In this episode of One Symphony, Devin Patrick Hughes interviews composer, conductor, and singer Damien Geter discusses his multifaceted career and his approach to opera. He shares how his experiences as a performer inform his composing, emphasizing the importance of representation in the opera world, and how seeing oneself on stage can inspire audiences. Geter explains the process of creating an opera, from libretto to premiere, and touches on the challenges of funding for American opera companies. He also speaks about the role of music in reflecting social issues, his commitment to authentic expression, and his diverse experiences as an actor and author, in addition to his music career. This inspiring conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in opera and the power of art to create change.

In this episode of One Symphony with conductor Devin Partick Hughes, Devin has an inspiring conversation with bass virtuoso and composer Kebra Seyoun Charles. From their early exposure to African drumming and gospel music to becoming a celebrated classical musician, Charles shares their unique journey and vision for the future of classical music through their ”Counter Classical” style. Charles’s work embodies a fresh perspective on classical music’s future, one that honors tradition while embracing innovation and inclusivity. Their approach shows that classical music’s evolution doesn’t require abandoning its foundations, but rather expanding its boundaries to embrace diverse influences and experiences. As they put it, ”Classical music is so beautiful and so ephemeral and it can’t be contained.”

In this episode of One Symphony, host Devin Patrick Hughes interviews Dr. Samantha Ege, pianist and musicologist, about the life and works of Florence Price. Dr. Ege discusses Price’s musical style, her significance in American classical music, and the recent rediscovery of her compositions. The conversation covers Price’s role in the Chicago music scene, her blending of classical and African American musical traditions, and the challenges she faced as a Black female composer in the early 20th century. Dr. Ege also shares insights from her own recordings of Price’s piano works and her upcoming scholarly publications on the composer.

Tobias Picker, deemed “our finest composer for the lyric stage” by The Wall Street Journal, joins Devin Patrick Hughes on One Symphony. Tobias is a prolific composer in all genres. He has composed six operas, commissioned by Dallas Opera, LA Opera, Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Opera Theatre St. Louis.

American pianist Clayton Stephenson joins conductor Devin Patrick Hughes for an engaging and informative interview on One Symphony. Clayton’s love for music is immediately apparent in his joyous charisma onstage, expressive power, and natural ease at the instrument. Hailed for “extraordinary narrative and poetic gifts” and interpretations that are “fresh, incisive and characterfully alive” by Gramophone, he is committed to making an impact on the world through his music-making. Clayton and Devin discuss Clayton’s upbringing, his first keyboard and piano courtesy of Lang Lang, his thoughts on performing music new and old, being a young musician, studying economics at Harvard, best health practices and more!

In this episode of One Symphony, conductor Devin Patrick Hughes welcomes Marina Arsenijevic, a celebrated pianist and composer, to discuss her new album Chopin Obsessions. Marina shares her early musical inspirations, ranging from classical ballet to Western pop music, influenced by her upbringing in former Yugoslavia (now Serbia). She elaborates on her career journey, from performing during the Yugoslav Wars to her acclaimed PBS special at West Point, emphasizing her philosophy of Unity Through Diversity. This episode explores her approach to blending traditional melodies with classical compositions, her admiration for Chopin, and her recent work Tesla Rhapsody.

In this episode of One Symphony, conductor Devin Patrick Hughes interviews internationally renowned pianist Quynh Nguyen, exploring her remarkable journey in music. Born in post-war Vietnam, Nguyen’s path has been shaped by her family legacy, global influences, and dedication to her craft. From her early beginnings at the Hanoi Conservatory to her studies in Moscow, Paris, and the United States, Nguyen’s story exemplifies perseverance and the power of music to transcend boundaries. The interview examines Nguyen’s direct connections with French composer Olivier Messiaen and studying with his wife Yvonne Loriod, her respect for Germaine Tailleferre’s resilience, and her collaboration with Paul Chihara on his Concerto Fantasy for Piano and Orchestra. Nguyen also explores music’s capability to promote peace between nations in her touching final remarks.

In this episode of One Symphony, conductor Devin Patrick Hughes sits down with renowned composer Pierre Jalbert to explore Jalbert’s musical journey, creative process, and the spiritual influences that shape his work. Jalbert shares intimate stories about his childhood in Vermont, his collaborations with world-class musicians, and the importance of resonance and reverberation in his compositions. He also pays tribute to his mentor, the late Larry Rachleff, and discusses his genre-bending project with the Apollo Chamber Players. Throughout the interview, Jalbert offers insights into the challenges and rewards of writing for both chamber groups and large ensembles and reveals how he strives to create music that serves the audience. Join us for a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of today’s best composers.

In this episode of One Symphony, Juhi Bansal discusses her diverse cultural influences, from Hindustani classical to Western styles, and how she weaves them together to create powerful narratives through sound. Bansal delves into the inspiration behind several of her striking works, including ”Songs From the Deep,” ”Waves of Change,” and ”Aurora,” which explore themes of women’s resilience, environmental conservation, and the beauty of natural phenomena. Bansal also reflects on the role of artists in driving change and her personal growth as a composer over the past 15 years. Join us for an engaging conversation that celebrates the power of music to create narratives that combine spirituality and nature.

In this episode of One Symphony, host Devin Patrick Hughes sits down with Ralph Patrick, a former pastor and Alzheimer’s Association collaborator, to explore the profound impact of music on individuals living with dementia. Patrick shares his personal experiences and insights, discussing how live musical performances can engage, stimulate, and connect with those affected by this challenging disease. Discover the steps musical organizations can take to create dementia-friendly programs and learn about the cognitive benefits of music for individuals with dementia. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion on the transformative power of music and its ability to reach the deeper, inner self beyond cognition.