Episode 84: Composer, pianist, arranger, producer – Stephen Edwards

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Composer, arranger, producer, Stephen Edwards is on the show! With more than 175 soundtrack and composer credits to his name, Stephen is one of Hollywood’s most productive composers. He’s also written classical compositions, most notably his Requiem For My Mother, which received performances both at Carnegie Hall and the Vatican. Stephen is a great guy, and there’s a lot to learn about, here! Enjoy!

Episode 79: Conductor, composer, professor – John Alexander

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Choral titan, John Alexander is my guest this week. This was a very personal chat for me- John was my champion all through college, giving me most of the tenor solos and giving me my first professional opportunities as a singer. He’s the real deal, and I hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did!

Episode 75: Composer, conductor, arranger- Victor Vanacore

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Victor Vanacore has worked with some of the biggest names in the history of pop music- Michael Jackson, Barry Manilow, Johnny Mathis, Natalie Cole and many, many others. In 2004, Victor won a Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) for, “Over the Rainbow”, on the Ray Charles album, “Genius Loves Company”, which won eight Grammys, including Album of the Year. Victor’s upcoming project, la Sorgente, comes to the Ford Theater on Oct. 8 and features arias set to the poetry of Pope JP II. Victor is a fascinating man, and we had a terrific, long, personal conversation, spanning his fascinating life- from nuts to bolts. Thanks for listening- Enjoy!

Episode 73: Jasper Randall

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Jasper Randall is my guest this week! Jasper is one of the very few titans of Hollywood vocal music in the world, having worked on COUNTLESS blockbuster soundtracks over the last two decades- little films like Frozen, X-Men, La-La Land, and the upcoming movies, It, Pitch Perfect 3, Cloverfield, etc, etc, etc… Jasper sings, conducts, and is also a fine composer, currently in residence with the Los Robles Master Chorale. This is a great interview for folks wanting to get to know the man behind the curtain, and RARE peak into the peculiar, mysterious and sometimes secretive business of Hollywood soundtrack production. Enjoy!

Summer Break Flashback: Jeff Beal

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Jeff Beal!! One of my favorite humans is making his re-appearance for my Summer Flashback extravaganza! Jeff is everywhere- I honestly don’t know how he does it all, and he really does do it all (unlike some other film composers we know who shall go unnamed). Jeff and his lovely wife, Joan are proof that you can be fun, considerate, open and genuinely nice and still be wildly successful in Hollywood. Enjoy our chat, and thanks for listening!

Summer Break Flashback: James Conlon

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Maestro James Conlon, y’all! I bet you’re curious how one becomes the Music Director of Los Angeles Opera and Principal Conductor of the Italian RAI National Symphony Orchestra- well, here’s your chance! We cover it from nuts to bolts- stories, stories, stories- Maria Callas, Juilliard, The Big Break and a whole lot more! Happy summer, everyone- Enjoy!

Summer Break Flashback: Grant Gershon

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Continuing my summer break, I’m reissuing another one of my favorites: Grant Gershon! The LAMC, LA Opera and the International stage are his homes. A master musician, Grant is not only one of the best in the biz, he’s also unbelievably pleasant, inspirational and dedicated to his art. I hope you enjoy our extended chat!

Episode 69: Miah Im

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Pianist, conductor, coach, prompter and erstwhile violinist, Miah Im is my guest this week. She’s one of those people who almost always has a smile on her face, despite the fact that she’s a musical force to be reckoned with. That seem like a rare find in any field, especially music. This is another great episode for folks who are interested in getting into the classical music biz, because Miah seems to do a bit of everything! Thanks for listening- Enjoy!

Episode 60: Sharon Farber

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Film and TV composer, Sharon Farber, is my guest this week. I’ve known Sharon for a number of years, and I’m always excited to bump into her around town. She’s a brilliant composer of concert music (as well as the Hollywood stuff), and through her music, she is also an admirable advocate for issues near and dear to her, particularly gender equality in music and Holocaust remembrance, both of which we talk at great lengths about in this interview. Sharon has always fought the good fight, and I was really happy to spend some time catching up with her. Thanks for listening!

Episode 57: Tali Tadmor

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This week, I got to sit and chat with another one of my dear friends, the indomitable Tali Tadmor. An extraordinary pianist and collaborator, Tali makes the rounds around town with the best singers and organizations- and when I say around town, I mean from LA Opera to Carnegie Hall. She’s good. I hope you enjoy our conversation- thanks for listening!