Best WDAV Podcasts (2024)

1
David Fisk on Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Endowment

4d ago

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The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) shared news that the organization has raised more than $40 million toward a goal of $50 million for its endowment. CSO President and CEO David Fisk discusses why having a significant endowment makes the orchestra stronger, and he provides details about the vital programs the endowment campaign will enable in t…

1
Tom Gabbard on Blumenthal Arts

10d ago

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Charlotte's nonprofit Blumenthal Arts hosts touring Broadway shows, symphony concerts and the ballet, among other things. But it's also branching out to other kinds of events, like the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit a couple of years ago. David Boraks talks with Blumenthal Arts CEO Tom Gabbard about another big immersive exhibit coming to Charlotte and…

1
Kristen Wile on Charlotte StrEATs

13d ago

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Each Spring the Charlotte Shout! Festival takes place in uptown Charlotte, and one important component of the festival is Charlotte StrEATs, which focuses on food. This week we talk to one of the producers of Charlotte StrEATs, Kristen Wile from Unpretentious Palate, a digital publication covering food and drink in our region. She gives us an overv…

1
Rick Thurmond on Charlotte Shout!

18d ago

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The Charlotte Shout! festival is produced by Charlotte Center City Partners and showcases Charlotte's creativity, innovation, diversity, and resilience. It includes music acts, art installations, community conversations, culinary events, and more. We talk to Rick Thurmond from Charlotte Center City Partners about the festival's importance to our cu…

1
Professor Jennifer Stasack on Davidson’s Digital Composers

24d ago

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Traditionally, composers have written music with a group of musicians in mind, painstakingly transcribing or notating their ideas as sheet music. But these days, many work on a computer loaded with a digital library of instruments and sounds. That’s the case for the next generation of composers in training at Davidson College. We visit with music p…

1
Dr. Scott MacLeod on Piedmont Opera

1M ago

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The Marriage of Figaro considered one of the greatest operas of all time, is billed as a comic opera but addresses serious themes such as tension between the social classes. Find out more about this masterpiece, and its important place in history by listening to a conversation with Dr. Scott MacLeod, associate professor of music and director of Hig…

1
Micah Deer on One Voice Chorus

1M ago

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One Voice Chorus was founded in Charlotte in 1990 to bring together lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and LGBTQIA+ affirming people to celebrate their lives through song. Since that time the chorus has grown in membership from 25 to more than 90 singers. Executive Director Micah Deer fills us in on the organization's history, purpose, and progra…

1
Thorgy Thor on the Thorchestra

1M ago

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Thorgy Thor, a classically trained musician who first came to national prominence on the television series RuPaul’s Drag Race , is the guest on this episode of Piedmont Arts. After a recent appearance at Davidson College, she spoke to us about how she developed the concert program Thorgy and the Thorchestra which has been performed with orchestras …

1
Bechtler String Quartet on Komitas

1M ago

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Members of the Bechtler Ensemble perform a program of music by the Armenian curate Komitas, a pioneer in the field of ethnomusicology. Ensemble director Tanja Bechtler also speaks about Komitas’ efforts to preserve Armenian culture in the face of genocide. Heard on the Episode: Joe Meyer, violin 1 Tatiana Karpova, violin 2 Vasily Gorkovoy, viola Ta…

1
Michelle Di Russo on the Salisbury Symphony

2M ago

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The Salisbury Symphony is auditioning candidates for music director. Michelle Di Russo, a candidate for the position, will conduct their "Enchanting Sounds" concert in Keppel Auditorium. She'll lead a program of music by Piazzola, Saint-Saens, and Rimsky-Korsakov. Di Russo is from Argentina, and currently the Associate Conductor in her second seaso…

1
Jake Runestad and Kenney Potter on Charlotte Master Chorale Unity Concert

2M ago

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Each year, Charlotte Master Chorale presents a "Unity Concert" with the goal of building bridges in the community through the shared experience of choral music. This year's concert is called "Unity: Earth" and is Saturday, March 9 at 4pm at First United Methodist Church in Charlotte. The ensemble will perform the North Carolina premiere of Jake Run…

1
Denyce Graves on Opera Carolina

2M ago

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One of the most extraordinary figures in American classical music is someone you may never have heard of. Mary Cardwell Dawson, born in 1894 in Madison, NC, was a musician, teacher, and founding director of the National Negro Opera Company, the longest-running, all-Black opera company which helped launch the careers of many singers. Now her story i…

