Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
If any piece of music could be compared to a mountain, this would be a strong candidate. Bruckner's sweeping Symphony No. 9 takes us to heights of size and grandeur.
Steve Seel
MPR
SymphonyCast®
With Steve Seel
Minnesota Orchestra
This week's show features Russian music from at time when most Russian composers happened to live in the US. (Strange, but true.)
Los Angeles Philharmonic
Arguments could be made that he was brought in as a stunt double for Gustavo Dudamel. Fortunately, this 21 year old conductor has a wealth of talent all his own.
Estonian National Symphony Orchestra
He's going to be big. At the relatively tender age of 20, Alexander Gavrylyuk has a global career. We knew him when... know him now.
Houston Symphony Orchestra
For some, this is a guilty pleasure like few others: John Williams conducting his own works. Time to make some popcorn!
Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
No doubt about it. Between the snow, ice and cold there were times this winter when it was rough. So, looking ahead to greener pastures, it's a good time to focus on Beethoven — or Disney.
Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Music on a BIG scale. These two epic concertos are in some ways the ultimate expression of what this traditionally small-ensemble genre can be.
New York Philharmonic
Ballets and operas can sometimes be difficult to pull off in an orchestra-only performance, but these two by Stravinsky don't need any theatrics to hold your attention and let your imagination run wild.
Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
MacArthur Genius grant winner, John Harbison, was co-commissioned by various artistic groups including the SPCO to create the center of this week's concert: 'Crossroads' for Soprano, Oboe and Strings.
WDR Symphony Orchestra
He may not be as recognizable in the U.S. as two of his classmates - Esa Pekka Salonen (former LA Philharmonic conductor) or Osmo Vanska (former Music Director of the Minnesota Orchestra), but the reputation of Finnish conductor Jukka-Pekka Sarasate is just as great in Canada, Norway and Finland.
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?
Use our contact form to send us your thoughts.