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.
Steve Seel
MPR
SymphonyCast®
With Steve Seel
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.
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
Concertos highlight soloists. It's what they do. And, what makes this LACO concert special is that as they can revel in the fact that each member of the ensemble is a brilliant soloist in their own right.
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
Overcoming long odds after a serious accident, violinist Augustin Hadelich's ability is all the more remarkable.
San Francisco Symphony
When was the last time you heard of anyone being inspired by elevator music? MacArthur Genius Jeremy Denk started his latest project just that way - his own Beethoven Journey.
Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Maria Joao Pires is one of our favorite people. Ever. In this Beethoven performance we hear all the elegance, gentle power, and sensitivity for which she's known.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
She's someone to keep your eye on; Alexandra Dariescu is much more than simply a pretty face.
Los Angeles Philharmonic
One of the earliest forms of a symphony that is quintessentially *epic*.
Los Angeles Philharmonic
Two Beethoven piano concertos on one concert doesn't happen. Ever. But, Leif Ove Andsnes puts two of them side by side in what he describes as his Beethoven Journey.
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.