One Symphony with Devin Patrick Hughes

Henry Fogel, Shepherding American Orchestras

On this episode of One Symphony, conductor Devin Patrick Hughes interviews Henry Fogel, a prominent figure in the orchestral music field. Fogel discusses his early life in music, his exciting journey in radio, and his passion for making symphonic music more accessible. They also delve into Fogel's contribution to orchestras as a director and a manager. From his beginnings in a home where Broadway musicals were the high end of musical taste, to his rise as a key figure in the world of orchestral music, Fogel’s insights on board members and anecdotes about conductors provide a unique window into the business side of the symphony orchestra.
Henry Fogel has served as President and CEO of the League of American Orchestras, where he significantly impacted the orchestral landscape by supporting and consulting with over 190 orchestras during his tenure. His leadership as President of the Chicago Symphony for 18 years saw substantial growth in the organization's endowment and community engagement efforts. Henry’s extensive career also includes leadership positions at the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington, D.C., and the New York Philharmonic. He is actively involved in various nonprofit boards and serves as Chair of the Chicago Classical Music Recording Foundation. Henry’s contributions to the American symphonic landscape have been recognized through honorary doctorate degrees and many awards, including the League of American Orchestras' Gold Baton Award. Beyond his professional achievements, Fogel is an accomplished narrator and producer, sharing his passion for classical music over the radio waves for 5 decades. Henry enjoys spending time with his children, grandchildren, and pursuing his interest in Chinese cuisine.
 
Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Henry Fogel for sharing his wealth of wisdom.
Musical selections on this episode today include
 
Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: I. Kyrie: No. 1, Kyrie eleison I (Chorus)[Music Download]
From the album Bach: Mass in B Minor, BWV 232
By: The Netherlands Bach Society & Jos van Veldhoven
 
Glagolitic Mass,
From the album Janáček: Glagolitic Mass - Martinů: Field Mass
By: Czech Philharmonic, Prague Philharmonic Choir, Václav Neumann, Josef Veselka, Jan Hora, Gabriela Beňačková, Věra Soukupová, František Livora, Karel Průša
 
Berwald: Symphony No. 4 in E flat major - I. Allegro risoluto[Music Download]
From the album Schubert: Symphony No.4 "Tragic" / Berwald: Symphonies Nos.3 "Singulière" & 4
By: Berliner Philharmoniker and Igor Markevitch
 
Symphony No. 9 in E-Flat Major, Op. 70: V. Allegretto[Music Download]
From the album Shostakovich: Symphony Nos. 5 & 9
By: Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra
 
Corigliano: Symphony No. 1[Music Download]
Symphony No. 1: I. Apologue. Of Rage and Remembrance
By: Daniel Barenboim and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
 
Nielsen: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 5[Music Download]
Symphony No. 5, Op. 50, FS 97, CNW 29: I. Tempo giusto - Adagio
By: Leonard Bernstein and the Royal Danish Orchestra
https://www.wfmt.com/programs/collectors-corner-with-henry-fogel/
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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!

