One Symphony with Devin Patrick Hughes

Tobias Picker, Voice of American Opera

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.
Tobias Picker has composed numerous symphonic works including three symphonies, concertos for violin, viola, cello, and oboe, as well as four piano concertos and a ballet. Picker’s recent honors include the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording of Fantastic Mr. Fox, and a lifetime membership at the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Tobias Picker for sharing his music and insights. Thank you to Visconti Arts for making this episode possible. You can find more info at https://tobiaspicker.com.
Music Selections—all music by Tobias Picker, except for the first selection.
Gian Carlo Menotti, Suite from Amahl and the Night Visitors. Performed by the Cleveland Pops Orchestra conducted by Louis Lane.
First movement from Symphony No. 1; performed by the San Francisco Symphony. Edo de Waart, conductor.
Awakenings, adapted from the non-fiction book by Oliver Sacks. Libretto by Aryeh Lev Stollman, produced by Odyssey Opera in 2023 of Boston in partnership with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project. Gil, Rose, Conductor. Directed by James Robinson. Commissioned by Opera Theatre of St. Louis.
The Encantadas for narrator and orchestra. Based on the writings of Herman Melville. Sir John Geilgud, narrator; Christoph Eschenbach, conductor; Houston Symphony Orchestra.
"Letter Aria" from Emmeline. Text by J.D. McClatchy Virginia Douglas, soprano Amir Farid, piano. Conducted by Modestas Pitrenas. Supported by Modestas Pitrenas.
“I See A Woman” from Lili Elbe. Text by Aryeh Lev Stollman. Featuring Lucia Lucas as Lili. Performed by the St. Gallen Symphonic Orchestra.
Old and Lost Rivers, for orchestra. Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by John Williams.
Nova featuring Benjamin Hudson- Violin John Graham - Viola Fred Sherry - Cello Don Palma - Bass Tobias Picker – Piano.
You can always find more info at OneSymphony.org including a virtual tip jar if you’d like to support the show. Please feel free to rate, review, or share the show! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music.
https://tobiaspicker.com
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Clayton Stephenson, Pianist and Renaissance Man

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 poetc 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!
Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Clayton Stephenson for sharing his music and performances. Thank you to the Cliburn and International Keyboard Odyssiad and Festival for making this episode possible. You can find more info at https://claytonstephenson.com.
 
For a list of recordings played on today’s show see our show notes online.
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto no. 3 Fort Worth Symphony with Marin Alsop conducting
Art Tatum’s Tea for Two
Bach Busoni Chaconne in D minor
Beethoven Piano Sonata no. 23 in F minor Op. 57
Gershwin Summertime
Bach Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
You can always find more info at OneSymphony.org including a virtual tip jar if you’d like to support the show. Please feel free to rate, review, or share the show! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music!
https://claytonstephenson.com
https://www.muvac.com/en/profile/devin-patrick-hughes
 

Marina Arsenijevic, Pianist Preaching Unity Through Diversity

In this episode of One Symphony, conductor Devin Patrick Hughes interviews acclaimed pianist and composer Marina Arsenijevic to discuss her journey that led to her latest album, Chopin Obsessions. Arsenijevic shared insights into her upbringing in former Yugoslavia, the influences that shaped her musical style, and her unwavering commitment to promoting unity through diversity. Marina Arsenijevic is as an inspiration to artists and audiences alike. Her journey of unity through diversity reminds us of the transformative power of music and its ability to bring people together, even in the most challenging of times. Growing up in a communist country, Arsenijevic was exposed to a wide range of musical genres, from Western pop to traditional Balkan music, which would later play a significant role in shaping her unique compositional style. As the disintegration of Yugoslavia began in the early 1990s, Arsenijevic found solace in her music. She recognized the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together, even in the face of conflict and adversity. “I wanted to show our common humanity through history, culture, through music, so I started to blend diverse melodies and rhythms to unite us,” she explained.Arsenijevic's commitment to promoting unity through diversity led to the creation of her PBS special, Marina at West Point: Unity Through Diversity. The concert, which featured the West Point Chorus and Band, showcased a diverse range of musical styles and pieces from Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue to Freddie Mercury's "Bohemian Rhapsody" alongside Arsenijevic's own compositions. The special aimed to share Arsenijevic's message with a wider audience.During the interview, Arsenijevic also discussed her latest album, Chopin Obsessions. She discussed the influence of Chopin's relationships with aristocratic women on his compositions and the evolution of his musical style throughout his career. Arsenijevic also drew parallels between Chopin and other composers of the Romantic Era. When asked about her advice for young composers and pianists, Arsenijevic emphasized the importance of using one's own cultural background and traditional music. She encouraged artists to explore the melodies and rhythms of their heritage and incorporate them into their compositions. 
 
