HearTOGETHER Podcast

On the final episode of our series, host Khadija Mbowe is joined by the renowned trumpet player and composer Terence Blanchard. Hear the pair talk like two old friends as they get real about everything from their experiences navigating the opera world to the power that sharing an article has to convey fatherly love. Get Tickets To See Terence Blanchard Live in Philly on April 7, 2024! https://www.ensembleartsphilly.org/events-and-tickets/2023-24/kcp/terence-blanchard/ Music from this episode: BLANCHARD - "Opening Credits," Malcolm X BLANCHARD - "Peculiar Grace," Fire Shut Up in My Bones, The Metropolitan Opera BLANCHARD - "Step Dance Sequence," Fire Shut Up in My Bones, The Metropolitan Opera DVORAK - Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 (“From the New World," The Philadelphia Orchestra The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

Two-time Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano, Curtis Institute of Music graduate, and former varsity basketball captain J’Nai Bridges joins host Khadija Mbowe for a free-flowing conversation about her wide-ranging musical influences, structured systems for success, and the public humiliation that (inadvertently) led to her becoming a star. In February 2024, Bridges joined The Philadelphia Orchestra to announce the upcoming rededication of its home inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts as Marian Anderson Hall. It will be the first major concert venue in the world to honor the late performer and trailblazer. Chapters: [00:00-2:59] Get To Know J'Nai Bridges [3:00- ] J'Nai Reflects On Marian Anderson's Impact On Herself And The World [09:16-12:44] The Public Humiliation That Changed J'Nai's Path [12:45- 17:15] J'Nai's Full Circle Moment Being Part of the Hall Rededication Announcement [16:16-17:14] Music: J'Nai Bridges with Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) perform “Whole World In Your Hand” during Global Goal: Unite for Our Future on June 27. [17:17-20:02 ] The Triumphs and Trials of Travel [20:03-24:41] How J'Nai Has Developed Structures for Success [24:42-27:31] J'Nai Reflects on Progress in the Classical Music World [27:32- 29:27] J'Nai's Cataclysm Sentence Music from this episode: BIZET, HABANERA, J’Nai Bridges in the Canadian Opera Company’s 2022 production of Carmen J'Nai Bridges with Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) perform “Whole World In Your Hand” during Global Goal: Unite for Our Future on June 27. Links from this episode: READ MORE: The Philadelphia Orchestra to Rename Its Home at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts MARIAN ANDERSON HALL in Honor of the Legendary Contralto, Civil Rights Icon, and Philadelphian: https://www.philorch.org/about-us/contact-us/press-room/news-releases/the-philadelphia-orchestra-to-rename-its-home-at-the-kimmel-center-for-the-performing-arts-marian-anderson-hall-in-honor-of-the-legendary-contralto-civil-rights-icon-and-philadelphian/ Want more Marian Anderson? Listen to our season one episode with Jillian Patricia Pirtles, CEO of the National Marian Anderson Museum: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1364857/5986438 Marian Anderson Museum: http://marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/ J’Nai Bridges: https://jnaibridgesmezzo.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jnaibmezzo/ https://www.facebook.com/jnaibridgesmezzo/ The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

A candid conversation between host Khadija Mbowe and 23-year-old Detroit Symphony Orchestra assistant conductor, Na'Zir McFadden. You'll hear about his collaborative conducting style, day-in-the-life, and deep Philly roots. Music from this episode: STRAUSS, Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (Opening), Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Na’Zir McFadden, conductor. COLRIDGE-TAYLOR, African Suite: Danse Nègre, Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra, Na’Zir McFadden, conductor. HOLST, The Planets, Op. 32, Detroit Symphony Orchestra Na’Zir McFadden, conductor. Links from this episode: Nazir McFadden's Website: https://www.nazirmcfadden.com/ What is "The Hive"?: https://music.fandom.com/wiki/Bey_Hive Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra: https://www.dso.org/community-and-learning/wu-family-academy/civic-youth-ensembles/civic-youth-ensembles The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