Tchaikovsky Revealed with John Suchet

In an in-depth interview, Devin Patrick Hughes speaks with former ITN journalist, ClassicFM host, and biographer John Suchet discusses his transition from journalism to classical music as a career because of his connection to Tchaikovsky's music. He shares his initial love for Tchaikovsky's melodies, developing an understanding of music through learning jazz trombone, and his eventual passion for writing about classical music composers. John touches upon Tchaikovsky's struggle with his identity and homosexuality, and how it influenced his symphonic works. Additionally, he considers the debate about Tchaikovsky's dubious death and the bizarre relationship that Tchaikovsky had with Nadezhda von Meck, his best-known patroness. John believes his approach to understanding music is through the man and not the music, and shares never before heard anecdotes about Tchaikovsky’s relationships with other men. 
00:00 Introduction and Early Life
00:16 Transition into Classical Music
00:34 Tchaikovsky's Early Musical Journey
01:49 Tchaikovsky's Career in Journalism
02:57 Tchaikovsky's Love for Classical Music
03:43 Tchaikovsky's Writing Career
04:13 Tchaikovsky's Love for Other Composers
05:47 Tchaikovsky's Self Doubt
08:13 Tchaikovsky's Struggles with Homosexuality
10:27 Tchaikovsky's Marriage and its Impact
11:57 Tchaikovsky's Influence and Legacy
28:28 Tchaikovsky's Death and its Controversy
38:47 Conclusion: Tchaikovsky's Enduring Impact
As the host of The Classic FM Concert with John Suchet for 12 years, John Suchet is a household voice in classical music and broadcasting. Before his career at Classic FM, John was celebrated as one of the nation's foremost reporters and newscasters. At ITN, he covered pivotal global events such as the Iranian Revolution, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the Philippines Revolution. He has earned accolades including Television Reporter of the Year and Television Newscaster of the Year. In 2008, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Royal Television Society, marking his remarkable career spanning nearly four decades in television news.
John's lifelong passion for classical music, particularly the works of Beethoven, has been a driving force in his life. He authored seven books focusing on the legendary composer, with his latest publication, a special 250th anniversary edition of "Beethoven — The Man Revealed," released in 2020. His dedication to promoting classical music earned him prestigious honors such as an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Dundee and an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Academy of Music. He has also authored books on Verdi, the Strausses, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky, the Man Revealed, which is the subject of today’s discussion.
Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to John Suchet for sharing his wealth of knowledge. You can find more info at JohnSuchet.co.uk  and pick up a copy of Tchaikovsky The Man Reveals, and other books by great composers of John’s wherever you get your books. Musical selections on this episode today include Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony by the Berlin Phil, Bruckner’s Seventh Symphony by Vienna Phil and Herbert von Karajan,, Strauss’s Blue Danube Waltz by the Vienna Phil and Willi Boskovsky, Sugar Rum Cherry (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from Three Suites by Duke Ellington, Tchaikovsky’s First String Quartet by the Emerson String Quartet, and the Nutcracker by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
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.listennotes.com/podcasts/one-symphony-with-devin-patrick-hughes-_UBbpoivcA3/
https://www.audible.com/pd/One-Symphony-with-Devin-Patrick-Hughes-Podcast/B08K57VY49
 
 
 

Eric Booth: Teaching Artist and the Art of Connection

In this insightful discussion, Devin Patrick Hughes is joined by Eric Booth, a lifelong teaching artist, elaborates on his experiences with teaching artistry and its importance in bridging the gap between classical music and broader audiences. Booth shares his perspective on what constitutes a teaching artist, emphasizing that their role extends beyond teaching a specific art form to activating the creative abilities in others. He also discusses the concept of “entry points,” which allows non-experts to make personally-relevant connections to musical pieces. Booth further explores the notion of open rehearsals, creating room for audience engagement, question-asking and building up appreciation for the technical skills of musicians. Furthermore, Booth touches upon the importance of celebrating mistakes as part of the creative process, fostering growth mindset and nurturing artist expression.
Eric Booth has been honored with The Arts Education Leadership Award from Americans for the Arts, and was named one of the “50 most influential people in the American arts.” After many years as a Broadway and classical actor, successful businessman, and author of The Everyday Work of Art and The Music Teaching Artist’s Bible, he launched his work in teaching artistry in 1979. He launched the teaching artist program at Juilliard, and has taught at Stanford University, NYU, Tanglewood and the Lincoln Center Institute where he now leads the Teaching Artist Development Labs.
He advises El Sistema programs in the U.S. and many countries; and consults with arts organizations, cities, states and national governments on arts learning. He gave the keynote address to UNESCO’s first ever worldwide arts education conference, and is widely called “the father of the teaching artist profession.”
Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Eric Booth for sharing his life’s worth and wealth of knowledge. You can find more info at www.teachingartistsmakingchange.com or www.ericbooth.net Musical selections on this episode today include Stravinsky’s Elégie for Viola Solo from the album Boulez Conducts Stravinsky and Deutsche Grammophon. 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!
www.ericbooth.net
https://www.soundespressivocompetition.com/judges-panel/devin-patrick-hughes
 
 

