Classical Review: Americana Symphony

The latest from OMAC is Mark O'Connor's Americana Symphony. The release has O'Connor's Symphony No. 1 "Variations on Appalachia Waltz" and his Concerto No. 6 "Old Brass." Simply put, it is music that reflects the hope of our nation and times.
O'Connor brilliantly builds on his own music in his symphony. Each movement embraces a different aspect of our country, from dances and jigs to scenes of the sky, sun and open spaces. After numerous performances around the country (and I expect there to be many more as this release is heard by managers and audiences alike) the Baltimore Symphony recorded the Americana Symphony with director Marin Alsop. Let's hope Mark pens at least eight more of them! The other work featured is O'Connor's sixth concerto. It was inspired by a Frank Lloyd Wright plantation in South Carolina. If there is one thing that can out shine Mark O'Connor's composition, it is Mark O'Connor's violin playing. O'Connor fiddles, twangs and charms his melodies in brilliant orchestrations with the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra. Set as a traditional concerto as fast-slow-fast, there is nothing formulaic about it.
I was pleased to interview Mark in the fall of 2007, hear him live in 2008, and talk again this last December about this project and what is coming up in the new year. Take a listen to our interview over on the KPAC blog.

Carter and Carols

Listen this week on KPAC and KTXI for great Christmas carols, sounds of the season, and a celebration of Elliott Carter, who turns 100 years old this Thursday. There is a countdown clock on the right hand side of this blog, and you can copy it if you liek to share with your friends!

Sneak Peak

I talked with Leonard Slatkin yesterday for a KPAC project I think you'll like. Watch the new blog over there, http://kpac883.blogspot.com/ for updates and the entire coverage of Leroy Anderson's 100th birthday.

Here though, are a few questions I had a chance to ask the Maestro: about his move to Detroit, the new Made In America project, and Jennifer Higdon's Piano Concerto.

mp3 file

It's alive!

Well, it's a start...check out the new KPAC blog, a work in progress:
http://kpac883.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

Job Search 3

So last month I was a finalist (1 of 2) for Texas Public Radio's Host/Producer position in San Antonio (30th Market).

I went down and had a chance to see the city, meet the staff, and learn more about the place in general. I had previously been to San Antonio for a cigar sales convention in 2000, and more recently in 2004 for a public radio convention.

Turns out, we all clicked. (The fresh guacamole the night before my interview, made by the charming Tanya pictured right, certainly helped!)

I have accepted the job and yesterday gave 2 weeks notice at WITF. I'll start next month at TPR as the new afternoon host (2 to 6pm) for KPAC. It's an all classical station and I'm very excited to have new adventures.