The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, Opera Ithaca, the Ithaca Children’s Chorus, and the Ithaca College Choir are all joining forces for a semi-staged production of Puccini’s “La Boheme.” Mid-day host Diane Jones spoke to Cornelia Laemmli Orth, music director of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, and bass-baritone David Neal, who is playing not one but two roles in this production. They talked about the logistics of putting it all together, and gave us some behind-the-scenes insight into the production.
Information about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is available here.
And information about Opera Ithaca is available here.
Owen Shapiro Co-founder & Artistic Director, Syracuse International Film Festival
The Syracuse International Film Festival is just around the corner, and just before the festival will be a fundraising dinner and special screening of Ernst Lubitsch’s 1919 silent film, “The Doll,” with a brand new score, performed live. Filmmaker and festival co-founder Owen Shapiro and composer Diane Jones stopped into the Classic FM studios to chat with morning host Bruce Paulsen about the film, the festival, and the thriving arts community here in Syracuse.
Learn more about the Syracuse International Film Festival at their website.
Travis Newton is a musician, conductor, professor, and the Music Director of the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music. He stopped into the studio to chat about the new season – the 70th anniversary season, in fact! – as well as a bit about what goes into planning and coordinating a season, and what keeps the organization going strong year after year.
Find out more about the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music at their website, here.
Pianist Orion Weiss is coming to Syracuse for a concert with Symphoria! Included on this all-Brahms concert is Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1. Orion stopped into the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, and what makes Brahms so special to him. And we threw a bit of Harry Potter into the conversation as well!
Information about this and the entire Symphoria season is available here.
And you can learn more about Orion Weiss at his website, here.
Kathleen Rathbun, Founder & Artistic Director – Syracuse City Ballet
The Syracuse City Ballet has added even more to their line-up for the 2019-2020 season. Founder and Artistic Director Kathleen Rathbun stopped into the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the season, the SCB Imagination in Motion campaign, and the ever-increasing corps of resident dancers that have joined our community.0
Find out more about the Syracuse City Ballet at their website, here.
Jeffrey Siegel is returning to Utica for the start of season 32 of Keyboard Conversations at MWPAI. Mid-day host Diane Jones spoke to Jeffrey about this upcoming program, Haydn & Mozart: Humor & Heartache, – how he does his research, and how the music affects us all.
Find out more about Jeffrey Siegel’s Keyboard Conversations here.
What a conversation! Christian Capocaccia (Syracuse Opera) and Lou Lemos (Syracuse Pops Chorus) brought their incredible energy and enthusiasm to the Classic FM studios for their conversation with mid-day host Diane Jones. Coming up this weekend, a collaborative concert with a wide array of musical talent. Christian & Lou talked about the program, the fun they have working together, and the surprising emotional moments that are part of the program.
This weekend the Lysander Trio comes to Cooperstown for a “Slavic Serenade.” Violinist Itamar Zorman from the Lysander Trio and Festival Artistic Director Linda Chesis joined mid-day host Diane Jones to talk about the program, the joys of collaboration and making connections, and a bit about why the trio chose the name “Lysander.” (Do you know your Shakespeare?)
Information about the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival is available here.
And you can learn more about the Lysander Trio here.
Rachel Barton Pine photo credit Lisa Marie Mazzucco
Rachel Barton Pine is coming to the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival this weekend, with her concert program “American Traditions.” Rachel took some time from her busy schedule to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the program, the online database her foundation has created of composer of African descent, the origins of the Rachel Barton Pine Foundation – and why she is so excited to spend some time in Cooperstown!
Information about the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival is available here.
More about Rachel Barton Pine and her foundation is here.
And Rachel has kindly shared a page from the “Music by Black Composers” coloring book, here.
Violinist Hilary Hahn made her first appearance at the Skaneateles Festival at the age of 12, and has returned many times over the years. Once again, she returns this weekend, for three concerts and a special “Bring Your Own Baby” event for parents of infants. She took some time out of her busy schedule to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the concerts, about her broad range of repertoire, and about the inspiration for her #100DaysOfPractice on Instagram.
The Skaneateles Festival continues through August 24th. Information about the festival is available here.
Aaron Wunsch & Julia Bruskin, co-artistic directors of the Skaneateles Festival
The Skaneateles Festival is celebrating its 40th Season of “World Class Music by the Lake” with a wide array of music and guest artists. Current festival Artistic Directors Julia Bruskin and Aaron Wunsch joined mid-day host Diane Jones in the WCNY studios to talk about the season, and some of the special events in store, including a Backstage Pass talk from current and former festival directors titled “How to plan a festival in 400 easy steps.” Also in store this year, a commissioned work by Pierre Jalbert, performances from Hilary Hahn (who first performed at the festival at 12 years old), Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn, and the festival finale with David Zinman conducting the Festival Orchestra.