Chen Yi: Composer Harmonizing Cultures through Music

Celebrated composer Chen Yi shares her life's journey with host Devin Patrick Hughes. Chen Yi touches upon her roots in China, how classical music came into her life due to her music-loving parents, and the experience of living through the Cultural Revolution. She credits her upbringing and early life experiences for shaping her perspective towards education, community service, and music. Chen Yi moved to Beijing after the Cultural Revolution to study music and was one of 32 selected from 20,000 applicants to study at the Beijing Central Conservatory. She talks about the various musical styles she learned and how they inspired her compositions. The discussion gives an insight into Chen Yi's blend of Western and Chinese musical traditions, drawing from her experiences, culture, and a wide range of musical techniques. Chen Yi also talks about 'Momentum,' one of her favorite works, and how the community and society have inspired her compositional process.
Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Chen Yi for sharing her incredible music and wealth of knowledge. You can find her music where ever you listen. Musical selections on this episode today include Momentum and Duo Ye From the album Best of Chen Yi by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Ge Xu: (Antiphony) was from the album The Women’s Philharmonic: The Music Of Chen Yi. Viola Concerto Shian Shi was from Chen Yi: Concertos for String Instruments by the Boston Modern Orchestra Project & Gil Rose. 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!
00:00 Introduction and Early Life
00:39 Musical Beginnings and Cultural Revolution
02:17 Post-Cultural Revolution and Education in Beijing
02:36 Influence of Chinese Traditional Music
03:28 Experiences in Countryside and Folk Music Influence
04:24 Journey to Western Classical Music
05:06 Language and Music: A Unique Blend
05:39 Career as a Concertmaster and Composer
06:03 Folk Song Collection and Composition
08:03 Moving to the United States and Further Studies
08:16 Residency at the Women's Philharmonic
08:34 Community Engagement and Education Programs
11:39 Career as an Educator
12:40 Discussion on Cultural Revolution and Music
13:22 Influence of Chinese Folk Music Storytelling
17:31 Incorporating Chinese Instrumental Techniques into Western Instruments
20:22 Breaking Barriers and Creating a Unique Musical Language
28:26 Commemorating Major Events and Depicting Rituals in Music
46:42 Bringing Different Worlds Together in Music
50:53 Advice for Young Composers
51:34 Conclusion
https://www.presser.com/chen-yi
https://twitter.com/devinphughes
https://www.muvac.com/en/profile/devin-patrick-hughes
 

Rachel Barton Pine, Violin Virtuoso Bridging Boundaries

Conductor Devin Patrick Hughes is joined by the remarkable violin virtuoso Rachel Barton Pine on One Symphony. Dive into Rachel's intriguing blend of genres from her early beginnings with the violin and her Chicago Symphony debut, to her exploration of heavy metal and traditional fiddling styles. Rachel shares how experience with modern composers enhances her interpretation of historical pieces, and dishes about her exhilarating experience with premiering Earl Maneein's Dependent Arising. The talk also includes a deep dive into her latest album featuring Shostakovich's first violin concerto and the origin of her iconic Del Gesù violin. The interview concludes with her love for Chicago.
Violinist Rachel Barton Pine performs with the world's leading orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony, Vienna Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic, and Camerata Salzburg. She has appeared on The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, PBS NewsHour, A Prairie Home Companion, and NPR’s Tiny Desk. During the pandemic, she performed the entire solo violin part of 24 different violin concertos for her live, weekly series “24 in 24: Concertos from the Inside.”
Her RBP Foundation assists young artists through its Instrument Loan Program and Grants for Education and Career, and runs the groundbreaking Music by Black Composers project which was launched in 2001.
She holds prizes from several of the world’s leading competitions, including a gold medal at the 1992 Bach International Violin Competition in Leipzig, Germany.

Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Rachel Barton Pine for sharing her talents and stories. You can find her music where ever you listen. Music selections performed by Rachel come from the Album Dependent Arising including Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto no. 1 and Earl Maneein’s Dependent Arising, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra conducted by Tito Munoz.  Malek Jandali’s Violin Concerto was performed by Rachel along with the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra and Marin Alsop conducting. 
Thanks to Cedille Records for making this episode possible.
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!
00:00 Introduction and Early Musical Journey
00:17 Discovering Heavy Metal and Merging Genres
00:41 Exploring Musical Tastes and Influences
01:29 The Impact of a Chicago Bulls Playoff Game
02:55 Bridging Classical and Rock Genres
04:20 Exploring Different Fiddle Styles
05:03 Incorporating Metal into Classical Music
05:44 The Influence of Shostakovich and Metal Music
08:47 The Role of Music in Social Justice
11:04 The Connection Between Music and History
11:52 The Universality of Classical Music
12:22 Collaboration with Malik Jandali
34:07 The Role of Workshopping in Music
36:05 The Influence of Chicago on Musical Career
 
Rachel Barton: Blending Genres and Bridging Worlds Through Music
 
It's not every day that you encounter a musician who, at a young age, found a passion for both classical and heavy metal music. Rachel Barton's story is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and genres.
 
A Musical Prodigy Meets Heavy Metal
 
Rachel started her journey with the violin at three and a half years old, debuting with the Chicago Symphony at age 10. Around this time, she discovered heavy metal music, which marked her first encounter with the music of Shostakovich. Rachel reflects on her early years, "I enjoyed a variety of music beyond classical. My parents played blues at home, and I was really drawn to heavy metal, especially thrash."
 
