New York Polyphony Embraces Medieval Melodies in Modern Times

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 …

Mezzo-Soprano Elizabeth DeShong Incorporates Observational Awareness in Career, Life

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 …

Darrell Grant’s Artistic Focus on Ecology and Social Justice

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 …

Soprano Julia Sophie Wagner Brings Bach To New Audiences

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, …

British Conductor Jane Glover Cherishes Storied Operatic, Baroque Career

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 …

University of Oregon Piano Tuner Mike Reiter Makes A Difference In Sound At OBF

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 …

Soprano Sarah Shafer’s Quest for Musical Authenticity

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 …

Baritone Kenneth Overton Showcases Authentic Self on Stage

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, …

Grammy Award-Winning Conductor John Nelson Leads Berlioz’s Beautiful Romeo & Juliet

Grammy Award-winning conductor John Nelson has had a storied career in classical music, but when his wife passed a few years ago, it took a toll on him. However, through faith, family, and music, he is finding that there was life after death. “My two daughters have stepped into the vacuum and I am doing …

Mezzo-Soprano Sarah Mesko Finds Connection To Audience At Oregon Bach Festival

Mezzo-soprano Sarah Mesko had an epiphany a couple of years ago, right after singing Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis at Oregon Bach Festival in 2017. “I was mulling over how much I enjoy connecting with audiences,” she said, “and accepting the love they turn in my direction — but realized that, as much as I enjoy the …