Advertise on podcast: Arts Conversations

Diane Jones speaks with bass-baritone (and Portsmouth native) Davone Tines about his upcoming performance with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Tines shared his excitement about performing the Virginia premiere of Philip Glass’ newest symphony, “Lincoln,” and about recording these performances for the celebration of Glass’ upcoming 90th birthday celebration. He speaks of the melodic and meditative nature of the work, and how he connected to Lincoln’s words.

Diane Jones speaks with Josh Groban as his tour brings him to the Virginia Arts Festival. Groban shares his excitement to be performing with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, gives some insight into the music he’ll be sharing, and talks about the joy of collaborating with his father in a performance of “Moon River” for his current CD release.

Diane Jones speaks with virtuoso mandolinist, singer, songwriter and composer Chris Thile about Bach, improvisation, and his upcoming solo concert at the Virginia Arts Festival.

Wayla speaks with Virginia Symphony Music Director Eric Jacobsen about Finding Peace at Potsdam, a unique performance that explores a pivotal moment in history in the wake of World War II.

Wayla speaks with Virginia Symphony Music Director Eric Jacobsen and violinist Gil Shaham about their new album with the VSO, featuring music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Antonin Dvorak, and Curtis Stewart.

Raymond Jones speaks with conductor JoAnn Falletta as the Virginia Symphony and Virginia Arts Festival prepare to celebrate composer Adolphus Hailstork's 85th birthday with a special concert.

Raymond Jones speaks with local composer Dr. Adolphus Hailstork as the Virginia Symphony and Virginia Arts Festival prepare to celebrate his 85th birthday with a special concert.

Jana Lee Ross speaks with violinist Joshua Bell about his upcoming Virginia Arts Festival concerts with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, what it's like to conduct the orchestra while also playing in it, and how a stray boomerang could have taken his career in a very different direction...

Jana Lee Ross speaks with Barnaby Smith, co-founder and Artistic Director of the vocal ensemble VOCES8, about their holiday performances presented by the Virginia Arts Festival.

Jana Lee Ross speaks with Finnish-British conductor Ross Jamie Collins, who will conduct singer-songwriter Laufey’s upcoming concerts with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

Jana Lee Ross speaks with Rob Fisher, Goode Family Artistic Advisor for Musical Theater and American Songbook with the Virginia Arts Festival, about an upcoming performance featuring Broadway star Kelli O’Hara with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Along with Broadway favorites, the program includes a new work by American composer Libby Larsen, setting poems by former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo.

Raymond Jones speaks with a trio of innovative string players ahead of their Virginia Arts Festival performance. Legendary bassist Edgar Meyer is known for his adventurous collaborations with artists of all genres. His newest adventure includes the extraordinary classical violinist and Kentucky fiddler Tessa Lark and cellist/composer Joshua Roman.

Raymond Jones speaks with musicologist and pianist Dr. Samantha Ege about her new album Maestra, which features the first commercial recording of the Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in Two Uninterrupted Speeds by Julia Perry, plus the Concerto for Piano and Strings by pioneering film composer Doreen Carwithen.

Jana Lee Ross speaks with Dr. Tina Breckwoldt, historian and dramaturge for the famed Vienna Boys' Choir, as we anticipate their upcoming holiday performances here in Hampton Roads.

Jana Lee Ross speaks with Virginia Symphony Music Director Eric Jacobsen and mandolinist/composer Chris Thile about musical storytelling, and their upcoming Virginia Arts Festival performances of Thile's new work ATTENTION! A narrative song cycle for extroverted mandolinist and orchestra.