1
Alan Black on Cellomania

2M ago

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Alan Black, Principal Cello Emeritus of the Charlotte Symphony, joins Rachel to talk about Bach's Cello Suites and why he loves playing them. Alan and fellow cellist Grace Anderson will perform all six suites on WDAV's upcoming "Cellomania" Tour to Bach's region of Germany. Learn more about the Bach Cellomania Tour…

1
Eric Boruff on Cornelius Youth Orchestras

2M ago

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Research suggests there are significant neurological and academic benefits to children who learn to play a musical instrument. However, most school systems wait until 6th grade to offer band or orchestra programs, and many kids simply do not have access to instrumental instruction until it's offered at school. Cornelius Youth Orchestras wants to ch…

1
Burnt Reeds on Homegrown Melodies

3M ago

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Burnt Reeds is a reed quintet of local professional instrumentalists. Their concert called "Homegrown Melodies" features newly commissioned works by local composers. It's a project that brings together not only composers but also music producers, local independent mixed media artists, and of course musicians -- from a variety of backgrounds. Three …

1
Jocelyn Hagen & Kenney Potter on the Charlotte Master Chorale

3M ago

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The Charlotte Master Chorale's Chamber Singers will present concerts called "Art & Science" at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlotte and Davidson College Presbyterian Church in Davidson. The centerpiece of the concerts is a multi-media symphony, The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci , by composer Jocelyn Hagen. The work uses the latest video syncing te…

1
Michael L. Kitchen and Dr. Amy Carleton on the Black Notes Project Music Festival

3M ago

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The inaugural Black Notes Project Music Festival makes it debut at Charlotte's Knight Theater. The two-day festival celebrates and amplifies Black music and artistry and will honor the classical orchestral tradition while situating it alongside contemporary musical innovation. Nationally known artists such as harpist Brandee Younger and opera singe…

1
Frances Blaker on Splendid Music from the Time of Queen Charlotte

3M ago

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North Carolina Baroque Orchestra will perform concerts called "Splendid Music from the Time of King George III and Queen Charlotte" in locations across the Charlotte region. The program includes works by Chevalier de Saint Georges, Handel, Mozart, Avison, and others. Frances Blaker, the ensemble's artistic director and conductor, explains how the c…

1
Steven LaCosse on The Metropolitan Opera’s Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition

3M ago

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The Metropolitan Opera's Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition has auditions across the country. The competition is designed to discover promising young opera singers and assist the development of their careers. The North Carolina District holds auditions and approximately 25 singers will compete to move on to Regionals in Atlanta. The event is op…

1
Laura Atkinson on Bach Christmas Oratorio

4M ago

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Bach wrote his Christmas Oratorio for the Christmas season of 1734. It consists of six cantatas, each intended for performance on a feast day during the Christmas season. In June 2023, Bach Akademie Charlotte's Bach festival centered around the Christmas Oratorio. Laura Atkinson, a singer and the Education Director of Bach Akademie Charlotte, talks…

1
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Announces Kwamé Ryan as Next Music Director

4M ago

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After a search that has lasted more than two years, the Charlotte Symphony has announced their next Music Director: Kwamé Ryan. Originally from Trinidad, Ryan has an impressive resume and has worked around the globe. He was General Music Director of the Freiburg Opera from 1999 to 2003 and Musical and Artistic Director of the National Orchestra of …

1
Jeremy Mims on Christmas with Caritas

4M ago

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Caritas a Cappella ensemble presents a concert of Christmas and holiday music in Charlotte. The set will include settings of familiar carols as well as beautiful motets written by modern and Renaissance composers. And this time, the ensemble will be led by their new artistic director, Dr. Jeremy Mims. By day, Jeremy is Associate Professor and Direc…

1
Dr. Geoffrey Whitehead and Jeff Andler on the Charlotte Civic Orchestra

5M ago

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The Charlotte Civic Orchestra presents its annual Christmas Extravaganza at the Halton Theater at CPCC’s Uptown Campus. The program features a sixty-piece orchestra, performances by the Charlotte Youth Ballet and Diamond Elite Dancers, the Holiday Singers, and soloists, plus the combined choirs of the Marvin Ridge and Porter Ridge High Schools. Dr.…

1
Dr. John Michael Cooper, Dr. Sequina Dubose, & Dr. Justin Smith on the Margaret Bonds Symposium at Queens University

6M ago

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Composer, pianist, and social justice activist Margaret Bonds is one of the twentieth century's more remarkable American artists, and her reputation is growing in stature among twenty-first century music lovers. There's a terrific opportunity to learn more about this remarkable woman and her music when Queens University hosts the Margaret Bonds Sym…