Aaron & Julia also performed music by Bach and Mendelssohn live in the studios!.
You can see details for the entire Skaneateles Festival right here.
Dr. Kristina Boerger has returned to Syracuse once again to lead the Summer Singers Workshop with Schola Cantorum of Syracuse. Kristina stopped into the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the workshop, and the concert showcasing the repertoire the participants have learned during their intensive workshop experience. We also talked about the changing face of music today, and how it is evolving.
Learn more about Schola Cantorum of Syracuse here.
It’s become an annual tradition! Syracuse Summer Theater once again graced the WCNY studios with the cast of their next production, Damn Yankees. The play is a 10-time Tony winner (and Syracuse Summer Theater is a 7-time SALT Award-winner!), with familiar songs like “Heart” and “Whatever Lola Wants.” The cast sang those songs – and more – and mid-day host Diane Jones talked with stage director Garrett Heater and musical director Dan Williams about the staging of this work in the Bevard Studio Theater.
Schola Cantorum of Syracuse is preparing for its annual workshops for singers and instrumentalists. This is the second year for the instrumental workshop, led by Liamna Pestana and Daniel Yost (Tropos). The duo stopped into the WCNY studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the workshop, and to perform on several guitars that were handmade by Daniel.
Information about Schola Cantorum can be found here.
“Sonic Abstractions,” a new work from composer Chris Cresswell, will be premiered this Friday night as part of the Cazenovia Counterpoint Festival of Music and Arts. Chris stopped into the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the piece, some of the unusual places his music has been performed, and the importance of creating music with kids.
More information about Cazenovia Counterpoint is available here.
And you can learn more about Chris Cresswell here.
Four talented musicians are gathering next Wednesday for a concert at May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society. Lindsay Groves, cello, stopped into the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about that concert, along with the tales of how all these artists got to know each other. Performing with Lindsay will be Jonathan Hwang, violin; Hilda Collins, piano; and Arthur Lewis, tenor.
The Arts at Park series is presenting a concert by bass Gregory Sheppard, with Sar-Shalom Strong at the piano. Greg, Sar, and Arts at Park music director Bob Allen stopped by the WCNY studios to talk with mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, and even shared some of their most memorable performance moments.
WCNY is presenting a Concert in the Courtyard, and No Strings Attached will be performing! The quartet stopped into the studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, how the group came together, and the importance of music in our lives.
The No Strings Attached Facebook page is available here.
1927 E.M. Skinner Organ Op. 669 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrating the rescue, restoration and relocation of their 1927 E.M. Skinner Organ, Op. 669, with two concerts this weekend. Mid-day host Diane Jones was fortunate to have guest organists Todd Wilson and Dr. Wojciech Wojtasiewicz in the studio, along with Frank Schultz, organist at the Basilica, and Ben Merchant of Kerner & Merchant, who did the restoration. We talked about the restoration, the concerts, and the many activities of everyone in the room.
Percussionist Ian David Rosenbaum comes to the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival
The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival continues as percussionist Ian David Rosenbaum presents a concert titled “Celestial Sphere” this weekend. Mid-day host Diane Jones spoke to Ian and festival director, flutist Linda Chesis, about the concert, the scarcity of repertoire for percussion, and how they approach playing two such different instruments together.
Learn more about the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival here.
CMM In Recital Live! is presenting a concert of some wonderfully talented young musicians from Central New York. Ida Trebicka from CMM In Recital brought three up-and-coming musicians to the Classic FM Studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert. We were also treated to performances from violinist Charlie Loh and pianists Kaelem Michel and Dominic Fiacco.
Information about CMM In Recital Live! can be found here.
Geoffrey Herd, Artistic Director Geneva Music Festival
ATLYS String Quartet
The Geneva Music Festival is celebrating “Women in Music: Key Players” throughout the festival this year. Founder and Artistic Director Geoffrey Herd, along with violinist Sabrina Tabby of the ATLYS Quartet, spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the festival, the importance of women’s music, and the outreach efforts of the performers. The festival officially opens on May 30, with a pre-festival concert on May 24.
Linda Chesis, flute Artistic Director – CSMF (photo by Matt Dine)
The new season of the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival kicks off this weekend with “Conversations: Music for Oboe, Flute, and Strings.” Festival Artistic Director, flutist Linda Chesis, and guest artist James Austin Smith, oboe, took some time out of their busy schedules to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, the joys of playing chamber music, the many hats worn by artistic directors, and so much more!
