Offenbach turns 200!

June 20^, 2019 marks the 200^th anniversary of Jacques Offenbach’s birth! To celebrate, I’ve selected a few favorites from his compositions and created a playlist for your enjoyment this week. What other Offenbach works do you enjoy?

Meet Jason Vieaux!

Grammy-winning classical guitarist Jason Vieaux can frequently be heard on 90.9 WGUC. He recently was featured on a new release from Naxos that contains music by Jonathan Leshnoff, including his Guitar Concerto. Jason recorded the piece alongside Giancarlo Guerrero and the Nashville Symphony – his first time with this orchestra. In a recent interview I had with Jason, he told me about how he prepared for this performance.
 

When I first heard this concerto, the second movement really stood out to me as something special. It’s meant to reflect the Jewish concept of Hod, or humility and features a very stripped-down orchestra so that the guitar soloist can really shine. Jason talked about working closely with the composer while rehearsing this movement in particular.

When I listened to the third movement, I was reminded of music by Joaquin Rodrigo. I asked if Rodrigo provided any inspiration for the piece.
 

The guitar is known to be difficult to compose for.
 

We talked about some of his favorites from the traditional guitar repertoire.    

He first came to play the guitar at a very young age.

 

Of course, I always love hearing the scoop on what these famous artists enjoying doing in their free time. Jason had a terrific answer.

 

Jonathan Leshnoff’s Guitar Concerto featuring Jason Vieaux was recently heard on WGUC’s New at Noon. If you missed it, don’t worry. It’s sure to become a regular in the rotation!

Meet Lara Downes!

Pianist Lara Downes released a new album titled Holes in the Sky earlier this year. It arrived to the WGUC music library just in time for us to feature it for Women’s History Month in March! This exciting new album from Sony Music Entertainment delves into music by women composers who have perhaps gotten lost in the shadows of the male giants throughout history. Ms. Downes presents this album alongside other female artists including Judy Collins, Simone Dinnerstein, Rachel Barton Pine, and more. But instead of listening to me ramble on about it – let’s hear from the artist herself. I had the privilege of chatting with Lara recently, and she told me how her new album came about.

There are quite a few women who have inspired her.
 

She talked about narrowing down the repertoire to include on the album.

She collaborated with Judy Collins.
 

I asked her if she’s ever found challenges to being a woman musician.

Lara will be the featured host on From the Top this week! Tune to 90.9 WGUC at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 8. You can also listen at wguc.org or from our free mobile app!