MARINA ARSENIJEVIC is an international award-winning pianist and composer, star of the Emmy-nominated Public Television program, “Marina at West Point: Unity through Diversity”which has been broadcast to more than 170 Million viewers on PBS Stations all across the country. Marina created the program and performed with the 120-member joint ensemble of the West Point Band and West Point Cadet Glee Club. The Concert was recorded live at West Point’s historic Eisenhower Hall and as of 2020 become one of the longest running single concerts at PBS TV Network.
Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Marina Arsenijevic for sharing her music and performances. You can find more info at https://www.marinainamerica.com/home
The following music was heard on today’s episode:
“A Piece of My Sky” composed and performed by Marina Arsenijevic.“Gypsy Suite” from the album My Balkan Soul, composed and performed by Marina Arsenijevic available from KM Records. “Armed Forces Medley” performed by Marina with the West Point Cadet Glee Club and the West Point Band from the PBS special Marina at West Point: Unity Through Diversity. The cadenza and finale from Tesla Rhapsody, composed by Marina made possible by the Gold Spirit Award from the Tesla Science Foundation. Chopin’s Waltz in A-flat Major op 42, Fantaisie-impromptu, Op.66, and Ballade No. 1 in G minor, performed by Marina on the album Chopin Obsession available from United World Bravo Music. “Homolje” from the album Balkan Sounds. Composed and performed by Marina Arsenijevic and the Servian Chamber Orchestra and Chorus. Arranged by Zoran Hristic. Available from United World Bravo Music.
You can always find more info at OneSymphony.org including a virtual tip jar if you’d like to support the show. Please feel free to rate, review, or share the show! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music!
 
https://www.marinainamerica.com/performances
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Quynh Nguyen, Pianist of the World

In this episode of One Symphony, conductor Devin Patrick Hughes interviews internationally renowned pianist Quynh Nguyen (pronounced Quin Nwen), 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.
 
Quynh Nguyen has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Vietnam, in venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery, Berlin Konzerthause, and the Opera House in Hanoi, Vietnam. Broadcast appearances include Voice of America, WQXR, WGBH, NHK Television in Japan, Vietnamese national television, and “Grand Piano,” on cable TV channels across the United States. Her discography includes recordings on Arabesque, Naxos’s American Classics Series, and Music and Arts labels.
 
Dr. Nguyen is a graduate of The Juilliard School and Mannes College of Music and received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Graduate Center of City University of New York. She is the recipient of several highly prestigious scholarships and awards, including the United States Presidential Academic Fitness Award, the American Prize, and the Fulbright Fellowship to France.
 
Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Quynh Nguyen for sharing her music and spirit. You can find more info at https://www.quynhpiano.com
 
All music selections feature Quynh Nguyen on Piano. The following albums were featured on One Symphony today:
“Fleurs de France: No. 2, Coquelicot de Guyenne” and “Berceuse” composed by Germaine Tailleferre from the album The Flower of France available from Naxos. 
From Vingt regards sur l'Enfant-Jesus I. No. 15. Le baiser de l'enfant-Jesus ("The kiss of the infant Jesus") composed by Olivier Messiaen from the album Quynh Nguyen: Live in Concert - New York available from Arabesque Records.
Concerto Fantasy, composed by Paul Chihara and featuring Nguyen with the London Symphony Orchestra
“Drinking Songs for Kittens,” “Like Rising Must,”  and “Kleine Toccata…” from the Twice Seven Haiku. 
4 Reveries on Beethoven (2021 Version): No. 2, Pastorale. 
All these selections are available on the album Chihara: Concerto-Fantasy for Piano and Orchestra, Bagetelles, Reveries & Ami on the Naxos label.
 
You can always find more info at OneSymphony.org including a virtual tip jar if you’d like to support the show. Please feel free to rate, review, or share the show! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music!
 
https://www.quynhpiano.com
https://www.priceattractions.com/devin-patrick-hughes-conductor
 

Pierre Jalbert: Rethinking Composition

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.
Earning widespread notice for his richly colored and superbly crafted scores, Pierre Jalbert’s music has been described as “immediately captures one’s attention with its strong gesture and vitality” by the American Academy of Arts and Letters.  Among his many honors are the Rome Prize, the BBC Masterprize, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Fromm Foundation commission.
 
