Presto!

Daron Hagen is a composer, conductor and author. His works include five symphonies, concertos, operas, chamber music and more than 350 art songs. His autobiography “Duet with the Past-A Composer’s Memoir” was published in 2019.

American lutenist, composer and teacher Ronn McFarlane has been active nationally and internationally for over 40 years, both as a soloist and as a collaborator with other instrumentalists.

Kevin Rhodes the dynamic Music Director and Conductor of the Springfield Symphony hardly needs introduction. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kevin to talk about his work with the symphony, what he does when he’s not in the area (HINT: It’s NOT fishing!), and the Symphony’s upcoming 75th Anniversary season which gets underway September 22.

Meet Aaron N. Price, Connecticut composer, co-founder and artistic director of Connecticut Summerfest and Director of Woodwind Studies at the MusicMakers International Academy. His works have received international performances, including the United States, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates.

Carolyn Kuan is the Music Director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. She's conducted symphonic programs, operas and ballets with orchestras around-the-world. Kuan is a champion of new music and recently released a recording of Phillip Glass’ music with the Hague Philharmonic.

On May 8th, Carolyn Kuan, Music Director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, will be one of four recipients of the 10th Annual New England Public Radio Arts and Humanities Awards. Kuan has been music director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra since 2011.

Mark Singleton is the Artistic Director of Voce, a choral ensemble based in Hartford, Connecticut. Singleton and Voce are champions of new choral music particularly from composer in the early stages of their careers.

In this episode of Presto!, John Nowacki spoke with Welsh composer Paul Mealor who is one of the most popular choral composers today. His sacred motets, songs and cycles have been performed, broadcast and recorded by artists in the UK, USA and much further afield.

Award-winning, American composer and conductor Kenneth Fuchs is Professor of Composition at the University of Connecticut at Storrs. He has composed music for orchestra, band, chorus and various chamber ensembles.