American singer and radio personality Peter van de Graaff surrounds himself with music, whether it is singing with his wife, Kathleen, or hosting for KWAX at the University of Oregon or Beethoven Satellite Network. “Two things are a constant in my life: concert attendance and listening to recorded music. Whenever I’m engaged in either activity I’m always thinking …
Despite growing up in a non-musical family in a small town in southwestern Pennsylvania, organist Paul Jacobs became a prodigy, and at 15 years old was appointed head organist of a parish of 3,500 in his hometown. “I was fortunate to have excellent musical training and mentors during those formative years. I remain indebted to my …
Building New York Polyphony has been a labor of love for the artists, including bass baritone Craig Phillips. “It’s been a twelve-year entrepreneurial adventure and has required a lot of care and attention to the business side of things—marketing, budgeting, scheduling, networking, etc.,” Craig says. “It may not sound very exciting, but it’s very satisfying …
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It isn’t fancy recital halls or big-name collaborations that mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong remembers as her most cherished accomplishments. These are actually conversations with other artists, moments of mutual appreciation and intrinsic artistic understanding. “That said, I would have to say that having [Supreme Court Justice] Ruth Bader Ginsburg attend my recital at the Kennedy Center …
Read more “Mezzo-Soprano Elizabeth DeShong Incorporates Observational Awareness in Career, Life”
Pianist Darrell Grant has used his musical talent for over two decades in service to his community as an educator and leader in the arts. Grant’s multi-faceted creative projects and innovative initiatives reflect a belief in the extraordinary power of art to communicate, inspire, provoke, inform, and move others to transform society and themselves. Music …
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German soprano Julia Sophie Wagner is a highly sought-after concert singer, specializing in the vocal works of Johann Sebastian Bach. All of her projects originate in the quest for new audiences for art song and trying to reach them so they can discover their love of the genre. “Being on stage with wonderful, talented musicians, …
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Acclaimed British conductor Jane Glover has had a storied career in classical music, conducting major opera productions and all the major symphonic and chamber orchestras in Britain, as well as orchestras in Europe, the United States, Asia, and Australia. “The fact that, at my age, I am living such an enviable lifestyle, traveling the world …
Read more “British Conductor Jane Glover Cherishes Storied Operatic, Baroque Career”
As a child, Mike Reiter discovered that learning is universal and not contained to just the classroom. His father was a high school science teacher and his siblings and he were required to share what they had learned that day, whether they were in school or not. “His insistence that ‘the day was wasted if …
Read more “University of Oregon Piano Tuner Mike Reiter Makes A Difference In Sound At OBF”
Soprano Sarah Shafer loves what she does, being able to work on great music every day and telling stories through singing, while sharing it with an audience. “I hope that people will look at me as a vessel for the music I am singing, as someone who serves the music. My goal as a singer …
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Baritone Kenneth Overton is working nonstop these days — singing, performing, and debuting new works. But it isn’t in vain. “I don’t want to sound sappy, but performing on stage for me is like breathing or eating — I have to do it!” he said. “On stage is where I am my most authentic self, …
Read more “Baritone Kenneth Overton Showcases Authentic Self on Stage”