A Turning Point: Performing at a Chicago Bulls Game
 
A pivotal moment came when Rachel played the national anthem at a Chicago Bulls playoff game. Her unique rendition caught the public's attention, leading to a realization. "People started approaching me, amazed by the violin's versatility. It was then I realized my mission: to bring listeners to classical music using rock genres."
 
Cross-Genre Exploration: From Heavy Metal to Classical
 
Rachel's journey took an interesting turn as she started exploring heavy metal and other genres on her violin. "I didn't consider myself a crossover artist," she clarifies, "I'm all about performing classical music, but I use my interests in rock to bring new listeners to classical."
 
Intersecting with Bands and Musicians
 
Rachel discovered that many of her favorite bands listened to classical music. "It was enlightening to tell someone, 'Hey, your favorite band likes these composers.' It's a powerful message." This intersection led her to create arrangements of rock songs for chamber and orchestral performances, a unique approach to bridging musical worlds.
 
Educational Outreach: A Lifelong Passion
 
A crucial part of Rachel's journey has been her commitment to educational outreach. "I've always believed in going into schools and teaching children about music," she says. Rachel's efforts go beyond young audiences, as she strives to introduce classical music to adults who might not usually engage with the genre.
 
Shostakovich and Heavy Metal: An Unexpected Connection
 
Discussing her unique connection with Shostakovich, Rachel shares, "Heavy metal fans adore Shostakovich for his intensity and darkness. I love pairing his works with contemporary pieces to show the depth and range of classical music."
 
Working with Contemporary Composers
 
Rachel's work with living composers has given her a deeper understanding of interpretation. "Working with contemporary composers helps me interpret the works of classical composers more effectively. It's a fascinating process to bring their intentions to life."
 
The Vibrancy of Chicago's Music Scene
 
Reflecting on her roots, Rachel speaks passionately about Chicago's diverse music scene. "Chicago has everything - from blues to industrial, house to classical. The city's music scene is incredibly supportive and vibrant, making it an ideal place for musicians."
 
Conclusion: A Musician Without Boundaries
 
Rachel Barton's career defies conventional boundaries, proving that music can be a powerful tool for connection and understanding. Her journey from a classical violin prodigy to an artist who bridges genres is a remarkable story of passion, innovation, and dedication to music's universal appeal.
 
Below are some highlights from our interview. 
 
Rachel, it's great to have you on One Symphony today. Can you share your history with cross-genres?
 
I started playing the violin at three and a half, debuted with the Chicago Symphony at 10, and around that time, I discovered heavy metal. My journey into combining genres began at a Chicago Bulls game where I played the national anthem. People were amazed by the violin's versatility, which inspired me to bring classical music to new audiences through rock genres.
 
How did this realization affect your approach to music?
 
I realized most people's exposure to classical was limited. So, I began reaching out through rock radio stations, playing rock music on my violin, then transitioning to classical pieces. I discovered that many of my favorite bands listened to classical music, which helped me bridge these genres.
 
What about your work with contemporary composers?
 
Rachel Barton: Working with contemporary composers deepens my understanding of music interpretation. It helps me interpret classical works more effectively and brings a fresh perspective to music creation.
 
How do you view classical music's relevance today?
 
Rachel Barton: Classical music is intense, exciting, and universal. It transcends boundaries and is meaningful to people of all races and ethnicities. It's a way to understand each other even if we don't speak the same language.
 
Tell us about your collaboration with Malik Jandali and working with Marin Alsop.
 
I participated in recording a violin concerto by Malik Jandali, blending Middle Eastern and Western styles. Working with Marin Alsop was enlightening. The concerto has Middle Eastern elements, like the oud, but it remains a Western orchestra piece.
 
How has your approach to playing changed over the years?
 
I've learned to balance the composer's intentions and my interpretation. Working with living composers has made me a more effective interpreter of classical music.
 
Can you talk about your latest project, "Dependent Arising," and pairing it with Shostakovich's work?
 
This album includes a piece by Earl Maneein, inspired by Buddhism and the acceptance of death. We paired it with Shostakovich's work because of his popularity among metal fans and the emotional depth in his music.
 
What are your thoughts on workshopping in classical music?
 
Workshopping is essential, even for experienced musicians. It's a process of growing with a piece, trying new things, and evolving one's approach.
 
Lastly, what is your favorite Chicago staple, aside from the symphony?
 
For me, it's Chicago blues. My parents loved blues, and it has a special place in my heart. Chicago’s music scene is incredibly diverse and supportive, making it a fantastic place for musicians.
 
Thank you, Rachel, for joining us today.
 
