Episode 26: Shawn Kirchner

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Composer, pianist, vocalist and peace-lover, Shawn Kirchner is my guest this week. I had a great time getting to know Shawn over the course of our chat and as it goes sometimes, I feel like we left a lot of subjects untouched. Also, I made a couple flubs that I’ll fess up to right now- first, I think I said that ‘Memorare’ was premiered in 2015, when in fact, it was not. Also, I guessed Rumi where the quote was from S.T. Coleridge. So, there. Listen, I do great on those Facebook quizzes, so I’m not gonna sweat it. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoy our talk!

Episode 25: Edie Lehmann Boddicker

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I’m thrilled to have as my 25th guest, Edie Lehmann Boddicker. Most of us around town know her as a vocal contractor, but there is definitely more than meets the eye. She’s had an amazing career here in tinseltown- from concertizing as a classical pianist and learning music theory from Morten Lauridsen, singing and contracting Academy Award nominated soundtracks, to being a regular cast member on General Hospital. There’s a lot in between, too. I really like Edie, and I like her even more after sitting down with her for this really nice chat. Enjoy!

Episode 24: Nicholas C. Pappas

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Episode 24: Nicholas C. Pappas

Nicholas C. Pappas is a director, dramaturge and Heideman Award-winning playwright. His plays include The Ballad of 423 and 424, Fatty, Including Shooter, and The Dreams in Which I’m Dying. Nick is a thoughtful, bright guy who I’m glad to know, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we collaborated again in the future. Thanks for being on the show, buddy!

Episode 23: Grant Gershon

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Mo. Grant Gershon is my guest this week. He’s an amazing pianist, conductor and colleague. He holds the titles of Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and Resident Conductor of the Los Angeles Opera. Our conversation whizzed by and I was left with a ton of questions I didn’t have the time to ask- hopefully we’ll have time for a “shorty” follow-up interview in the future. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the interview and thanks for listening!

Episode 22: Peabody Southwell

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Peabody is a globally recognized mezzo-soprano and burgeoning set and costume designer. She has a strong personality, strong opinions and highly formed ideas about her work, and the worlds she inhabits. I’ve known her for years and I find her fascinating- She’s basically a female version of me, but taller, smarter and with a deeper voice. Enjoy!

Episode 21: Robert Thies

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Robert Thies has been a friend of mine for about ten years or so. We see each other around town and the last time we worked together was on Happy Feet 2, with John Powell. Rob is a tremendous pianist with a great career. He won the Prokofiev competition, plays with the Phil and with many ensembles around town. He’s a Steinway Artist, session player… and on and on. Rob is also just a plain old good guy, and I’m glad to be his friend. Thanks for listening and I hope you end up liking this guy as much as I do. Enjoy!

Episode 20: Blair Tindall

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Author Blair Tindall is my guest this week. You may know her from her controversial 2005 book, “Mozart in the Jungle”, or the hit Amazon series of the same name, created by Jason Schwartzman and starring Gael Garcia Bernal. Blair has had a stellar career as a classical musician, playing oboe for the NY Philharmonic, for hit shows on broadway, and as a session player for film and television. There’s also been a lot of commotion over Blair’s tell-all book about life in the classical world, and she speaks candidly about her experiences with some of the major players who loom large in our community. Blair also details the subsequent fallout after the book’s publication, which quickly led to her being black-listed by many former friends and colleagues. Mozart in the Jungle is a real page turner- I loved the book, and I’m loving the Amazon series, too, so check them both out- I hope you enjoy our chat!

Episode 19: Carla Jimenez

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Carla Jimenez is a working actress in Los Angeles. You may have seen her in films such as, Lady in the Water, Nacho Libre and Accepted, and in the television shows Lincoln Heights, My Name is Earl and Desperate Housewives, and currently on Raising Hope and Last Man Standing. She’s had a long career in film and television, and supports herself solely as an actress, which is no easy feat. She’s insightful, fun, and hard working and I was grateful to hear her story! Enjoy!

Episode 18: Jamie Chamberlin

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The lovely and talented soprano, Jamie Chamberlin is my guest on this episode. Jamie is a very successful working singer here in LA, singing with the Los Angeles Opera, Long Beach Opera and in recordings such as Mark Abel’s new opera, “Home Is a Harbor”. She’s lively, funny, hard-working and vivacious, and she’s one of my favorite people. Enjoy!

Episode 17: Lesley Leighton

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Lesley Leighton is the Associate Conductor for the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the Artistic Director of the Los Robles Master Chorale. She is also a certified chef and a former member of Michael Bloomberg’s inner circle, during his mayorship of NYC. Lesley is interesting, candid and a nice lady to spend an hour with. I hope you enjoy our chat- Thanks for listening!