Off The Podium

Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. Guests: Anna S. Demerjian and Artyom Manukyan In this episode we talk about Zartonk Academy with Anna and Artyom. Anna is the Development Director of Zartonk Academy and Artyom is a cellist, composer, and rapper who will be teaching at the academy. This year, the Academy will be based in Artsakh with renowned artists and educators. Learn about Zartonk Academy and Donate here: https://www.atkenarmenianfoundation.c... © Let's Talk Off The Podium, 2022

Joseph Bohigian is a composer and performer whose cross-cultural experience as an Armenian-American is a defining message in his music. His work explores the expression of exile, cultural reunification, and identity maintenance in diaspora. His music, described as “delightfully accessible and inventive” (SoundWordSight), has been heard around the world at the Oregon Bach Festival, June in Buffalo, Walt Disney Concert Hall, New Music on the Point Festival, TENOR Conference (Melbourne), and Aram Khachaturian Museum Hall. His recent piece Khazeri Yerazhshtutyun focuses on the gesturality of the ancient Armenian musical script called khaz and was written for the Festival Mixtur Composition and Sound Experimentation Workshop in Barcelona. He has also worked with performers including Mivos Quartet, Decibel New Music, Great Noise Ensemble, Argus Quartet, Fresno Summer Orchestra Academy, and members of Yarn/Wire. Currently, Bohigian is composing a work on the resettlement of Syrian-Armenians in the Republic of Armeni

Ep. 143: Eugenia Forteza, opera singer and founder of 360 of Opera. Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. Eugenia Forteza joins the podcast for a second time during the pandemic (recorded on Dec. 21, 2020). In this podcast we talk about Eugenia's busy schedule during the pandemic, what various arts organizations have done during this time, getting married and much more. Eugenia is the founder of 360 of Opera which has a tremendous following in the opera world and beyond. Eugenia currently resides in NYC, where she freelances as a vocalist, actor and model. She is the Founder and Lead Editor of 360° of Opera and serves as a Board Member ​of Urban Playground Chamber Orchestra & Frisson Films.

Ep. 142: Joe Kinzer, ethnographer, archivist, and ethnomusicologist Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. From Joe Kinzer's website: I am an ethnographer, archivist, and ethnomusicologist specializing in issues of identity and religious expression in Asian musical contexts. I am the Senior Curatorial Assistant in the Archive of World Music at Harvard’s Eda Kuhn Loeb Music Library, as well as an Affiliate Faculty member at Antioch University. My work focuses on musicians, audiences, and asking ethnographic questions about objects, such as musical instruments and sound recordings, and how the contrapuntality of agency between these forces works to inform cultural formation. In my book project, Arab Lutes and Global Routes in the Music of Muslim Malaysia (Routledge, forthcoming), I use the circuitous migration of Arab lutes to Southeast Asia as a lens to explore how centuries of conflicting Hindu-Buddhist and Islamic influences from India and the Middle East have transformed and continue to complicate

Ep. 141: David Korevaar, "You can access the world, it's not easy to reach the world..." Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. In this episode Korevaar talks about his studies with Earl Wild and David Diamond, recordings, teachings and much more. Hailed for his “wonderfully warm, pliant, spontaneous playing” by the Washington Post, award winning pianist David Korevaar is in demand as a soloist, chamber musician and collaborator. Korevaar has performed and given master classes throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Central and South America. Recent highlights include recitals and master classes in Taipei, and a tour of Brazil, with recitals and master classes in São Paulo, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, João Pessoa, Recife and Natal. He has also concertized and given master classes in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan as part of the U.S. State Department’s Cultural Envoy program and taught at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) in Kabul. Korevaar’s active career includes solo performa