Thank you, Devin. I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had, especially with Cedille Records, which has allowed me to explore various musical projects.
 
https://rachelbartonpine.com
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https://www.castlerockco.com/devin-patrick-hughes-music-director-conductor/
 
 
 

Trace Bundy Guitarist & Acoustic Ninja

Devin welcomes Internationally-acclaimed guitar virtuoso Trace Bundy, who's music is poetry in motion, using harmonics, looping, multiple capos, and his unique banter and stage presence to deliver an unforgettable live concert experience. Seeing the fan-dubbed "Acoustic Ninja" play live confounds even the most accomplished music lovers as to how one person can do all that with just two hands and ten fingers.
 
Bundy’s unique career has brought him across the world, with concerts in 28 countries and counting - from performance halls of South Korea and Italy, to remote villages in Zimbabwe and Guatemala. He has independently sold over 150,000 albums on his record label, Honest Ninja Music. His video clips circulate virally at astonishing speed, with over 45 million YouTube views to date.
 
Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Trace Bundy for sharing his music and story. You can find his music where ever you listen. And he’s playing live in concert with Boulder Symphony this Friday night at Boulder Theatre. Works on the show today include music written and performed by Trace Bundy, U2, and Pachelbel from the albums Elephant King and Adapt. Thanks to Honest Ninja Music for making this episode possible.
 
You can always find more info at OneSymphony.org including a virtual tip jar if you’d like to support the show. Thank you to Johnson & Stories, Suerte Tequila, & Chuck & Margit Porter for making this episode possible. Please feel free to rate, review, or share the show! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music!
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Dvorak’s New World Symphony in Context with Douglas Shadle

As an advocate of historically marginalized composers, musicologist Douglas Shadle is a leading voice in public discussions about the role of symphony orchestras and orchestral music in American life. On the latest episode of ONE SYMPHONY, we discuss his latest book, Antonin Dvorak's New World Symphony (Oxford, 2021), as well as his first book, Orchestrating the Nation: The Nineteenth-Century American Symphonic Enterprise (Oxford, 2016), which explores the volatile relationships between composers, performers, critics, and audiences throughout the 19th century and demonstrates why American composers rarely find a home on concert programs today. 
 
Shadle is also a highly-regarded expert on fellow Little Rock native Florence Price, the first African American woman to win international acclaim as a composer. His research on Price has been featured in The New Yorker, New York Times, and NewMusicBox. Shadle’s second book recontextualizes Antonín Dvořák’s iconic New World Symphony within the complex landscape of American culture at the end of the nineteenth century.
 
Shadle’s publications have won two ASCAP Deems/Taylor Virgil Thomson Awards, the Society for American Music Irving Lowens Article Award, the inaugural American Musicological Society H. Robert Cohen/RIPM Award, and the Vanderbilt Chancellor’s Award for Research. Shadle joined the Blair School faculty in 2014 and has served as the chair of the Department of Musicology and Ethnomusicology since 2019.
 
Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Douglas Shadle for sharing his knowledge and insights, you can find Antonin Dvorak’s New World Symphony where you get your books. Works on the show today included Dvorak’s American String Quartet performed by the Prague Quartet and his Ninth Symphony with Charles Mackerras and the London Philharmonic, Myun-Wun Chung and the Vienna Philharmonic, and Paavo Jarvi and the Cincinnati Symphony.
 
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.pricefest.org/about/douglas-shadle
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Jeffrey Nytch: Creating a Renaissance Musician

Jeffrey Nytch joins conductor Devin Patrick Hughes on One Symphony. Jeffrey has built a diverse career as a composer, educator, performer, and thought leader in arts entrepreneurship. His music has been performed at major venues throughout the U.S. and Europe, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, MoMA, and many others.
His international reputation as an arts entrepreneurship educator includes numerous awards, including the Excellence in Specialty Entrepreneurship Award from the U.S. Assn. of Small Business & Entrepreneurship and the Sharon Alpi Award for Innovative Pedagogy from the Society for Arts Entrepreneurship Education. His groundbreaking book, The Entrepreneurial Muse applies traditional entrepreneurial theory to the performing arts.
Since 2009, he has served on the faculty of The University of Colorado-Boulder, where he is an Associate Professor of Composition and serves as Director of The Entrepreneurship Center for Music, one of the leading programs of its kind.
 
Thank you for joining us for on One Symphony. Thanks to Jeffrey Nytch for sharing his music and insights, you can get more info at https://www.jeffreynytch.com. Works on the show today included Jeffrey’s For the Trees played by the Ivalas Quartet and Seize the Sun performed by Carpe Diem String Quartet.
Thank you to Kim at Johnson&Stories for editorial contributions!
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!
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