Music historian, pianist, composer, and the Edmund J. and Louise W. Kahn Term Professor of Music at the University of Pennsylvania Dr. Guthrie Ramsey joins Judith Anne Still, daughter of the late composer William Grant Still, to discuss her father’s life and music, how his experiences as a Black man informed his compositions, and how, despite his many “firsts,” his music was largely unrecognized until recently. Music from this episode: STILL, Symphony No. 4 (“Autochthonous”), The Philadelphia Orchestra STILL, Out of the Silence, First Philadelphia Orchestra performances, Jeffrey Khaner, flute Links from this episode: William Grant Still Music - http://www.williamgrantstillmusic.com/ Dr. Guthrie Ramsey on Twitter — https://twitter.com/DrGuyMusiQology William Grant Still and the Adventure of Discovery — https://www.philorch.org/about-us/learn-more/Blog/william-grant-still-and-the-adventure-of-discovery/ The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

On our season finale, interdisciplinary artist respectfulchild (they/them) shares a frank discussion with host Khadija Mbowe about their creative journey of experimentation and discovery. Born in Canada to Chinese-Malaysian parents, early on, respectfulchild yearned to defy expectations as a classical music student. Today, their compositions and artwork are a vehicle to imagine, discover, and occupy altogether new ways of being. Chapters: [00:00] Introduction - what's in a name? [04:35] Early musical influences [09:13] Expectations of people with Asian heritage in classical music [14:22] Finding spiritual connection through creating interactive art [22:43] Upcoming album: breaking boundaries of gender & music [27:00] Striving for enjoyment Music from this episode: Beauty," from respectfulchild's upcoming album, 更新 re:new (2023) "Forest," from In the Shadow of the Pines (2021), the original soundtrack to Anne Koizumi’s 2021 animated short documentary of the same name “Glitter” from, respectfulchild’s debut album, 在找 ::searching:: (2017) Links from this episode: respectfulchild website: https://respectfulchild.com/ Native Women's Shelter of Montreal: http://www.nwsm.info/donate 落叶归根 , Falling leaves return to their roots at Ramai Modern: https://respectfulchild.com/falling-leaves-return-to-their-roots/ Remai Modern Emerging Artist Series: https://remaimodern.org/?s=emerging+artist+series Girls Rock Saskatoon: https://www.girlsrocksaskatoon.ca/ The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

Ian Cusson celebrates deep questions and despises stereotypes. is In this episode, you'll hear the sought-after Indigenous (Georgian Bay Métis Community) and French Canadian composer share a candid conversation with host Khadija Mbowe, digging into his experiences of privilege, shame, and one anecdote of sweet, swift, cosmic justice. Chapters: [00:00] Introduction [02:49] Métis community influence on Ian's artistic approach today [10:00] Navigating indigenous heritage and Western religion will be a lifelong process [16:50] The privilege and shame of being "white-passing" [25:16] Becoming better by making art [34:23] In-depth lightning round bonus! Music from this episode: Ian Cusson, "Le Loup de Lafontaine," world premiere performance by Alexander Shelley & NAC Orchestra as part of the Móshkamo Festival which marked the launch of the National Arts Centre’s Indigenous Theatre department. Le loup de Lafontaine was a National Arts Centre Orchestra commission as part of the Carrefour Composer Program, made possible by the Canada Council for the Arts. Ian Cusson, "Where There’s a Wall,” Song-cycle for voice and piano with text by Joy Kogawa. Performed by Krisztina Szabó, voice and Rachael Kerr, piano. Recorded at the Canadian Music Centre, Toronto on November 14, 2019, by John Gray. Ian Cusson, "Of the Sea," a co-production with Obsidian Theatre Company and Tapestry Opera. Libretto by Kanika Ambrose, Directed by Philip Akin, Conducted by Jennifer Tung. Links from this episode: Métis Nation: https://www.metisnation.org/ Yvette Nolan: https://nac-cna.ca/en/bio/yvette-nolan Katherena Vermette: https://katherenavermette.com/ More on Ian's Louis Riel re-do: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/q/thursday-sept-19-2019-chilina-kennedy-hot-chip-and-more-1.5288615/changing-the-past-how-composer-ian-cusson-rewrote-part-of-the-famous-louis-riel-opera-1.5288860 BANFF Indigenous Classical Music Gathering: https://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/indigenous-classical-music-gathering/20220811 The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

