Richardson Symphony Orchestra - Portraits in Music

This episode highlights the Richardson Symphony’s commitment to education and community engagement—why service is core to our mission, how programs reach students and families, and what it takes to sustain access to live music. We close with an invitation to Sunset Serenade on October 19, 2025 at The University of Texas at Dallas, a free community concert for everyone. Key takeaways: Resources and links: https://richardsonsymphony.org/donate/ If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a rating, and consider supporting our programs at the link above.

This season welcomes Shanna Morin; Shanna debuts as the new co-host of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra’s “Portraits in Music” at the launch of its 2025–2026 season. As the orchestra’s Director of Audience Development, Shana injects energy, warmth, and curiosity into her conversations—inviting both seasoned concertgoers and newcomers into the vibrant world of live symphonic music. Throughout the season introduction episode, she and maestro Clay Couturiaux emphasize the diversity and excitement of the upcoming repertoire, celebrates the tradition of inspiring both musicians and the wider Richardson community, and champions the unique backstage perspective that makes the podcast a true “backstage pass” to the heart of the RSO experience

Join Maestro Clay Couturiaux and producer Ross Sivertsen as we welcome the newest member of the RSO team, Director of Audience Development, Shanna Morin. We discuss the RSO "Stars of the Future" concert on March 1st, showcasing the incredible talent of Daria Podorozhnova, winner of the 2025 Ann & Charles Eisemann International Young Artist Competition.

Join Executive Director Laurie Garvie, Maestro Clay Couturiaux, and producer Ross Sivertsen as we chat with Stockton Helbing about the RSO Holiday Classics Concert on December 7th. We dive into the vibrant world of live performance and the unique experience it offers. We also explore the irreplaceable magic of live music in an age dominated by digital recordings and the joy of discovering music in unexpected places.

In this episode, Maestro Clay Couturiaux, Executive Director Laurie Garvie and Producer Ross Sivertsen discuss the repertoire for the RSO 2024/2025 Season. Maestro Couturiaux also shares insights into how he programs a concert season.

In this episode of Portraits in Music, Maestro Clay Couturiaux, Executive Director Laurie Garvie and Producer Ross Sivertsen have a captivating conversation with Chris Farrell about his journey as an orchestral musician and composer. From his early days playing viola to his current role in the Nashville Symphony, Chris shares his experience and insights into the world of classical music. Discover how he found his passion for composing, his creative process, and the joys and challenges of working with musicians and orchestras.

Join us in conversation with Charles Eisemann and Eliane Menzel, winner of the 2024 Ann & Charles Eisemann International Young Artists Competition. In our first segment, Maestro Couturiaux and podcast producer Ross Sivertsen dive into the heart of the March 2nd "Stars of the Future" Concert as we explore the intricacies and inspirations behind two monumental works that showcase the depth and diversity of classical music. In our second segment, we're joined by Charles Eisemann, a true patron of the arts, as he shares his passion for music and the impact of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra on our community.

In conversation with Gary Cogill, longtime film critic at WFAA. Maestro Couturiaux, Executive Director Laurie Garvie, and Producer Ross Sivertsen explore some of Hollywood's most iconic characters and the musical geniuses who brought them to life. Our February 3rd Concert - "A Night at the Movies: Good Vs. Evil" will take you on an exciting journey From Bernard Herrmann's "Psycho" to the deep-sea horror of John Williams' "Jaws" to the sweeping landscapes of John Barry's "Dances With Wolves."

Special Holiday Edition of 'Portraits in Music': Join Maestro Couturiaux and Ross Sivertsen in a fun-filled episode in conversation with David Lovrien, Kat Glaze, and Rick Holt of 5 Second Rule. Experience the magic as they perform with the Richardson Symphony Orchestra in their final performance as 5 Second Rule before they become Skyland. Visit Skyland Official for more!

Join us for an exciting episode of Portraits in Music where we chat with Nicholas Bardonnay of Westwater Arts about the American Landscapes Concert on November 4th.

In this episode, RSO President and Executive Director Laurie Garvie joins us as we chat about the RSO's 62nd season opening, welcoming guest artist Lara St. John.

In this episode we are joined by RSO President and Executive Director Laurie Garvie, as we chat about the RSO's 61st season finale welcoming guest artist Joyce Yang, 2005 Van Cliburn Silver Medalist.

Join us as Maestro Couturiaux chats with Capathia Jenkins and Aisha de Haas as we talk about the February 4th concert Fascinating Rhythm.

Join us as Maestro Couturiaux chats with RSO’s concertmaster Elisabeth Adkins and principal violist Susan Dubois about the upcoming November 5th concert featuring pieces by London-born composer Anna Clyne, Mozart’s most masterful example of a hybrid symphony plus concerto, and concluding with the most famous opening notes in all of classical music when the orchestra performs Beethoven’s exhilarating and monumental Fifth Symphony.

It's a new season! Please tune in to hear Maestro Clay Couturiaux, Executive Director Laurie Garvie, and Producer Ross Sivertsen discuss the 61st Season of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra.

Join us as Maestro Couturiaux and Ross Sivertsen chat with Van Cliburn gold medalist Jon Nakamatsu and RSO Concertmaster Elisabeth Adkins in preparation for our Season Finale Concert on Saturday, April 23rd!

We are so excited about the RSO February 5th Concert - "A Texas Tribute" with the "Texas Country Reporter" team, Bob and Kelli Phillips. Join us as Maestro Couturiaux and Ross Sivertsen chat with TCR producer Mike Snyder, composer/arranger David Lovrien and his wife, Grace, about the origins of the "Texas Tribute" project and background on David's compositions and arrangements for the program.

As we start the holiday season, join Maestro Couturiaux, Executive Director Laurie Garvie, and Producer Ross Sivertsen in this episode of "Portraits in Music" as we talk about holiday music and the upcoming holiday program on December 4th with Ian Gill, Music and Artistic Director of the Richardson Community Chorale.

This episode of "Portraits in Music," features the RSO's principle clarinetist Kwanghoon Yi. Join Maestro Clay Couturiaux, Executive Director Laurie Garvie and Ross Sivertsen as they chat with Kwanghoon about growing up as a musician in Seoul, South Korea; the November 6th Concert featuring Kwanghoon playing the Mozart Clarinet Concerto; and we endi the podcast with Maestro Couturiaux walking through the background of Strauss' Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme.

In this episode of "Portraits in Music," Maestro Clay Couturiaux, Executive Director Laurie Garvie and Ross Sivertsen chat about the 60th Anniversary of the symphony, and the season opener. We also have a great conversation with our guest artist Will Hagen.