HearTOGETHER Podcast

Latest Episodes:

"Never Standing Still" w. Terence Blanchard Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

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.

"The Enduring Legacy of Marian Anderson" w. J’Nai Bridges Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

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/

"Bootcamp, Breath, & Beyoncé" w. Na'Zir McFadden Dec 15, 2023

Show notes

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

"People weren't prepared" — Judith Still and Dr. Guthrie Ramsey on William Grant Still Oct 20, 2023

Show notes

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/

"We're involved whether we like it or not" w. respectfulchild May 05, 2023

Show notes

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/

"Pantsed by the ancestors" w. Ian Cusson Apr 07, 2023

Show notes

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 byAlexander 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

“We need to stop cosplaying as elites” w. Mari Esabel Valverde Mar 03, 2023

Show notes

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

"A bop is a bop," w. Babatunde Akinboboye (PART 2) Feb 03, 2023

Show notes

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:

"All our stories have songs" w. Babatunde Akinboboye (PART 1) Feb 03, 2023

Show notes

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

BONUS: In-Depth Lightning Round with Theo Baer (aka iT Boy) Jan 06, 2023

Show notes

Who makes you laugh?
Cataclysm sentence?
Skill you wish you had?
Song you wish you'd written?
Worst advice?

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