1
Tichina Vaughn on Piedmont Opera

6M ago

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Piedmont Opera in Winston-Salem is opening their new season with Verdi's Il Trovatore and they're welcoming home Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Tichina Vaughn. Vaughn was raised in Winston-Salem, and she is a graduate of UNC School of the Arts. After getting her start with the Metropolitan Opera, she went on to international acclaim performing many y…

1
A Conversation with Amerigo Trio and A Tribute to Bacharach

7M ago

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In the month of October, Davidson College will present several great concerts. Renowned vocal group Stile Antico performs a program celebrating William Byrd. And the Amerigo Trio, whose members are all internationally acclaimed musicians, is in concert. And later in the month, Davidson faculty members will present a benefit tribute to Burt Bacharac…

1
Dr. Marques Garrett on the Charlotte Master Chorale

7M ago

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The Charlotte Master Chorale comes to the Cain Center in Cornelius and Queens University in Charlotte respectively this fall. The theme of the concerts is freedom and oppression across communities and features the North Carolina premiere of R. Nathaniel Dett's The Ordering of Mose s as well as Bernstein's Chichester Psalms. Dr. Marques L.A. Garrett…

1
Martie Perry on Heartland Baroque

7M ago

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Heartland Baroque is an ensemble specializing in music of the 17th and 18th centuries. They perform regularly in our region and will give a concert at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Davidson. Violinist Martie Perry is founder and artistic director of Heartland Baroque. She explains how Heartland Baroque's historically informed performances provide…

1
Alejandro Cerrudo on the Charlotte Ballet

7M ago

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Charlotte Ballet is gearing up for the 2023-2024 season which will be the first one fully curated by artistic director Alejandro Cerrudo. Several world premieres by notable choreographers are highlights, and the season kicks off with a performance in Toronto, the first time since 1981 Charlotte Ballet is traveling abroad. Cerrudo describes some of …

1
Christopher James Lees on the Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra

8M ago

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The Rock Hill Symphony welcomes a new music director this season -- Christopher James Lees. Lees is already known to the area's classical audiences through his work as the Charlotte Symphony's Resident Conductor. Now he's poised to lead the region's newest orchestra in its next chapter. Lees talks about the symphony's future aspirations and their f…

1
Peter Askim on the Salisbury Symphony

8M ago

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In the coming year, the Salisbury Symphony will be looking for a new music director. One of their candidates, Peter Askim, will lead the first concert of the season at Catawba College. Askim is on the faculty at N.C. State University, leads the Raleigh Civic Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, and is a composer and bassist as well as a conductor. He ta…

1
Michelle Merrill on the Winston-Salem Symphony

10M ago

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The Winston-Salem Symphony recently announced their new music director -- Michelle Merrill. Merrill served four years with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as assistant then associate conductor under Leonard Slatkin. She will be the Winston-Salem Symphony's first female music director and the only woman to lead a professional orchestra in the Carolin…

1
Ashley Lam and Luvo on Opera Carolina & International Lyric Academy

10M ago

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Opera Carolina is going international this summer through a new partnership with International Lyric Academy. More than 100 opera singers and musicians from across the globe have arrived in the Queen City for three weeks of immersive mentorship, followed by two weeks in Vicenza, Italy. Part of the experience is a summer festival of free and tickete…

1
Clive Driskill-Smith on Bach

10M ago

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Internationally acclaimed organist Clive Driskill-Smith chats about the importance of Bach to organists.By WDAV Classical Public Radio

1
Musicians on the Charlotte Bach Festival

11M ago

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The Charlotte Bach Festival returns to the Queen City with a full schedule of recitals, concerts, and educational opportunities, drawing talented musicians from across the country to celebrate the artistic legacy of J. S. Bach. On this episode, Aisslinn Nosky, Laura C. Atkinson, Margaret Carpenter Haigh and Derrick Miller provide insights into what…

1
Guy Fishman on Local Classical Music Organizations (and Breakfast)

11M ago

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Guy Fishman, principal cellist of both the Handel & Haydn Society and the Bach Akademie Charlotte Orchestra, talks about the excitement of helping build one of the Charlotte region's newest classical music organizations. He also describes his most enjoyable breakfast scenario.By WDAV Classical Public Radio

1
Calin Lupanu and Monica Boboc on Chamber Music 4All

11M ago

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We welcome a string quartet of Charlotte Symphony musicians who perform concerts as part of the Chamber Music 4All series. Hear excerpts of works by Janacek and Mendelssohn, and series founders Calin Lupanu and Monica Boboc speak about the series’ objectives. Learn more about Chamber Music 4 All events…