Mari Esabel Valverde is an award-winning composer of choral music and among the leading voices in American choral composition today. In addition to instructing high schoolers in classical voice, she has specialized in working with transgender vocalists like herself. In this episode, you'll hear Mari tell host Khadija Mbowe about how she learned to overcome self-doubt, why "respect" is a trap, and why she loves icy people as much as she loves icy weather. Chapters: [01:53] Identifying opportunities for progress [04:31] Unpacking the term "Latinx," and low representation in the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) [07:45] Early musical influences: Gameboy, Linda Ronstadt, and Debussy, oh my! [11:40] The correlation between weather and personality [15:10] Teaching herself and others to unlearn shame [21:25] Why Mari doesn't care for the word “respect" [24:15] Building and breaking trust [27:53] Parting advice [30:58] Lightning round Music from this episode: "Winter Ride" (2018) "A Winter Ride" by Amy Lowell. Performed by the International Orange Chorale of San Francisco (iocsf.org), conducted by Zane Fiala (premiere recording). "El triste león" (2019) from Canciones del pasado Traditional/Folk text from the San Luis Valley, Colorado and New Mexico compiled in Canciones del pasado Copyright © 1967 by Ruth Marie Colville. Used with permission of the author. Performed by tenor Matthew Valverde, pianist Randy Macy, and violinist Sarah Off. "Our Phoenix" (2015) Excerpts from "Our Dangerous Sweetness" © 2012 Amir Rabiyah (https://www.amirrabiyah.com/). Used with permission of the author. Disclaimer: This audio is courtesy of St. Olaf College and is used by permission. Performed by St. Olaf Chapel Choir, conducted by Tesfa Wondemagegnehu (https://www.tesfawon.com/) assisted by pianist Will Rand and trumpeter Nathan Lyle. Links from this episode: Mari's website: https://marivalverde.com/ American Choral Directors Association: https://acda.org/ Kat Blaque: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxFWzKZa74SyAqpJyVlG5Ew St. Olaf College: https://wp.stolaf.edu/ Dr. Anton Armstrong: https://www.stolaf.edu/profile/armstron "Canciones de mi padre" (yes, Linda Ronstadt has Mexican heritage): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAk7IkKs5T4 Golden Sun soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLd6EKWjRZM Bob the Drag Queen: https://www.instagram.com/bobthedragqueen/?hl=en The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

Babatunde Akinboboye, known online as @babatundehiphopera, became a viral sensation when he started blending his lifelong love of hip-hop with his budding interest in opera. Today, he's built a multi-faceted career that gives him the best of the concert hall and the digital stage. In this candid convo with host Khadija Mbowe, Babatunde talks about overcoming preconceived notions, stepping into his full identity through music, and feeling profound, glowing alignment. Chapters: [00:00] Introduction [01:22 ] How Babatunde parlayed his love of hip-hop into singing opera, and viral content. [04:22] Cross-cultural upbringing [05:20] Getting peer-pressured into men's choir [08:08] What does alignment feel like? [10:27] Creating a home in his art [13:00] Social media origins and evolution [18:00] Trade-offs between stage and screen [20:49] How his Nigerian mother changed her tune about his career choice [22:51] What music was in the house growing up? [28:17] In-depth lightning round Music from this episode: Babatunde Akinboboye, Avant ~upcoming~ Babatunde Akinboboye, Cortigiani (Rigoletto) from Della Citta EP Babatunde Akinboboye, Largo (Figaro) from Della Citta EP Babatunde Akinboboye, Tanti Beat Links from this episode: Babatunde's website: https://www.babatundebaritone.com/ @Babatundehiphopera on TikTok, IG, and Facebook Babatunde's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F07VAXKXGWE What's that white song that gets you turned up?: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1294117107744192/ Babatunde x Kendrick Lamar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F07VAXKXGWE The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

