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Classical Conversations

Intimate conversations with world-renowned musicians, here at the Classical WETA studios.

Classical WETA's on-air hosts interview prominent classical music performers, composers and artists in this series of intimate audio conversations recorded for ClassicalWETA.org.

Listen to the interviews by clicking on the audio arrow icons below.

New Classical Conversations are recorded and added each month. To automatically receive links to the newest Classical Conversations, subscribe to our RSS feed. (More information is available on the RSS page.)

 

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Newly added

Avner Dorman

Avner Dorman

The music of Avner Dorman has drawn standing ovations from audiences worldwide. His new piano concerto, Lost Souls, was written for local pianist Alon Goldstein. He will perform it with the Fairfax Symphony at George Mason Center for the Arts on Saturday March 13. Classical WETA's Marilyn Cooley spoke with the composer about how he created the concerto, and the pianist about how the piece speaks to him.

John Mauceri

John Mauceri

John Mauceri has many titles: Founding Director of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra; Chancellor of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts; world-renowned conductor, and former Music Director of both the Washington Opera and Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. He returns to town after nearly two decades to conduct George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" for Washington National Opera, a work he knows well, having researched and recorded Gershwin's original 1935 score. He spoke with Deb Lamberton about "Porgy and Bess," the art of making music, and about working as Leonard Bernstein's protege for 18 years.

Fessenden Ensemble

Emil George

In 2000, horn player Emil George founded the Fessenden Ensemble to perform a wide variety of chamber music featuring up to a dozen players. Now celebrating its 10th season, the Fessenden Ensemble continues to present seldom-performed works by both known and unknown composers. Deb Lamberton spoke with Mr. George about the group, and his passion for chamber music.

Additional interviews

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