1
Kazem Abdullah on the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

11M ago

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Kazem Abdullah leads the Charlotte Symphony in their final classics concerts of the season. Abdullah was General Music Director of the City of Aachen in Germany from 2012 to 2017. He has also served as an assistant conductor at the Metropolitan Opera, and has guest conducted around the country for both opera productions and orchestral concerts. He …

1
Lan Shui on the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

12M ago

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Conductor Lan Shui joins the Charlotte Symphony (CSO) for concerts at Belk Theatre in Charlotte. He gives us a rundown of the works on the CSO program, and he explains why he loves being a guest conductor. Pictured: Lan Shui by Singapore Symphony OrchestraBy WDAV Classical Public Radio

1
Kory Caudill on ”The Concert for the Human Family”

12M ago

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Pianist/composer Kory Caudill is music director of “ The Concert for the Human Family,” performances which highlight themes of community and racial reconciliation. Caudill talks about the concert coming to Charlotte’s Holy Comforter Episcopal Church.By WDAV Classical Public Radio

1
Cathy Youngblood and JoVan Adams on HEHLEHLOOYUH

1y ago

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Two of the Charlotte region's choral ensembles team up for a concert of music by Black composers at First United Methodist Church of Charlotte. Caritas A Cappella Ensemble and Charlotte Contemporary Ensemble will present a program called " HEHLEHLOOYUH: A Celebration of Choral Music by Black Composers" which features a wide variety of classically b…

1
Dominic Armstrong and Melinda Whittington on La Traviata

1y ago

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Tenor Dominic Armstrong and soprano Melinda Whittington star in Opera Carolina’s production of La Traviata . They enter the studio to perform stunning duets from the opera, chat about their musical journeys, and share personal insights into Verdi’s masterwork. Pictured (left to right): Emily Jarrell Urbanek (collaborative pianist), Dominic Armstron…

1
Robert Krumbine on Charlotte Shout!

1y ago

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Uptown Charlotte hosts the multi-week festival known as Charlotte Shout! The festival is produced by Charlotte Center City Partners and includes music performances, art installations, community conversations, culinary events, and more. The idea is to showcase and celebrate Charlotte's creativity, innovation, and diversity. Robert Krumbine, Chief Cr…

1
Robert Quinney on the Choir of New College Oxford

1y ago

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Robert Quinney, Director of the Choir of New College Oxford, talks about leading one of the most respected choral ensembles in the world. The choir has been in existence since 1379 and is the oldest of its kind in Oxford and Cambridge. Quinney describes the typical routine of the young adults and boy trebles in the choir who perform almost every da…

1
Robert Quinney, Ben Outen, and Murray Somerville on Choir of New College, Oxford

1y ago

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Christ Episcopal Church in Charlotte welcomes the Choir of New College, Oxford for a concert that includes classic English choral works. The Choir of New College has been around since 1379 and is one of the most celebrated choral groups in the world. It is also the oldest choir of its kind in Oxford and Cambridge. Robert Quinney, Director of the Ch…

1
David Fisk on the Charlotte Symphony 2023 - 24 Season

1y ago

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The Charlotte Symphony (CSO) has just announced its 2023-24 season, and it's filled with variety and diversity across all the series: Classics, Pops, Movie, and Family. The season features several big names (like Renee Fleming), puts some Charlotte Symphony musicians in the spotlight, blurs genre boundaries, and provides lots of opportunities for m…

1
Scott Allen Jarrett on Claudio Monteverdi

1y ago

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Scott Allen Jarrett, artistic director of Bach Akademie Charlotte, gives background on Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi whose music is featured in Bach Akademie's Venetian Vespers concert. Learn more about Bach Akademie's Venetian Vespers ConcertBy WDAV Classical Public Radio

1
Mark O’Connor on His Classical Journey

1y ago

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Composer Mark O'Connor talks about his journey through classical music as someone who began his career in folk and country music. You'll also find out about his favorite healthy breakfast concoction. Pictured: Mark O'Connor; photo by Mitch Weiss.By WDAV Classical Public Radio

1
Mark O’Connor on ”Crossing Bridges”

1y ago

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The compositions and recordings of American fiddler, violinist, and composer Mark O'Connor are heard often on WDAV. His career which has seen him work across genres – country, folk, classical, and jazz – began as a child when he showed astonishing musical talent at an early age. His memoir, "Crossing Bridges," chronicles the ups and downs of life a…

1
Vinay Parameswaran on the Charlotte Symphony

1y ago

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The Charlotte Symphony welcomes guest conductor Vinay Parameswaran to the podium to lead a program of twentieth and twenty-first century music by Sibelius, Britten, Still, and up-and-coming American composer Gabriella Smith. He shares the story of how he became a conductor instead of a lawyer and gives in depth insights into all the works on the sy…

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