Learn more about the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival on their website or Facebook page.
Jeffrey Siegel concludes this season of his Keyboard Conversations in Utica with “Fascinatin’ Rhythms,” coming up this weekend. Jeffrey spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones from Chicago, where Keyboard Conversations originated. We spoke of his background in jazz, and who is most successful when it comes to a piano transcription of an orchestral work.
The Finger Lakes Trio (Sonya Stith Williams, violin; Heidi Hoffman, cello; and Rob Auler, piano) are performing Thursday night with the LaVeck Concert Series in Pulaski. The Trio stopped by the WCNY studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, the welcoming and family friendly atmosphere at the LaVeck concerts, and told us a bit about how the Trio was formed. They also shared a couple of excerpts from the program to whet our appetites.
Information about the LaVeck Concert Series can be found here.
The Ariel String Quartet formed when they were still in middle school, and have been together 20 years now. They will be joined by pianist Orion Weiss to conclude the Chamber Music Society of Utica 2018-19 season this weekend. Weiss and Ariel violist Jan Gruning spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, and their nearly decade-long collaborations.
Information about the Chamber Music Society of Utica can be found here.
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is wrapping up it’s season with a performance of Brahms’ German Requiem this weekend. Music Director Cornelia Orth and guest soloist, soprano Tamara Acosta, came to the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about this monumental piece, and about the joys of working together making music.
More information about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra can be found here.
The combined choirs from three area churches are joining forces to present John Rutter’s “Requiem” on Friday. Robert Allen from Park Central Presbyterian Church is conducting, and Dr. Joseph Downing from Plymouth Congregational Church is hosting the performance. Bob and Joe joined mid-day host Diane Jones to talk about the piece, the logistics and joys of putting it all together, and plans for future collaborations between the groups. The choirs are joined by Bette Kahle from Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church on organ, and a chamber ensemble of professional musicians.
Learn about Park Central here, Plymouth Congregational here, and Pebble Hill here.
The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio is coming to Syracuse to close out the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music 2018-19 season. Pianist Joseph Kalichstein spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, as well as working with composers, and the debut performance of the trio – at the Inauguration of President Jimmy Carter.
More about the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music here.
Oswego Opera Theater is presenting Benjamin Britten’s opera, “Noah’s Flood” this weekend. Director Juan LaManna stopped by the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the production. You’ll learn about the varied cast, Britten’s inspiration for the opera, and why he wanted it performed in churches rather than theaters. Juan gave us some information about next season’s productions as well.
Information about Oswego Opera Theater can be found here.
The next performance in the Chamber Concert Series of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is titled “French Connections,” and features music from four of the members of Les Six. Principal clarinest with CCO Michael Galvan will be part of this concert, and he spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the music, and playing with his talented colleagues. We also chatted about the process for choosing music with the CCO, and the differences in performing with various combinations of instruments.
Information about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra can be found here.
Jeffrey Siegel is once again bringing his Keyboard Conversations to Utica this weekend. Jeffrey spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about this program of music centering around “Chopin in Paris,” as well as his first introduction to Chopin’s works.
Learn more about Jeffrey and his Keyboard Conversations here.
Live in the Classic FM studios with Diane Jones, Christian Capocaccia, Peter Kendall Clark, Amy Justman, Gregory Sheppard, and Richard Cordova
Syracuse Opera is preparing to close their 2018-19 season with Kurt Weill’s “The Threepenny Opera.” Artistic/Music Director Christian Capocaccia and several cast members came to the WCNY studios to give us some insight into the production, and shared a bit of music with us as well. We were thrilled to have Peter Kendall Clark (Macheath), Amy Justman (Polly), and Gregory Sheppard (Tiger Brown), along with pianist Richard Cordova (who has conducted two productions of The Threepenny Opera himself) in the studio with mid-day host Diane Jones.
Ron Caravan, clarinet and saxophone, and Sar-Shalom Strong, piano, will be giving a noontime recital with CMM on Wednesday. They, along with composer David DeBoor Canfield, stopped by the WCNY studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones, and give a little preview of their concert.
More about CMM can be found on their website here.
Cornelia Laemmli Orth conducts the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra
The Cayuga Chamber Orchestra celebrates partnerships in performance and the community with “Partners in Time,” their concert this weekend in Ithaca. Music Director Cornelia Orth spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, which includes collaborations with a soloist, a choreographer, and the CCO Youth Orchestra. You’ll also learn about the youth ensemble Cornelia joined as a child in Sweden.