Ep. 140: Leslie Mandoki, "Music is the greatest unifier.." Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. In this episode rockstar Leslie Mandoki talks about his early years in Hungary, being a refugee in Germany and eventual rise to stardom. In 1991, Ian Anderson, Jack Bruce, and Al Di Meola became founding members of Leslie Mandoki’s band project ManDoki Soulmates, and for almost three decades, Leslie Mandoki has continued to unite a “who is who” of the icons of Anglo-American and European rock and jazz- rock in the Mandoki Soulmates band. The remarkable lineups in the band’s recordings and performances over the years has included singers and players including Ian Anderson, Jack Bruce, David Clayton-Thomas, Chaka Khan, Chris Thompson, Bobby Kimball and Steve Lukather, Nick van Eede, Eric Burdon, Nik Kershaw, Greg Lake, Al di Meola, Randy and Michael Brecker, Cory Henry, Bill Evans, John Helliwell, Till Brönner, Klaus Doldinger, Mike Stern, Richard Bona, Anthony Jackson, Victor Bailey, Pino Palladino, Tony

Ep. 139: Rose Gear, executive director and bassist. Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. In this episode Rose speaks about her passion for hiking, capoeira, professional career as a bassist, move to PNW to work with the Seattle Symphony and Ludovic Morlot, finding a new bass, working as a Executive Director and more. Rose Gear, an experienced music and arts administrator, business professional and musician, has been appointed full-time executive director of the Cascade Symphony Orchestra by the organization’s board of directors. Gear, who has served as executive assistant to the Seattle Symphony’s music director, Ludovic Morlot, during the past four years, will be the CSO’s administrative leader, working with board members to establish and achieve the mission and values of the orchestra. She will manage business affairs and advocacy in addition to directing community relations and fundraising for the 57-year old nonprofit music organization. She will also work with Cascade Symphony Music Director

In this episode Jovino speaks about his long relationship with Hermeto Pascoal, background in biology, teaching, composing and performing. We also talk about Pascoal's boxing encounter with Miles Davis and much more. Three-time Latin Grammy nominee Jovino Santos Neto, a master pianist, composer and arranger, is among the top Brazilian musicians working today. Currently based in Seattle, Washington, he has throughout his career been closely affiliated with the Brazilian master Hermeto Pascoal. He was an integral part of Pascoal's group from 1977 to1992, where he fine-tuned his artistry, performing around the world and co-producing several legendary records. Jovino’s personal style is a creative blend of energetic grooves, deep harmonies, telepathic improvisation, lyrical melodies and great ensemble playing, always inspired and informed by the colorful richness of Brazilian music. His compositions include samba, choro, baião, xote, forró, marcha and many more styles, rooted in centuries-old musical tradition wh

Ep. 137: Joseph Young, conductor. "Don't wait for people to open doors for you." Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. In this episode Joseph talks about his early career as a high school band conductor, studying with Marin Alsop at the the Cabrillo Festival, attending the Peabody Conservatory and working as an assistant at the Baltimore Symphony. He also speaks about New Music USA, Amplifying Voices, conducting competitions, running, yoga, working with Robert Spano, stepping in to conduct at last minute, life changing moments (one of which is becoming an uncle) and much more. Praised for his suavely adventurous programing, Joseph Young is increasingly recognized as “one of the most gifted conductors of his generation.” Joseph is Music Director of the Berkeley Symphony, Artistic Director of Ensembles for the Peabody Conservatory, and Resident Conductor of the National Youth Orchestra–USA at Carnegie Hall. In recent years, he has made appearances with the Saint Louis Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic,

Ep. 136: Vanessa Reed, President and CEO of New Music USA. Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. Vanessa Reed is excited to be joining New Music USA as President and CEO following just over a decade with PRS Foundation, the UK’s leading funder of new music and talent development. During her time at this specialist new music agency, Vanessa significantly increased support available to diverse music creators at critical stages in their careers and repositioned the Foundation as international advocate and go-to partner for major new music collaborations. Her leadership of strategy and outreach resulted in the launch of an array of transformational funding programmes including the Momentum Music Fund, Women Make Music, Musicians in Residence China and the New Music Biennial which help music creators of all backgrounds to realise their potential. More recently, she also founded, with European and Canadian partners, the award-winning international Keychange initiative which invests in female talent and r

