Guest conductor Paolo Bortolameolli will lead the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) in Kabalevsky&apos;s Cello Concerto No. 1 , featuring cellist Christine Lamprea plus works by Corigliano and Gabriela Ortiz. Bortolameolli is a strong advocate for bringing new compositions and new audiences to classical music. He describes some of his novel approaches to this challenge. He also talks about the music on the program for the upcoming CSO concerts. Pictured: Paolo Bortolameolli photo by Josefina Perez. Paolo Bortolameolli , conductor

Piedmont Arts Podcast

Paolo Bortolameolli on the Charlotte Symphony

The Ivalas Quartet took first place at the 2019 WDAV Young Chamber Musicians Competition. Since that time, they&apos;ve been building a career for themselves focusing on their mission of “enhancing the classical music world with voices less known and sometimes unheard.” They spoke with WDAV about their love of chamber music and their joy in sharing classical music with young people and other audiences who are new to it.

Ivalas Quartet on the Davidson College Concert Series

Based in New York, the Harlem Quartet was founded in 2006 by The Sphinx Organization, a national non-profit devoted to building diversity in classical music and providing educational access for underserved communities. The quartet will perform in a local concert presented by Chamber Music Raleigh and WDAV . Harlem Quartet violinist Ilmar Gavilán talks about their mission to advance diversity in classical music by exploring new repertoire and reaching new audiences. Learn more about the Charlotte Masters: Harlem Quartet Concert Pictured: Ilmar Gavilán; credit Amy Schroeder

Ilmar Gavilán on Harlem Quartet

Black Violin brings their unique blend of classical and hip-hop to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte. The genre-defying duo of violinist Kev Marcus and violist Wil B. is known for its artistry and high energy performances. On this episode, Wil B. talks about breaking down cultural barriers through music and thinking about musical genres in a more fluid way. He also explains Black Violin&apos;s commitment to music education and providing opportunities for young people that allow them to explore their musical interests. Pictured: Wil B. from Black Violin; photo by Albert Manduca. Wil B. of Black Violin  

Wil B. on Black Violin

Charlotte Master Chorale brings back Considering Matthew Shepard, a “fusion oratorio” that examines the notorious 1998 hate crime that triggered a new era of activism. Acclaimed choral conductor Craig Hella Johnson talks about the work.

Craig Hella Johnson on "Considering Matthew Shepard"

The Western Piedmont Symphony&apos;s next Masterworks concert on features baritone Sidney Outlaw who performs Wagner&apos;s "O You, My Fair Evening Star" and Mahler&apos;s "Songs of a Wayfarer". Hear Outlaw and Western Piedmont music director Matthew Troy chat about everything from Mahler&apos;s intent when he wrote "Songs of a Wayfarer" to the preparation necessary for performing such a work to their best practices as musicians for surviving the pandemic. Sidney Outlaw , baritone Matthew Troy , conductor

Sidney Outlaw & Matthew Troy on Western Piedmont Symphony’s Masterworks

Jessica Cottis will be the guest conductor for concerts by the Charlotte Symphony. The program will feature Kurt Weill&apos;s The Seven Deadly Sins with soprano Lindsay Kesselman, Ravel&apos;s Piano Concerto in G with pianist Stewart Goodyear, and works by Stravinsky and Jessie Montgomery. Cottis talks about how this program of 20th and 21st century works came together and why they make a compelling grouping. She also talks about her passion for sharing classical music with young listeners and mentoring the next generation of women conductors. Learn more about the Charlotte Symphony&apos;s Ravel Piano Concerto Concert Pictured: Jessica Cottis by Kaupo Kikkas/courtesy of jessicacottis.com Jessica Cottis, conductor

Jessica Cottis on the Charlotte Symphony

The Winston-Salem Symphony is kicking off its 75th anniversary year with concerts called "Celebrate!" Sharing conducting duties are Karen Ni Bhroin, the symphony’s Assistant Conductor, and Grammy winner JoAnn Falletta, one of the most renowned conductors working in the world today. The two talk about the environment for women in classical music today compared to the past. They also talk about the importance and benefits of expanding the concert repertoire to include works by lesser-known composers. Learn more about "Celebrate" Pictured JoAnn Falletta (photo by Heather Bellini) and Karen Ni Bhroin. JoAnn Falletta Karen Ni Bhroin

JoAnn Falletta and Karen Ni Bhroin on "Celebrate!" with the Winston-Salem Symphony

Seventy years ago, a group of Charlotte singers founded the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte to perform great choral masterpieces. Today that organization is known as Charlotte Master Chorale, but regardless of name, they remain an important institution in the cultural life of our region performing often throughout the year. Artistic director Dr. Kenney Potter talks about celebrating this important milestone with a season of concert repertoire that ranges from beloved classics to newer, diverse works, some written specifically for Charlotte Master Chorale. And he talks about the organization’s mission to inspire unity in our community through music. Learn more about Christmas with the Charlotte Master Chorale

Kenney Potter on Celebrating the Charlotte Master Chorale

Cellist Tanja Bechtler and arranger Adam Watkins speak about their concert of Beatles tunes arranged as chamber music. The two also discuss the collaborative process that resulted in the arrangements they perform, as well as the enduring appeal of The Beatles’ music to multiple generations. Learn more about the Beatles with the Bechtler Ensemble concert at Queens University

Tanja Bechtler and Adam Watkins on "Beatles with the Bechtler Ensemble"

Guest conductor Roderick Cox talks about how he chose the music for his program with the Charlotte Symphony, and why the Brahms Serenade No. 2 is particularly close to his heart. He also describes the Roderick Cox Music Initiative, a project that provides scholarships for young musicians of color from underrepresented communities. In only two years, the Initiative has been able to award thousands of dollars to help young artists pursue their dreams. Pictured: Roderick Cox; photo by Susie Knoll. Roderick Cox , conductor

Roderick Cox on the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

The NoteWorthy concert series is presented by WDAV in partnership with the FAIR PLAY Music Equity Alliance . The series brings together gifted Black and brown artists from the Charlotte music scene with classical musicians for some genre-blending, community building music. Charlotte composer and musician Harvey Cummings II is featured in the series. He talks with WDAV about his enjoyment of arranging string parts for his jazz compositions and about the value of collaborating with musicians from other genres. Harvey Cummings II

Harvey Cummings II on the Noteworthy Concert Series

The Sacred Veil , a relatively new work by acclaimed American composer Eric Whitacre and librettist Charles Anthony Silvestri, explores the loss of a loved one to cancer. Caritas Artistic Director, Cathy Youngblood, explains why Caritas A Capella Ensemble of Charlotte chose to present this work. She walks us through the composition providing insight into ways the music addresses human grief and love.

Cathy Youngblood on The Sacred Veil

Deanna Tham is the music director of the Union Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony is kicking off its 2021 - 2022 season with an in-person concert featuring Juilliard trained soprano Gina Gutierrez in a program called “The Symphonic Voice.” Maestro Tham talks about the upcoming season and the important role the orchestra plays in the cultural fabric of Union County.

Deanna Tham on “The Symphonic Voice”

In 2018, Opera Carolina stepped out of its comfort zone to present the powerful rhythm & blues opera I Dream , a fictional chronicle of the final days of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s life. Now I Dream returns for performances at the Belk Theatre in Charlotte. We revisit an interview before the premier with James Meena, general director and principal conductor of Opera Carolina. He talks about his aspirations for this new work. You’ll also hear from composer Douglas Tappin about how his musical hybrid is ideal for telling the story of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King.

James Meena & Douglas Tappin on "I Dream"

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Piedmont Arts Podcast

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