Find out more about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra here.
Syracuse City Ballet is going back to Never Never Land, after 20 years away! Artistic Director Kathleen Rathbun stopped by the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about this re-envisioned production, and the dancers who are returning to Syracuse to be part of the production, on stage and in the audience. We also chatted about the technical challenges of the production (yes, there will be flying!) and what to look forward to next season.
Find out more about the Syracuse City Ballet here.
Dr. Julie Pretzat is stepping back into the choral conducting world as she guest conducts this weekend with the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble. Julie spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about this weekend’s program, and the joy of stepping in front of the ensemble again.
Information about the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble can be found here.
Flutist Xue Su is stepping out of her normal role as Principal Flute for Symphoria, and will be the soloist this weekend, joining the orchestra for Lowell Liebermann’s Flute Concerto. She spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones about the piece, as well as how she juggles her musical life, and how she chose the flute.
The Frisson Ensemble is a New York City-based ensemble featuring some of classical music’s rising stars drawn from many of the nation’s major music schools including Juilliard, Curtis, and Yale. Founder and artistic director Tom Gallant spoke to mid-day host Diane Jones in anticipation of this weekend’s concert for the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music. He spoke about the history of this young ensemble, and some of their hopes for the future.
You can find information on this weekend’s concert at the Syracuse Friends of Chamber Music site here.
And more about the Frisson Ensemble can be found on their website, here.
Detente is coming to Syracuse! Cellist Gregory Wood, flutist Martha Grener, and pianist Sar-Shalom Strong present “Detente: Musical Peace between the US and Russia” at CMM In Recital Live! Greg Wood came to the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the program, and delighted us with a live performance of two movements from Marc Mellits’ “Book of Ruth”
Information about CMM In Recital Live can be found here.
Duo Sonidos is giving a concert at Unity Hall this weekend for the release of their new CD, Wild Dance. Mid-day host Diane Jones had the chance to speak to Duo Sonidos (Adam Levin and Will Knuth) about the concert, and to share a bit of music from their CD. Adam and Will just learned yesterday that their CD debuted at #16 on the Billboard Classical Music chart!
Cellist Julie Albers returns to Syracuse, joining Symphoria for this weekend’s performance of the Haydn Cello Concerto in D Major – a work she says is her favorite. She joined mid-day host Diane Jones to talk about the upcoming concert, why she took up the cello, and how she fell in love with her instrument.
The Silverwood Clarinet Choir is presenting a concert this weekend in cooperation with CMM. Kathy and Ken Freer, two of the founding members of the choir (and the artistic director and business manager, respectively) came to the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the concert, including the work that inspired the title of the concert, the Chalumeaux Suite by Jukka Linkola. We also learned more about the people who perform in this ensemble.
Learn more about the Silverwood Clarinet Choir here.
The Chamber Music Society of Utica presents The Ying Quartet, with clarinetist Jon Manasse, this weekend in Utica. Mid-day host Diane Jones spoke with Jon Manasse and David Ying about the concert, the new work by Christopher Theofanidis, and the joys and rewards of mentoring young musicians.
More information about the Chamber Music Society of Utica can be found here.
Learn more about the Ying Quartet here, and about Jon Manasse here.
Syracuse Opera continues its season of “Men With Knives Behaving Badly” with Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.” Artistic Director Christian Capocaccia spoke with mid-day host Diane Jones about this production – and the joy at his first opportunity to conduct a Mozart opera. He also talked about being part of the community, and some of his hopes for future seasons.
The Opera Theater at the Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts is presenting the Marriage of Figaro this weekend. Professor Eric Johnson, who is directing the production, along with Jacob O’Shea (Figaro) and Julia Clifford (Susanna), stopped into the FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the production. We also talked about bringing opera into everyday life at a young age.
These students are well on their way to professional careers. Jacob has sung featured roles in two productions with Syracuse Opera, as has Katherine Skafidas, who is singing the role of the Countess.
Information about this production is available here, including the link to the live stream of the performances.
Paul Leary is a composer, teacher, musician, artist, and software designer. This weekend is the world premiere of “Larger Than Us,” a new work for chamber ensemble, electronics, and video, which was commissioned by the Society for New Music. Paul stopped into the Classic FM studios to chat with mid-day host Diane Jones about the piece, and the excitement of working with electronics as well as building the pendulum that will feature prominently in this work. And how to play a bicycle!
Information about this work, and the entire Society for New Music season, is available here.
Maestro Christian Capocaccia leads Symphoria in the first Casual series concert of 2019, coming up this weekend. Christian spoke to host Adam Fine about the concert and so much more!
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