Oregon Symphony
Oregon Symphony Artist-in-Residence Johannes Moser performs Lutoslawski’s Cello Concerto, once described as “the story of a twentieth-century Don Quixote.”
Steve Seel
MPR
SymphonyCast®
With Steve Seel
Minnesota Orchestra
This isn’t your typical New Year’s concert. It’s the beginning of a much-anticipated festival honoring the music of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and showcasing Music Director Osmo Vänskä in his acclaimed role as “our greatest living Sibelian” (Sunday Times, London). It’s your chance to hear two of Sibelius’ greatest symphonies, as well as his Humoresques performed by violinist Stella Chen, all while ringing in 2022 with the Minnesota Orchestra. (recorded December 31, 2021)
Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra
Violinist Frank-Peter Zimmermann joins the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra and conductor Jakub Hrusa for a program of Czech works, including the Rhapsody No. 1 by Bela Bartok.
ROCO
ROCO explores the interplay of light and dark in “Shadows," built around a commission by Alyssa Morris, Tlapalli Tlahuilli—inspired by an Aztec myth detailing how the world received its sound and color. And, the Suite from Pelleas and Melisande by Gabriel Faure.
Oregon Symphony
We're off to Vienna for a concert featuring Mozart and Mahler performed by Carlos Kalmar and the Oregon Symphony.
NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra
NDR presents a cinematic line-up, first exploring the darker side of romantic music in Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, followed by one of Nielsen’s most dramatic works, “Inextinguishable,” which features an exciting battle between two sets of timpani.
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
Norman and Donatoni challenge our sensibilities with experimental celebrations of imperfection, while Bach and Mendelssohn rely on functional harmony and technique to guide us through an emotional expedition - all performed by one of America’s finest chamber orchestras, LACO.
German Symphony Orchestra
Inspired young cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason leads the German Symphony Orchestra passionately through Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor; after, a display of the dynamic potential and psychological power of a 129-piece orchestra via works by Roussel and Ravel.
Houston Symphony
The Houston Symphony highlights the buzzing, unforgettable energy of Stravinsky with three of his most dynamic works.
Minnesota Orchestra
Three works of three different time periods explore heroism’s devastating trials, romantic interludes and dramatic finales- performed by the Minnesota Orchestra.
About SymphonyCast®
The Show
SymphonyCast®, with host Steve Seel, is a two-hour weekly radio program featuring a full-length concert by a major orchestra. Material is drawn from Europe’s premier symphony orchestras, along with U.S. orchestras such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Nashville Symphony and the Cleveland Orchestra.
Our Host
Steve Seel
Steve Seel possesses a broad knowledge of many musical genres, having hosted radio programs ranging from classical to jazz and even avant-garde music at radio stations around the country. Steve began his love affair with public radio at 24 working whatever shifts he could at his hometown station of WUSF-FM in Tampa, Florida, and from there worked his way to snowy Buffalo, New York, and its renowned classical station WNED-FM, where he hosted middays and the weekly experimental-music show Present Tense. In 2005, Steve became one of the founding voices on Minnesota Public Radio's eclectic station, the Current. While there, he hosted afternoons and mornings, and conducted in-depth interviews with pop music luminaries ranging from Brian Eno to David Byrne to Tori Amos. Steve is a basement composer obsessed with all things both minimalist and slow, and might actually be incapable of writing anything that exceeds 75 beats-per-minute.
The Team
Daniel Nass, Producer
Daniel Nass is the producer of SymphonyCast®. He is responsible for creating the sound of the show, including choosing music programming and conducting artist interviews. In his nonproducer life, he is an avid runner and an award-winning composer.
Michael Osborne, Technical Director
Michael "Ozzie" Osborne is the Technical Director for SymphonyCast®. He masters the live and recorded music recordings that are programmed for each SymphonyCast® show. He also enjoys photography, listening to music and bicycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the name of the composer, performer or piece I heard on the show?
Complete playlist information is available for each show. Click on a specific episode to access a detailed playlist.
What is the theme music at the beginning of every SymphonyCast® episode?
It’s the opening trumpet fanfare from Steve Heitzeg’s Nobel Symphony.
Can I buy a recording of music I heard on your show?
It’s possible, but not likely. Many of the performances that you hear on SymphonyCast® are not available for purchase because they were played at a live concert. In some cases, the musicians have recorded that same music for a commercial CD. If so, album title and recording label information will be available in the episode playlist.
How do I leave a comment?
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