This one's for the music lovers! Tune in to hear Babatunde Akinboboye tell host Khadija Mbowe about his favorite music, stick around to hear them wax philosophical about training, technology, and the importance of feeling music viscerally. Chapters: [00:26] Babatunde's 5 favorite hip-hop artists [6:18] Babatunde's 5 favorite arias [08:00] How training threatened to erode Babatunde's relationship with music [11:09] The threat (or lack thereof) from AI technology Music and artists mentioned in this episode: Snoop DoggBusta Rhymes2PacEminemDr.Dre (The Chronic)Ludacris Queen of the Night (The Magic Flute) Largo al factotum (The Barber of Seville)Toreador's song (Carmen) Flower Duet (Lakmé) The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

Theo Baer aka iT Boy is a Brooklyn-based composer of music that has, at various times, been described as "experimental," "thoughtful," and "cosmic." In this discussion with host Khadija Mbowe, Theo reflects on the influences that brought him here; starting with a childhood growing up as the adopted child of Mennonite missionaries, walking a tightrope between his prodigious musical gifts and the persistence of low expectations— all the while navigating an evolving queer identity. Chapters: [2:04] The inextricability of music to Theo's identity [3:56] The good and bad of working with(in) musical institutions [5:18] Ever-unfolding lessons of queerness [8:48] Making music for magical moments [10:56] Mennonites and musical influences [12:19] On "radicalizing" his parents [16:09] The catharsis of vulnerability [18:13] What success looks like today Music from this episode: Deities, Tempting (for Richard Maxfield) HabitsLodge Links from this episode: iT Boy on BandcampiT Boy on InstagramAnderson CenterThe Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

Tailinh Agoyo is an award-winning multi-disciplinary artist, TV and film actor, and co-founding director of We Are the Seeds, an organization that amplifies and uplifts Indigenous voices through the arts in an effort to reverse the erasure of native people in Philadelphia and the nation. In this candid conversation with host Khadija Mbowe, you'll hear about how We Are The Seeds is rooted in Tailinh's upbringing alongside her father's artistic career, her experiences attending an Ivy League college, and how she navigated a career in '90s Hollywood. Chapters: [1:58] Tailinh Agoyo is all of the things [4:46] How early familial influences impact Tailinh today [11:55] Ups and downs at Dartmouth [16:09] Secret activism in Hollywood [25:13] How Tailinh's acting career has evolved [27:00] The root of We Are The Seeds and its growth [31:20] Looking to the future Music from this episode: Udi Bar David and R. Carlos Nakai, Indigenous, Indigena, from Voyager Zachariah Julian, Oblique from Oblique Gabriela Lena Frank, Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout, performed by The Philadelphia Orchestra Links from this episode: Tailinh Agoyo: http://www.tailinhagoyo.com/ We Are The Seeds: https://www.wearetheseeds.org/ Tchin Agoyo: http://www.themagicofstorytelling.com/ Dartmouth's Native American program: https://students.dartmouth.edu/nap/ Learn about the land you occupy: https://native-land.ca/ What is Canada's "Truth in reconciliation Commission"?: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1450124405592/1529106060525 Viola Davis reflects on The Help : https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/09/viola-davis-the-help-regret The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

New host Khadija Mbowe is joined by esteemed soprano Karen Slack for a no-holds-barred conversation about excellence, expectations, and self-esteem. Chapters: [03:25] Fairytale love story [05:19] Music in the household [07:29] Veterinary dreams [8:27] Journey into classical through CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts High School) [14:11] Undiagnosed learning challenges [15:07] The double-edged sword of winning the Rosa Ponselle scholarship [18:45] Approach to mentorship [27:09] See the need, fill the need [29:03] #KikiKonversations [33:14] Who heals the healers; unrealistic expectations placed on black women [36:49] The struggle for self-care Music from this episode: Healing TonesHabaneraBewilderment Taking Names, Links from this episode: BANFF Opera in the 21st Century ProgramBellini, "Casta Diva," Maria CallasWagner, "Tristan Und Isolde" - Prelude & Leibestod, Jessye Norman and Herbert von Karajan Opera Philadelphia Sounds of Learning Rehearsal Program La Forza Del Destino (Ponselle's debut) Michelle Cann on the HearTOGETHER podcast#SayTheirNames#KikiKonversationsKhadija MboweKaren Slack The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

