Crossover

The enlightening and well-received performance series Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel has been brought back by popular demand! The series, which had been canceled by the Kimmel Center, was resurrected by a group of devotees, the Friends of Keyboard Conversations, who raised funds to continue the performances. This illustrates, more than ever, how the commitment of music lovers to support performances that are accessible on so many levels CAN make a difference.

Listen back to an interview with Thomas Hampson from 2006. Jill Pasternak spoke with Mr. Hampson about his vision to create an American music radio series; that series - Song of America - is now showcased on WRTI on selected Sundays at 5 pm.

Jill Pasternak had the unique opportunity to speak with soprano Anna Netrebko, one of the brightest stars on the operatic stage today. Ms. Netrebko caused a sensation with her beauty, poise, and stunning vocal ability in her debuts in both Salzburg and The Met in 2002.  With the world at her feet, she has maintained a reputation of excellence and an independence in both her handling of her career and her private life. Her family is vitally important to her and her decisions about her career have been carefully made. 

The four musicians in the Canadian Brass, who perform works in the classical repertoire with daring leaps into jazz and popular standards, were joined by renowned organist Jeffrey Brillhart last March in Verizon Hall. On the heels of their latest album release, Canadian Brass Takes Flight (January 31, 2012), this special organ and brass program included works from their recent album, along with new arrangements and collaborations with the impressive talents of Brillhart, the director of music and fine arts at the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church.

A potent and controversial voice for America and what it stands for, Woody Guthrie sang his songs from sea to shining sea. The power of his messages touched the hearts of many Americans, and even led the U. S. government to call upon him to inspire and encourage the debilitated and exhausted construction workers of the great Hoover Dam with his songs. 

The stunning success of 29-year-old classical guitar virtuoso Milos Karadaglic is validated after the first notes of Pasion, his second Deutsche Grammophon release. Known simply as "Milos," the guitarist's technical expertise and respect for the music he loves enhances the beauty of a varied menu of popular folk and challenging classical selections. The sprinkling of recognizable time-worn tangos contrast perfectly with the excitement of the "nuevo" world of Astor Piazolla. Terrific!