The London-based saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia talks with NPR's Ailsa Chang about the diverse sounds on her new album Odyssey. It's her first time writing for and conducting strings.


Saxophonist Nubya Garcia writes her own Odyssey, string section and all

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with actor Kelvin Harrison Jr. about starring in the 2022 movie Chevalier, which tells the forgotten story of Joseph Bologne, a Black composer and violinist of the 1700s.


'Chevalier' tells the forgotten story of a Black composer in the 1700s

On a new album, the classical stars revisit the concerto Williams composed specifically for Ma, as well as some of Williams' most affecting film scores.


Composer John Williams and cellist Yo-Yo Ma bring together 'A Gathering of Friends'

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with rising opera star and break dancer Jakub Jozef Orlinski, whose new album "Farewells" is a collection of Polish opera classics, little known to the rest of the world.


Jakub Orlinski, the breakdancing countertenor, explores his Polish roots

The Bangor Symphony Orchestra was just a community orchestra in 1957 when pharmacist Bernard "Billy" Miller was asked to play the triangle. It's grown over the decades to be a professional orchestra.


After 65 years, percussionist finally says farewell to Bangor Symphony Orchestra

NPR's Asma Khalid speaks with Brendan Slocumb, author of The Violin Conspiracy. The crime mystery finds a Black classical musician trying to recover his stolen instrument — among other challenges.


'The Violin Conspiracy' shows what it can be like to play classical music while Black

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Constance Hauman about her new album, Tropical Thunderstorm, her experiences as a multigenre musician and an artist she's grateful for: Daf player Asal Malekzadeh. 


Singer Constance Hauman on harmony, rhythm, opera and funk

Earth, Wind & Fire, Sally Field, Linda Ronstadt, Sesame Street and Michael Tilson Thomas will be recognized for their lifetime contributions to the performing arts at a gala in December.


Patrick Jarenwattananon

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