Jalbert’s music has been performed worldwide in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Barbican.  Recent orchestral performances include those by the Boston Symphony, the National Symphony, the Houston Symphony, the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. 
 
He has served as Composer-in-Residence with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, the California Symphony, and Music in the Loft in Chicago. Select chamber music commissions and performances include those of the Ying, Borromeo, Maia, Enso, Chiara, Escher, Del Sol, and Emerson String Quartets, as well as violinist Midori.  Three new CDs of his music have been recently released:  Violin Concerto, Piano Quintet and Secret Alchemy, and Piano Trio No. 2.
 
Jalbert is Professor of Music at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music in Houston, and he is a co-founder of Musiqa, a Houston-based new music collective.  His music is published by Schott Helicon Music Corporation, New York.
 
Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Pierre Jalbert for sharing her music and stories. You can find more info at https://www.pierrejalbert.com.
 
Pierre Jalbert composed all music featured in this episode, with one exception.
 
String Theory was performed live by the Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra.
 
Mystical and With Great Energy, from Secret Alchemy, from the album Music From Copland House performed by Curtis Macomber, Danielle Farina, Alexis Pia Gerlach and Michael Boriskin.
 
The first movement from From Dusk to Starry Night “The Night in Silence” on a text by Walt Whitman features Sasha Cooke and the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra.
 
Violin Concerto, featuring Steven Copes on violin. Performed by The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra with Thomas Zehetmair as the conductor. 
 
“Fiddle Dance” from L’espirit du nord. Performed by the Apollo Chamber Players. 
 
Mozart Piano Concerto K488 in A major, first movement improvised cadenza performed by Robert Levin with the Cluj-Nacopa Philharmonic in Romania with Nicole Moldovenau as the conductor. 
 
“Chanson de Lisette” from Le’spirit du nord. Performed by the Apollo Chamber Players.
 
“Music of air and fire” performed by the Houston Youth Symphony conducted by Michael Isadore.
 
You can always find more info at OneSymphony.org including a virtual tip jar if you’d like to support the show. Please feel free to rate, review, or share the show! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music!
 

Juhi Bansal, Composing Cultural Influences

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.
Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Juhi Bansal for sharing her music and stories. You can find more info at https://juhibansal.com.
Juhi Bansal composed all music featured in this episode.
Songs from the Deep commissioned by the Oregon Mozart Players for the 2022 Sound Investment Commission.
Waves of Change (music, surfing and identity) inspired by the Bangladesh Girls Surf Club in Cox’s Bazaar region of Bangladesh. Performed by Ranjana Ghatak. Featuring Kathryn Shuman singing soprano and Timothy Loo on cello.
Flash, Glimmer, Glow, Spark. Performed by the Dusseldorf Symphony.
Aurora (for SATB chorus). Performed by the LA Choral Lab. Featured soloists are Kathryn Shuman, Molly Pease, Rothan Ramanan, and Zachary Zaret.
Love, Lose, Exile for Soprano, Cello, and Piano. Featuring Abigail Sinclair on soprano, Yu-Hsin Teng on piano, and Evan Kahn on piano.
Wings for Violin, Cello, and Piano. Performed by Pasha Tseitlin on violin, David Meyer on cello, and Nic Gerpe on piano.
You can always find more info at OneSymphony.org including a virtual tip jar if you’d like to support the show. Please feel free to rate, review, or share the show! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music!