Ep. 135: Teni Odabashian, non-musical guest. Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. This is the first time in over 130 that I am featuring a guest who is not a musician. Teni has been one of the early supporters of the podcast and it was a pleasure to speak with her on the show. In this episode Teni talks about being a working mom, traveling, treasured possessions, Paul McCartney, Charles Aznavour, listening to music with her father, Armenian heritage, growing up in LA and much more. © Let's Talk Off The Podium, 2020

Ep. 134: THE RECAP with George Jackson, principal guest contributor. This the second episode of the RECAP series with conductor George Jackson. Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. In this podcast we talk about the state of orchestras during the pandemic, positives and negatives of state sponsored orchestra, blind auditions, repertoire for chamber orchestra and more. We also talk about past composers we would have enjoyed corresponding with. For more information about George Jackson please visit: http://www.georgejackson.net/   © Let's Talk Off The Podium, 2020

Ep. 133: Abo Gumroyan, Grammy winning bassist. Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. Grammy Award-winning electric and double bassist Abe Gumroyan crosses musical borders on a daily basis. His diverse musical background has allowed him to perform a wide range of genres ranging from salsa and Latin jazz to traditional Armenian and ethnic fusion to classical. The son of Armenian immigrants, Abe was born in Los Angeles, CA and began double bass studies at the age of 9. A frequent guest with the San Francisco and San Diego Symphony Orchestras, Abe has had the unique opportunity to work with the world's leading conductors such as Michael Tilson Thomas, Ricardo Muti, John Adams, and Charles Dutoit. Aside from his work in the classical music industry, Abe is also an in-demand recording musician, most noted for his work in Latin and pop music. Abe recorded on the Grammy-winning freshman album from the San Francisco-based Latin big band Pacific Mambo Orchestra, garnering his first Grammy win at age 27. Abe'

Colorado-based conductor Jeremy D. Cuebas is quickly establishing himself as a symphonic, operatic, and contemporary musician in the Denver area. He acts as assistant conductor with the Fort Collins Symphony, will soon be starting as the first assistant conductor with the Aurora Symphony, and is regularly invited to lead ensembles as diverse as, Opera Fort Collins, the It Could Be Anything new music ensemble, and the Boulder Concert Band. Jeremy is the founder and co-host of Podium Time, a podcast of interviews and discussions with emerging and established conductors. In August 2019, Jeremy was invited to join the faculty of the International Conducting Workshop and Festival in Sofia, Bulgaria to assist with the program and produce videos and podcasts for promotion. The Podium Time Podcast reaches thousands of conductors and students each year, and its catalog of over 80 interviews includes conductors such as JoAnn Falletta, Teddy Abrams, Brett Mitchell, Kevin Noe, Christopher Rountree, Tito Muñoz, and Roderi

Ep. 131: Harp and Plow, Americana duo. Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. Harp & Plow is a husband-and-wife Americana duo that combines a classically trained harpist and a blues-based guitarist, singer/songwriter. These talents create a unique, musical experience that explores American roots music with a modern approach. DEBUT SINGLE “Pastures of Plenty” is now available on all digital platforms! https://song.link/x47C3PthKFv84 For more information about Harp and Plow please visit: https://www.harpandplow.com/   © Let's Talk Off The Podium, 2020

Evan Meccarello was recently appointed Music Director of the Binghamton Community Orchestra. Meccarello is committed to new explorations in classical music and engaging with communities across the Northeast. Meccarello is committed to new explorations in classical music and engaging with communities across the Northeast. Meccarello’s conducting experience spans professional, collegiate, youth, and civic ensembles. Based in Rochester, he is Founder and Director of the Hochstein Alumni Orchestra, a community of musicians that rally around the cause of affordable music lessons. Over ten years, he has commissioned five alumni of Hochstein to write orchestral works for the ensemble. Meccarello currently conducts the Thames Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra in New London, CT and the Irondequoit Community Orchestra.   Summer 2019 included performances with professional orchestras in Bulgaria, while the 2019-20 season has featured work with civic and university orchestras from Buffalo to Saranac Lake to Providence, RI.

