Host Devin Patrick Hughes welcomes pianist David Korevaar to One Symphony for a conversation on Beethoven’s piano sonatas and Korevaar’s newly released complete recording of the cycle. Together they explore why Beethoven still feels so relevant today, how the sonatas trace his artistic evolution, and why these works can feel like the closest thing we have to a musical autobiography.

In this episode of One Symphony, conductor Devin Patrick Hughes sits down with Lesley Barber, one of today’s most distinctive voices in film and television music. Lesley reflects on improvising and composing before formal training, the influence of classical, pop, and electronic music on her voice, and her intimate, chamber-music approach to the beloved children’s series Little Bear. The conversation then dives deep into Manchester by the Sea, exploring how music can express fate, time, grief, and emotional distance—sometimes by occupying the spaces where dialogue cannot. Together, Devin and Lesley discuss collaboration with filmmakers, writing under extreme deadlines, recording live musicians around the world, and the growing role of film music in the concert hall. This episode offers a rare, thoughtful look at how music uncovers the invisible layers of story—and why the most powerful film scores often “skip the brain and go straight to the emotions.” Music featured in this episode includes selections from Manchester by the Sea, Little Bear, Mansfield Park, You Can Count on Me, Late Night, and Boarding School, all composed by Lesley Barber.

Pianist and composer Joachim Horsley joins One Symphony host Devin Patrick Hughes to explore rhythm, genre, and reimagining classical music through Afro-Caribbean traditions. Horsley discusses his album Afro Bach, the influence of Cuban music, and why rhythm—not genre—is the true carrier of musical meaning. The conversation touches on Bach and Beethoven reinterpretations, film scoring, orchestral rhythm, and the role of travel and creative constraint in artistic growth.

Author and music journalist Tim Greiving joins One Symphony to open the doors to John Williams: A Composer’s Life—from Jurassic Park cassette tapes to years of early-morning writing sessions and rare, relaxed conversations with Williams himself. We explore Williams’ jazz roots, Brahmsian soul, “laundered history” nostalgia, and why the orchestra never goes out of style. Plus: E.T.’s free-flowing finale, the Vienna embrace, and that mind-blowing discovery about Williams’ grandfather, a proto–film composer in the silent era.

Devin Patrick Hughes continues his conversation with John Suchet about Beethoven’s life in Vienna. From coffee-house concerts and aristocratic patrons to the stormy Pastoral Symphony and the struggles of deafness and custody battles, Suchet reveals how Beethoven’s music continues to inspire triumph over adversity.

Devin Patrick Hughes speaks with broadcaster and author John Suchet about Beethoven’s early years — from his childhood in Bonn and first “unplayable” works to his mentors, family, and the legendary meeting with Mozart. Drawing from his new book In Search of Beethoven: A Personal Journey, Suchet separates myth from fact and reveals how a precocious boy on the Rhine grew into a revolutionary artist who changed music forever.

Composer Nan Avant joins conductor Devin Patrick Hughes to share how she transforms the beauty and power of nature into orchestral sound. From the winds of Lahaina and the tides of the sea to the birth of distant nebulas, Avant reveals how her Peruvian heritage, classical training, and cinematic imagination shape her work. Featuring music from Aloha ‘Oe, Bijoux (The Nebulae), Lahaina – Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra, and more, this conversation offers a rare look into the mind and heart of a modern composer.

In this episode of One Symphony, conductor Devin Patrick Hughes interviews Peter Drew, a composer who will soon turn 90, discussing his symphony Reminiscence. Drew recounts his unconventional journey into music, beginning with early exposure to classical music and a long detour through various careers before seriously pursuing composition later in life. He describes his eclectic musical influences, ranging from classical masters like Beethoven and Bach to jazz, film scores, and world music, all of which are interwoven into his symphony. Drew shares his creative process, emphasizing the importance of appealing melodies and emotional resonance, and expresses his excitement about the upcoming recording and performances of Reminiscence. He also touches upon the collaborative aspect of bringing his symphonic vision to life, including working with orchestrators and musicians.

Join Devin Patrick Hughes in an insightful conversation with Grammy winning conductor and composer Lucas Richman. In this episode, Lucas Richman shares stories from his childhood including his early fascination with composer biographies and an inspiring letter from Aaron Copland. Richman also discusses his relationship with Leonard Bernstein, including a masterclass on the Academic Festival Overture and the invaluable lessons he learned about music, life, and humanity. Richman also shares valuable insights into his compositional process including his passion for bringing social issues and unhoused advocacy into the concert hall through his violin concerto Paths to Dignity. Richman also shares tips for any aspiring conductor about how to best serve the music and “get out of the way.”

In this episode of One Symphony, conductor Devin Patrick Hughes interviews Tom Morris, a renowned orchestra manager, to discuss his career trajectory from percussionist to administrator. He recounts pivotal moments, including a formative experience with conductor Eugene Ormandy that influenced his career shift, and his significant roles with the Boston Symphony and Cleveland Orchestra. Key themes revolve around the evolution of orchestra management, the changing dynamics of orchestra funding, and the crucial relationships between conductors, managers, and musicians. The interview ultimately aims to illuminate the behind-the-scenes complexities of running a major orchestra, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership and a shared commitment to musical excellence. Featured Music All music selections for this episode feature the Boston Pops. Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48: Waltz. Conducted by Arthur Fiedler, from the album Fiedler: Greatest Hits. L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2: Farandole. Composed by Georges Bizet. Conducted by Arthur Fielder, from the album Fiedler: Greatest Hits. “Manhattan Skyline.” From the album Disco Inferno / Manhattan Skyline. Conducted by Arthur Fiedler. “I Got Rhythm, Embraceable You.” From the album Boston Pops Salutes Astaire, Kelly, Garland. Composed by George and Ira Gershwin. Conducted by John Williams. “Flying Theme” from E. T. Composed by John Williams. Performed live by John Williams conducting the Boston Pops in 2002. “America Medley: America.” From the album Salute to America. Composed by Leonard Bernstein. Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Conducted by John Williams. “None But The Lonely Heart.” From the album Pops a la Russe. Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Conducted by John Williams. The Snow Maiden - Suite - Danse des Bouffons. Composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. From the album Pops a la Russe. Conducted by John Williams. Holst: The Planets, op.32: 3. Mercury, The Winged Messenger. From the album Boston Pops Orchestra: John Williams. Conducted by John Williams. Overture from The Merry Wives of Windsor. From the album Fiedler: Greatest Hits. Conducted by Arthur Fiedler. “Pizzicato Polka.” From the album 100 Fiedler Favorites. Conducted by Arthur Fiedler. “Funeral March of a Marionette.” From the album 100 Fiedler Favorites. Conducted by Arthur Fiedler.