TRILLOQUY

Loki chats with Maestro Sean Mayes to unpack Black identity north of the "American" border, his work with the Pops of Color Orchestra, the power of Whitney Houston's music in a symphonic setting, and more! Loki also speaks on the idea of relevance in classical music.  Sean Mayes The Voice of Whitney at Town Hall Pops of Color Orchestra "It's Not Right, But It's Ok" (Instrumental) "The Greatest Lov...

Loki chats with librettist/producer Portia Kamons and composer Ron Ramin about their joint venture with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, designed to meaningfully engage Generation Z. Loki shares the reasoning behind his return to "traditional" orchestral engagements.  Ron Ramin Portia Kamons More on SEVENTEEN "SEVENTEEN" Promo Hungarian March from 'The Damnation of Faust' (by Hector Berlioz, pe...

Loki chats with Cheryl Warfield about her career as a singer, her beginnings outside of the music industry, and her upcoming collaboration with The Discovery Orchestra for their presentation of "Discover Angelitos Negros" in celebration of Black History Month. Loki offers continued thoughts on the takeover of the Kennedy Center.  The Discovery Orchestra Cheryl Warfield MORE Opera Ave Maria (feat....

Loki chats with George Marriner Maull, founder of the Discovery Orchestra, about his life, engaging new audiences through public media, and his upcoming Black History Month celebration concert: "Angelitos Negros". Loki shares his thoughts on the recent takeover of the Kennedy Center. The Discovery Orchestra George Marriner Maull New World Symphony excerpt 1 New World Symphony excerpt 2 Kennedy Cen...

Loki chats with composer Shawn E. Okpebholo about the idea of "music for music's sake", the importance he puts on responding to calls for social justice, and his latest release, "Songs in Flight". Loki compares backlash against Beyoncé's Grammy wins to society's general aversion to musical evolution and change. Support for TRILLOQUY comes from FeedSpot ! Theme music by Soggy Beats Shawn E. Okpebho...

Loki chats with acclaimed musicologist and pianist Samantha Ege about her early engagement with music, her work highlighting and preserving the work of Black women in classical music, and her new book, "South Side Impresarios". Loki reacts to the idea of fighting against upcoming challenges in America.  Dr. Samantha Ege "South Side Impresarios" Samantha performs music by Samuel Coleridge Taylor Sa...

Composer Carlos Simon returns to TRILLOQUY to offer updates on life, music, and the pursuit or peace in a world filled with change and uncertainty. Loki shares writings of Martin Luther King Jr. to commemorate MLK Day and the inauguration of Donald Trump as 47th President of the United States. Carlos Simon "Ring Shout" by Carlos Simon "brea(d)th" by Carlos Simon and Marc Bamuthi Joseph Letter to C...

Violinist Kristin Lee joins Loki to discuss her new album, "American Sketches", and to unpack the question of who (and what) is American. Loki offers Buddhist texts as encouragement to those impacted by the California fires.  Kristin Lee "American Sketches" Emerald City Music "Monk's Mood" (perf. Kristin Lee and Jeremy Ajani Jordan) "Southland Sketches" (perf. Kristin Lee and Jeremy Ajani Jordan)...

Loki chats with composer Damian Geter about his upbringing, career success, and his new opera that shines a light on the Loving v. Virginia court case, which made interracial marriage legal in the United States. Damian also offers words on "The Blacknificent 7" and their hopes for the industry. Loki shares his experiences and opinions on the topic of interracial love.  Damian Geter  "Neo-Soul" by...

Loki chats with acclaimed composer Adolphus Hailstork about his experiences engaging Black composers over the course of this trajectory, the US premiere of his work, "Ndemara", and guidance to the next generation of composers. Loki reads from the manifesto of Luigi Mangione, offers his thoughts on direct, cultural, and systemic violence, and encourages arts workers to think about the creation of d...