Acclaimed for her ‘sterling tone’ in the New York Times, Kris Kwapis appears regularly as soloist and principal trumpet with period-instrument ensembles across North America, including Portland Baroque Orchestra, Early Music Vancouver, Pacific MusicWorks, Bach Collegium San Diego, Staunton Music Festival, Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra, Chicago’s Haymarket Opera Company, Tafelmusik, Bach Society of Minnesota, Oregon Bach Festival, Callipygian Players, Bourbon Baroque, and Lyra Baroque, making music with directors such as Andrew Parrott, Monica Huggett, Alexander Weimann, Barthold Kuijken, Matthew Halls, Jacques Ogg, and Masaaki Suzuki. Her playing is heard on Kleos, Naxos, ReZound, Lyrichord, Musica Omnia and Dorian labels, including the 2013 GRAMMY nominated recording of Handel’s Israel in Egypt, and broadcast on CBC, WNYC, WQED (Pittsburgh), Portland All-Classical (KQAC), Sunday Baroque and Wisconsin Public Radio. A student of Armando Ghitalla on modern trumpet, with a BM and MM in trumpet performance from

Ep. 128: Brian Kai Chin, musician, educator, and cultural entrepreneur. Let's Talk Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan. Brian Kai Chin is a musician, educator, and cultural entrepreneur. Trained in western classical, jazz, and world traditions, Brian’s musical focus is only part of his larger vision as the founder and Executive Director of Common Tone Arts and the Chair of the Music Department at Seattle Pacific University. With a wide array of musical activity, Brian moves seamlessly between soloing as a trumpeter, freelancing for world-class orchestras, composing new music, performing with the contemporary chamber ensemble TORCH, and producing socially conscious, multi-arts events. Brian is focused on using music and imagination as a universal language to bring people together and celebrate our shared humanity. Much of this vision is imbedded in his work via Common Tone Arts, a non-profit arts organization dedicated to inspiring positive change for our diverse world through arts education and music. As the

Ep. 127: Stephen Williamson, principal clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony. In this podcast we talk about Williamson's journey from the Metropolitan Opera to Chicago Symphony and the New York Philharmonic. He talks about playing jazz piano, starting the saxophone before switching to clarinet, playing principal clarinet as a sophomore at the Eastman School of Music, having four chances to audition for the Chicago Symphony, family, weightlifting and much more! Stephen Williamson is the principal clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, appointed in 2011 by Maestro Riccardo Muti. Mr. Williamson was formerly the principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. In addition, he has been a frequent guest principal clarinetist with the Saito Kinen Festival Orchestra in Japan under Seiji Ozawa. Mr. Williamson is currently on the faculty of DePaul University in Chicago, IL. He has served on the clarinet faculty at Columbia University and the Mannes College of Music in New York

Grammy award-winning conductor Michael Christie, newly appointed Music Director of the New West Symphony, is a thoughtfully innovative conductor, equally at home in the symphonic and opera worlds, who is focused on making the audience experience at his performances entertaining, enlightening, and enriching. Christie won a 2019 Grammy Award (Best Opera Recording) for the world premiere recording of Mason Bates’ The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs with The Santa Fe Opera (PENTATONE), and was featured in Opera News in August 2012 as one of 25 people believed to “break out and become major forces in the field in the coming decade.” At Minnesota Opera, Christie led 24 productions over eight years, six seasons as its first-ever Music Director (2012-2018). For more information about Michael Christie please visit: https://www.michaelchristieonline.com/ © Let's Talk Off The Podium, 2020