Tobias Picker, deemed “our finest composer for the lyric stage” by The Wall Street Journal, joins Devin Patrick Hughes on One Symphony. Tobias is a prolific composer in all genres. He has composed six operas, commissioned by Dallas Opera, LA Opera, Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Opera Theatre St. Louis.

Tobias Picker has composed numerous symphonic works including three symphonies, concertos for violin, viola, cello, and oboe, as well as four piano concertos and a ballet. Picker’s recent honors include the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording of Fantastic Mr. Fox, and a lifetime membership at the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Tobias Picker for sharing his music and insights. Thank you to Visconti Arts for making this episode possible. You can find more info at https://tobiaspicker.com.

Music Selections—all music by Tobias Picker, except for the first selection.

Gian Carlo Menotti, Suite from Amahl and the Night Visitors. Performed by the Cleveland Pops Orchestra conducted by Louis Lane.

First movement from Symphony No. 1; performed by the San Francisco Symphony. Edo de Waart, conductor.

Awakenings, adapted from the non-fiction book by Oliver Sacks. Libretto by Aryeh Lev Stollman, produced by Odyssey Opera in 2023 of Boston in partnership with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project. Gil, Rose, Conductor. Directed by James Robinson. Commissioned by Opera Theatre of St. Louis.

The Encantadas for narrator and orchestra. Based on the writings of Herman Melville. Sir John Geilgud, narrator; Christoph Eschenbach, conductor; Houston Symphony Orchestra.

"Letter Aria" from Emmeline. Text by J.D. McClatchy Virginia Douglas, soprano Amir Farid, piano. Conducted by Modestas Pitrenas. Supported by Modestas Pitrenas.

“I See A Woman” from Lili Elbe. Text by Aryeh Lev Stollman. Featuring Lucia Lucas as Lili. Performed by the St. Gallen Symphonic Orchestra.

Old and Lost Rivers, for orchestra. Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Williams.

Nova featuring Benjamin Hudson- Violin John Graham - Viola Fred Sherry - Cello Don Palma - Bass Tobias Picker – Piano.

You can always find more info at OneSymphony.org including a virtual tip jar if you’d like to support the show. Please feel free to rate, review, or share the show! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music.

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American pianist Clayton Stephenson joins conductor Devin Patrick Hughes for an engaging and informative interview on One Symphony. Clayton’s love for music is immediately apparent in his joyous charisma onstage, expressive power, and natural ease at the instrument. Hailed for “extraordinary narrative and poetc gifts” and interpretations that are “fresh, incisive and characterfully alive” by Gramophone, he is committed to making an impact on the world through his music-making.

Clayton and Devin discuss Clayton’s upbringing, his first keyboard and piano courtesy of Lang Lang, his thoughts on performing music new and old, being a young musician, studying economics at Harvard, best health practices and more!

Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Clayton Stephenson for sharing his music and performances. Thank you to the Cliburn and International Keyboard Odyssiad and Festival for making this episode possible. You can find more info at https://claytonstephenson.com.

For a list of recordings played on today’s show see our show notes online.

• Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto no. 3 Fort Worth Symphony with Marin Alsop conducting
• Art Tatum’s Tea for Two
• Bach Busoni Chaconne in D minor
• Beethoven Piano Sonata no. 23 in F minor Op. 57
• Gershwin Summertime
• Bach Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring

You can always find more info at OneSymphony.org including a virtual tip jar if you’d like to support the show. Please feel free to rate, review, or share the show! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music!

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In this episode of One Symphony, conductor Devin Patrick Hughes interviews acclaimed pianist and composer Marina Arsenijevic to discuss her journey that led to her latest album, Chopin Obsessions. Arsenijevic shared insights into her upbringing in former Yugoslavia, the influences that shaped her musical style, and her unwavering commitment to promoting unity through diversity. Marina Arsenijevic is as an inspiration to artists and audiences alike. Her journey of unity through diversity reminds us of the transformative power of music and its ability to bring people together, even in the most challenging of times. Growing up in a communist country, Arsenijevic was exposed to a wide range of musical genres, from Western pop to traditional Balkan music, which would later play a significant role in shaping her unique compositional style. As the disintegration of Yugoslavia began in the early 1990s, Arsenijevic found solace in her music. She recognized the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together, even in the face of conflict and adversity. “I wanted to show our common humanity through history, culture, through music, so I started to blend diverse melodies and rhythms to unite us,” she explained. Arsenijevic's commitment to promoting unity through diversity led to the creation of her PBS special, Marina at West Point: Unity Through Diversity. The concert, which featured the West Point Chorus and Band, showcased a diverse range of musical styles and pieces from Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue to Freddie Mercury's "Bohemian Rhapsody" alongside Arsenijevic's own compositions. The special aimed to share Arsenijevic's message with a wider audience. During the interview, Arsenijevic also discussed her latest album, Chopin Obsessions. She discussed the influence of Chopin's relationships with aristocratic women on his compositions and the evolution of his musical style throughout his career. Arsenijevic also drew parallels between Chopin and other composers of the Romantic Era. When asked about her advice for young composers and pianists, Arsenijevic emphasized the importance of using one's own cultural background and traditional music. She encouraged artists to explore the melodies and rhythms of their heritage and incorporate them into their compositions.

MARINA ARSENIJEVIC is an international award-winning pianist and composer, star of the Emmy-nominated Public Television program, “Marina at West Point: Unity through Diversity”which has been broadcast to more than 170 Million viewers on PBS Stations all across the country. Marina created the program and performed with the 120-member joint ensemble of the West Point Band and West Point Cadet Glee Club. The Concert was recorded live at West Point’s historic Eisenhower Hall and as of 2020 become one of the longest running single concerts at PBS TV Network.

Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Marina Arsenijevic for sharing her music and performances. You can find more info at https://www.marinainamerica.com/home

The following music was heard on today’s episode:

“A Piece of My Sky” composed and performed by Marina Arsenijevic. “Gypsy Suite” from the album My Balkan Soul, composed and performed by Marina Arsenijevic available from KM Records. “Armed Forces Medley” performed by Marina with the West Point Cadet Glee Club and the West Point Band from the PBS special Marina at West Point: Unity Through Diversity. The cadenza and finale from Tesla Rhapsody, composed by Marina made possible by the Gold Spirit Award from the Tesla Science Foundation. Chopin’s Waltz in A-flat Major op 42, Fantaisie-impromptu, Op.66, and Ballade No. 1 in G minor, performed by Marina on the album Chopin Obsession available from United World Bravo Music. “Homolje” from the album Balkan Sounds. Composed and performed by Marina Arsenijevic and the Servian Chamber Orchestra and Chorus. Arranged by Zoran Hristic. Available from United World Bravo Music.

You can always find more info at OneSymphony.org including a virtual tip jar if you’d like to support the show. Please feel free to rate, review, or share the show! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music!

https://www.marinainamerica.com/performances

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