Coming Up on Music Cincinnati

Coming up this weekend, it’s a new Music Cincinnati broadcast from 90.9 WGUC. Featuring the Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church Organ Concert Series, this special is sure to delight both aficionados and those new to the power contained within this age-old instrument.

The Opus 3671 organ at Hyde Park Community United Methodist in Cincinnati was built by Casavant Frères in 1990. It has nearly 5,000 pipes and was designed in the French tradition fulfilling the dual role of choir and main organ. The upcoming Music Cincinnati broadcast highlights this organ during the 2017–2018 concert season. This instrument draws talent from across this globe. The 2017–2018 season welcomed organists Jean-Baptiste Robin, Renée Anne Louprette, and Kola Owolabi.

What music can you expect to hear on this broadcast? A variety! You’ll enjoy everything from Baroque-era pieces by Handel, Vivaldi, and Bach, all the way to newer works – even one by one of the organists himself! The organists are some of the world’s best. Jean-Baptiste Robin is organist of the Royal Chapel at the Palace of Versailles and Professor of Organ at the National Conservatory in Versailles. He is considered one of the most accomplished French organists and composers today. Renée Anne Louprette is organist at Rutgers University. She’s also known as a conductor and teacher and is known internationally as a recitalist. Kola Owolabi is Associate Professor of Organ at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He frequently tours North America as a recitalist and has been featured at conventions put on by the American Guild of Organists and the Organ Historical Society.

This Music Cincinnati is one not to be missed! Tune into 90.9 WGUC Sunday, September 20 at 8pm, or listen online at wguc.org, via the WGUC app, or your smart speaker. Not available at 8pm this Sunday? Never fear! This program will be archived at wguc.org the week following and you’ll be able to listen to it at your convenience! 

A New Album from Anne Akiko Meyers

Avie Records recently released a new album from violinist Anne Akiko Meyers. Mirror in Mirror is the 37th release from Meyers, who is considered one of today’s leading violinists. She is known for commissioning and performing new music, and her newest album reflects that. For it, Meyers collaborated with some of today’s leading composers to present music either composed or arranged for her. One of those arrangements is by Morten Lauridsen. Meyers told us in a recent interview that she had been asking the composer to write her a work for some time. Having limited time, he was resistant – until he heard her perform.

  

Jakub Ciupiński wrote his Wreck of the Umbria for her.

 

While Meyers obviously didn’t collaborate with Ravel for this recording of Tzigane, she decided to do something interesting by recreating Ravel’s original luthéal version. She explains just what exactly that is:

 

Meyers goes on to explain how her keyboardist accomplished the effect of the luthéal in her new recording.

 

The album’s title comes from Arvo Pärt’s Mirror in Mirror, which she has recorded before.

 

Meyers told us that her younger daughter, Andie, has claimed that piece as her own lullaby. A lullaby John Corigliano wrote for her older daughter, Natalie, is also featured on this album.

Mirror in Mirror from Anne Akiko Meyers offers a reflective, spiritual experience for the listener. It encapsulates the deep, pure nature of music and will move your soul. Myers’ performance is, as always, splendid, making this album one of 2018’s best. Interested in hearing this album? Tune to 90.9 WGUC for our Fall Fund Drive beginning September 20 when we will feature Mirror in Mirror. When you call 513-419-7155 or go to wguc.org with your gift, you can request your own copy of this new gem from Anne Akiko Meyers.

Getting Ready for Autumn

Autumn is quickly approaching. To put us in the mood, I’ve created an Autumn-themed playlist. Check it out here.

John Williams: A Life in Music

Anyone who is a true Star Wars junkie knows that May 4 of each year is International Star Wars Day – “May the fourth be with you!” The London Symphony Orchestra celebrated Star Wars Day this year with the release of their new album, John Williams: A Life in Music. This release marked the LSO’s over forty-year collaboration with John Williams, which all began back in 1977 with the filming of Star Wars. Although this new album doesn’t offer any new works from Williams, it does include the world premiere recording of the Theme from Schindler’s List for solo cello (normally the solo part is played by the violin). The album also contains music from iconic Williams film scores including Star Wars, Hook, Saving Private Ryan, Jaws, Superman, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and E.T.

Although it’s a bit disappointing that Mr. Williams is not the conductor on John Williams: A Life in Music (Gavin Greenaway performs that role), this album does offer the John Williams enthusiast all of the best from this legendary American composer. An added bonus is the beautiful packaging – each page of the liner notes contains commentary from members of the LSO.

Interested in hearing this album? Tune in during the WGUC September Fund Drive when you will not only hear it but can request your own copy! It’s our way of saying “thank you” for supporting the classical music on 90.9.