Advertise on podcast: Richardson Symphony Orchestra - Portraits in Music

Join Maestro Clay Couturiaux and Ross Sivertsen as they sit down with Rachel Potter and Patrick Thomas to explore their decade-long touring show, “The Legends of Country,” ahead of the February 7th concert with the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. Hear how they fell in love with music, built careers from Broadway to Nashville, and now bring iconic country classics to life alongside a full symphony orchestra. 

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: Community is central to the orchestra’s purpose and programming. Education initiatives create access points for students and families. Community concerts remove barriers and build belonging. Donors and volunteers directly expand the reach and impact of these programs. Sunset Serenade (Oct 19, 2025, UT Dallas) is a free concert open to all. Resources and links: Support our programs: https://richardsonsymphony.org/donate/ Event: Sunset Serenade — Oct 19, 2025 at The University of Texas at Dallas (free community concert) If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a rating, and consider supporting our programs at the link above.

Shanna Morin is the new co-host of the RSO “Portraits in Music” podcast. As the RSO Director of Audience Development, Shanna injects energy, warmth, and curiosity into conversations with Maestro Clay Couturiaux and special guests. Seasoned concertgoers and newcomers alike are invited into the vibrant world of live orchestral music.  

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.