Tag: Interview

Questioning the conductors: Christopher Seaman

I talked with conductor Christopher Seaman yesterday.  Seaman is in town guest conducting the Seattle Symphony in a series of concerts titled “Festive Holiday Encores.”  Just as the name implies, the program is essentially one classical music hit after another.  Popular pieces by Glinka, Tchaikovsky, Rimsky Korsakov, Dukas, etc. will fill Benaroya Hall this weekend.  In the 20 minutes I had with Maestro Seaman, we talked about a wide range of subjects.  He shared with me some memorable moments as timpanist with the London Philharmonic, including his admiration for Georg Solti.  We also talked about his tenure with the Rochester Philharmonic.  Seaman is regarded as an audience builder, and he discussed how he expanded the audience in Rochester and why people go to concerts.  His answer is moving and obvious.  His time with the Rochester Philharmonic comes to an end in 2011.  In closing, I asked Seaman the obvious question: are you interested in the Seattle Symphony post?  You’ll have to watch the video to find out what his answer was.

Zach Carstensen chats with conductor Christopher Seaman from gatheringnote on Vimeo.

Breakfast with Paul Taub

This Saturday, acclaimed local flutist Paul Taub is celebtrating 30 years in Seattle with an anniversary concert at Cornish College.  Seattle audiences know Paul well through his work with the Seattle Chamber Players, his solo flue recitals, and through his work as a Cornish faculty member.  I was lucky to be able to sit down with Paul this past weekend and chat with him about his upcoming concert.  The concert will feature works by a number of composers, many of whom Paul has gotten to know through his association with the Seattle Chamber Players. 

As you will hear in Paul’s own words, anyone interested in the flute and new music should definitely check out this concert.  On a side note, anyone interested in perfect pancakes and delicious, garlic laddened scrambled eggs should head over to the Blue Dog Kitchen in the U-District (thank you Paul and thank you Yelp). I recommend the Blue Dog Special with veggies.

Astor Piazzolla’s Four Season’s of Buenos Aires; Q&A with violinist James Garlick

The Northwest Sinfonietta returns to action this week with a program that features eight seasons — Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and Piazzolla’s “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.”  James Garlick — friend of the Gathering Note, frequent concertmaster with the Sinfonietta, and occasional contributor — took a few moments to talk about Piazzolla’s “Seasons.”  Garlick is soloing with his orchestra for the Piazzolla while Adam LaMotte, the Sinfonietta’s concertmaster, is taking up solo duties for Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.”

Continue reading Astor Piazzolla’s Four Season’s of Buenos Aires; Q&A with violinist James Garlick

TGN’s Zach Carstensen talks with Midori

Photo courtesy Lois Greenfield
Photo courtesy Lois Greenfield

Zach Carstensen : How were you introduced to the violin?

ZC: Your professional career began at a young age – you were 12 when you performed with the New York Philharmonic – what was it like being a classical music star while you are also entering your formative, teenage years?

M: When a youngster is under scrutiny from the media, they can fall into the trap of starting to believe what is said about them (whether the stories are true or not). Feeling the gaze of others is especially tough on any naturally self-conscious teenager as he or she finds their place in the world. Strong relationships with family and friends kept me from ever losing sight of my true self; they kept my ego in check while also providing support and encouragement during the challenging times.

Continue reading TGN’s Zach Carstensen talks with Midori

Jennifer Higdon chats about life as a composer

higdon

The Third Angle New Music Ensemble will play several works by Jennifer Higdon in its upcoming concert this Friday at 7:30 pm at the Old Church in downtown Portland. Higdon’s music has been much in demand by vocal and instrumental ensembles, and she has garnered a couple of Grammys as well. I talked with Higdon last week about her life and work.

You have done many residencies over the past few years; so where do you call home?

Higdon: I’ve lived in Philadelphia for the past 22 years; so I think of it as my home base. This is the first year in a while that I haven’t been in residence with an orchestra. I couldn’t squeeze it into my schedule.

Continue reading Jennifer Higdon chats about life as a composer

Composer John Paul talks about writing new music for rediscovered silent film

john-paul

Composer John Paul, who heads the music department at Marylhurst University, has written a score for the silent film “City Girl,” which will be shown at the Oregon Sesquicentennial Film Festival. The festival will show 10 films in ten days and ” John Paul’s score will accompany “City Girl” at 7 pm on May 8 at the James Ivory Theater, Villa Maria, on the campus of Marylhurst University. Tickets are $10.

I talked with John Paul a couple of weeks ago about this intriguing project.

Continue reading Composer John Paul talks about writing new music for rediscovered silent film