Dementia Friendly Concerts with Ralph Patrick

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.
Ralph Patrick, a former pastor and Alzheimer’s Association collaborator is the son of Jean who died of Alzheimer's in 2012.  Her diagnosis in 2001 led him to join the Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.  He has presented hundreds of education classes, as well as providing consultationg services for both caregivers and those living with dementia, and has been a collaborator and presenter with Boulder Symphony creating Sensory Friendly concert series, reaching thousands in Colorado and beyond.  
00:00 Introduction to the Power of Music in Dementia Care
00:14 Early Experiences and Realizations
01:59 The Impact of Music on Dementia: Recorded vs. Live
04:31 Advancements and Community Engagement in Music Therapy
07:08 Orchestras and Ensembles: Engaging with Dementia Programs
09:56 Tailoring Music Programs for Different Stages of Dementia
16:59 The Therapeutic Benefits of Music for Dementia
18:51 The Role of Orchestras in Supporting Dementia Communities
22:10 The Deep Connection Between Music and Memory
23:28 Preventative and Therapeutic Benefits of Music
25:08 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Ralph Patrick for sharing his expertise and stories. You can find more info at https://www.alz.org or https://bouldersymphony.org/outreach/ or linkedin.com/in/ralph-patrick-69734215
Musical selections on this episode today include 
Bach - Air from Orchestral Suite no. 3 in D major BWV 1068 Performed by the Netherlands Bach Society
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Symphony No 5 in E minor op. 64 Sergiu Celibidache conducts the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra
Mozart Divertimento in D Major, K. 136 "Salzburg Symphony No. 1": II. Andante · Ton Koopman conducts the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra 
The Syncopated Clock · Leroy Anderson, conducted by Leroy Anderson
Shostakovich: Jazz Suite No. 2 - VI. Waltz II Riccardo Chailly conducts the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra 
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 In F, Op. 68 -"Pastoral" – First movement --   Herbert von Karajan  conducts the Berliner Philharmonic 
You can always find more info at OneSymphony.org including a virtual tip jar if you’d like to support the show. Please feel free to rate, review, or share the show! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music!
 

Brittany J. Green: Composer of New Frontiers

In this episode of One Symphony, host Devin Patrick Hughes welcomes rising star composer, performer, and educator Brittany Green to discuss her boundary-pushing work and perspective on the future of classical music in the 21st century.
Green, who started out in music education before pivoting to composition in her 20s, brings a multifaceted approach to her practice. Through projects like the Young Composers Project, she blends her interests in composing and teaching, working with K-5 students to collaboratively create music using tools like Max MSP. During the pandemic shutdowns, Green delved further into live electronics and narration as a form of performance, drawing inspiration from artists in the black arts and poetry space to bring fresh aesthetics to her classical compositions.
A major theme in Green's music is the "construction, displacement and rupturing of systems." She sees composers throughout history, from Beethoven onwards, as mold-breakers who redefined expectations. Green explores concepts like building and dismantling rhythmic structures, and cutting through established textures and timbres, to allow new musical ideas to emerge from the breakage and slippage. Pieces like "Against Sharp" express this through incessant repeated notes that slowly erode into legato lines and expanded harmonic material. Intellectually, Green relates this to the ideas of cultural scholars like Bell Hooks and José Muñoz around disrupting systems of domination from the margins.
When it comes to expanding classical music's reach, Green emphasized the importance of authentic community engagement. Through her "community engaged residencies" with orchestras around the country, she aims to have genuine dialogue with communities about their interests and needs, rather than just bestowing a pre-packaged experience upon them. Finding collaborators within communities and among outside artists doing impactful work elsewhere allows for rich cross-pollination of ideas. Regional orchestras especially are well-positioned to connect with local institutions and build meaningful, reverberating programming.
Green sees opportunities to lead audiences to appreciate new musical experiences they "don't know they don't know." While some may assume anything written recently is inaccessibly avant-garde, the reality is new classical music spans a wide range of genres and aesthetics. With creative programming that makes unexpected connections between old and new works, and provides helpful context, orchestras can open listeners' minds and excite their curiosity to discover fresh voices.
Even as artificial intelligence emerges as a tool for music creation, Green believes the most vital qualities of composition will remain the domain of humans. AI may be able to generate music that is theoretically "correct," but it is the element of surprise, of flouting expectations in ways only a human can anticipate, that makes music truly interesting. Moreover, the physically and emotionally resonant experience of making and sharing live music, and literally feeling sound together in community, is not something AI can replicate.
Incorporating interdisciplinary storytelling is another way Green seeks to connect on a deep level. Her piece "Garden On Green Street" features recorded interviews with her mother and aunt musically manipulated to form an intergenerational dialogue with ancestors. The multimedia work "Thresh and Hold" transforms sounds like chains and rocks collected from her family's land into instruments channeling memories of slavery and freedom.
Green's compositions often explore themes of constructing, displacing, and disrupting systems. Drawing inspiration from composers throughout history who defied conventions, she employs techniques like developing and dismantling rhythmic structures, and allowing new musical ideas to emerge from ruptured textures and timbres. Works such as "Against Sharp" exemplify this approach, while engaging with cultural theories around subverting dominant paradigms from the margins. As Green eloquently stated, "I find a lot of excitement in that for me, that unfolds in looking at rhythmic structures that I can build over time and then slowly dismantle or maybe quickly dismantle and completely break and explore what music comes out of that breakage in that slippage of rupture."