Season 3 of the HearTOGETHER podcast opens with a passing of the torch as Executive Producer Tori Marchiony interviews incoming host, Khadija Mbowe. Khadija is a socio-cultural content creator, classically trained soprano, and self-described loving provocateur. In this episode, you’ll hear about Khadija’s cross-continental upbringing, musical evolution, why they made a sharp turn away from the opera world, and much more. Chapters: [07:03] Khadija's cross-continental upbringing [08:48] Khadija's journey into music [16:57] Facing impossible comparisons [23:46] Marigold Music Program [28:13] The messiness of newness Music from this episode: A Complaint performed by Khadija MboweDeff Bem toupBrahms, Alto Rhapsody, performed by Jessye Norman with The Philadelphia Orchestra Links from this episode: Delusion and ALL Its Remixes by Fab Socialism Khadija's Youtube channelKhadija's websiteMarigold Music ProgramTerrance Real, How Can I Get Through To You? The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

Where are all the great Black pianists? Michelle Cann is one of the best. And she's determined to help shift the musical landscape to include many more pianists of color in the coming generations. On the season two finale of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, pianist Michelle Cann joins host Tori Marchiony for an intimate conversation about the nature of competition, expressing something transcendent in music, and the importance of mentorship for up-and-comers. MUSIC, performed by Michelle Cann BACH, Sarabande PRICE, Sonata in E Minor CHOPIN, Ballade No.3 in A-flat Major, Op.47 PRICE, Piano Concerto in One Movement with The Philadelphia Orchestra Mixed by Teng Chen Editorial Council, Noel Dior & Tim German The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

What do you do to survive? For inti figgis-vizueta, making music inside traditional institutions felt like trying to put a square peg into a round hole– painful, and fruitless. So, she eschewed the status quo and focused on embracing the angles that made her unique. On this episode of the HearTOGETHER podcast, NYC-based composer inti figgis-vizueta speaks with host Tori Marchiony about her early ambitions for a 9-5 in science, the communities and identities that inform her work today, and her hopes and fears for the next generation of music-makers. Music in this episode was composed by inti figgis-vizueta Attacca Quartet performing Imago . red fish blue fish performing To Give You Form and Breath Why bell hooks didn't capitalize her name : https://newsone.com/4260883/why-bell-hooks-name-lowercase/ Mixed by Teng Chen Editorial Council, Noel Dior and Tim German The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

What role does empathy play in your life? For Lina González-Granados, it’s a core value for daily living, as well as a musical superpower that’s been instilled in her artistic practice by more than one mentor. On this episode of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, conductor Lina González-Granados joins host Tori Marchiony for a heartfelt interview about what it took to follow her dreams across the world, her status as a high-profile Latina in classical music, and how the pandemic has shifted her priorities. Music in this episode is from The Philadelphia Orchestra, 2021-22 (122nd Season), non-subscription concert #6 Lina Gonzalez-Granados, conductor Branford Marsalis, saxophone Dvořák: Serenade in D minor, Op. 44, for winds, cello, and double bass Glazunov: Concerto in E-flat major for Saxophone and String Orchestra, Op. 109 (13') Villa-Lobos: Fantasia, for saxophone and orchestra (14') Mixed by Teng Chen Editorial Council, Tim German & Noel Dior The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

Reflections on programming, progress, "the American dream," and more! On January 17th, 2022, as part of The Philadelphia Orchestra's annual day of free community programming in observance of Martin Luther King Jr day, an audience gathered in the Perelman Theater at The Kimmel Center for From Programming to Progress, a live panel discussion with pianist Michelle Cann, Juilliard ethnomusicology professor Dr. Fredara Hadley, and music directoress of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church and CEO of Next Step Associates, Dr. Cassandra Jones, plus a spotlight interview with Andrea Custis (CEO, Urban League Philadelphia). NOTE: In this episode, Dr. Jones laments the last-minute exclusion of Total Praise from the MLK Tribute concert. This omission was the result of COVID-related complications that made the CAPA choir unavailable to perform as planned and not due to a lack of interest. The Philadelphia Orchestra looks forward to including the piece next year. The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.