Loki chats with Grammy-nominated flutist, vocalist, and composer, Nathalie Joachim about Afromodernism, building community as an artist, and more. Loki responds to imagery that suggests that it's time for Black women to watch it all burn. NOLA Chamber Fest Lyrica Baroque Nathalie Joachim Nathalie Joachim - Kouti yo (Live from Juilliard) Aware by Nathalie Joachim; Rachel Mellis, flute "I Can't Stop...

Loki chats with Jennifer Koh about the notion of "risk" in western classical spaces, the importance of commissioning new work, and her upcoming collaboration with the Kennedy Center. Loki reads from the autobiography of Huey P. Newton and responds to the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. Jennifer Koh ARCO Collaborative   Fortas Chamber Music Concerts Echorus by Philip Glass (perf. Jennife...

Loki chats with composer George Lewis about the "Composing While Black" anthology, his approach to furthering the tradition of "great Black music", and his upcoming collaborations with the New York Philharmonic, ICE, and others. Loki also responds to the Afromodernism concert he recently attended, presented by the New York Philharmonic. Support for this opus of TRILLOQUY comes from the New York Ph...

Loki reunited with one of his high school classmates to talk about their upcoming 20 year reunion, memories from band (and Music Theory class), and how decolonizing classical music can benefit students beyond those who are interested in music as a career. Loki also shares The Parable of the Mustard Seed in response to recent challenge and tragedy.  Craigmont High School "Memphis Blues", perf. W.C....

Loki Karuna chats with Grammy-nominated clarinetist, Seunghee Lee (aka Sunny Kang) about the path toward a Grammy, her life as a golfer, and her new album, "Intermezzo". Loki offers condolences to the family of Marcellus "Khalifah" Williams and offers his thoughts on the death penalty.  Seunghee Lee "Intermezzo" Album "Executive", by Michele Magnani  "Intermezzo", by Michele Magnani Missouri Execu...

Loki Karuna chats with Charlton Lee of the Del Sol Quartet about the flexibility of smaller ensembles to shift the status quo, his new podcast, "Sounds Current", and more! Loki also highlights and reflects on his recent trip to a Buddhist conference in Florida. Charlton Lee "Sounds Current" "Rough Math" by Mason Bates "Scrapyard Exotica" by Mason Bates ★ Support this podcast ★

Loki chats with literary activist E. Ethelbert Miller about activism in prose, the legacy of James Baldwin (and other notable activists in literature), and how music intersects this tradition. Loki also shares his thoughts on the upcoming presidential election. **This opus is made possible, in part, by Bucklesweet . E. Ethelbert Miller Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) Upcoming Lect...

Loki Karuna chats with Shane Evans about working as a classical recording artist as an "outsider", defining American music, and the release of his latest album, "Ballades". Loki offers thoughts in response to ideas on class structure and solidarity as presented in "The New Human Rights Movement", by Peter Joseph.  Black August Shane Evans "Ballades" by Shane Evans "The New Human Rights Movement" b...

Loki Karuna chats with Lorin Green about her continued journey toward equity and liberation in classical music, her newly published anthology of Black experiences within the field, and how arts administration has impacted her view on the role of musicians. Loki also offers perspectives relating to the murder of Sonya Massey and political fundraising.  Arts Engines Lorin Green/"From Our Eyes and Ea...

Loki Karuna chats with Marcus Norris about developing a composition career for Black audiences, his recent projects for both film and the stage, and the path that led him toward a collaboration with Beyoncé! Loki also offers responses and reactions to the latest in national politics.  Marcus Norris "I Tries So Hard For You" by Marcus Norris "I Don't Want Your Love" by Marcus Norris Should Biden Dr...

Loki Karuna chats with Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle about Black music as American music, her work highlighting classical Black women of decades past, and what it means to serve an industry that's built to serve whiteness, no matter who (or what) is on stage.  Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle Concerto for Violin and Orchestra (by Julia Perry) I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free (perf. Nina Simone) Julia Perry...

Loki chats with Elizabeth Chang about the intersections of performing and teaching, and highlights her latest album, "Sonatas and Myths". Loki also offers a glimpse into the challenge of meeting people where they are toward the goal of systemic change within the classical music industry, and showcases how he's been engaging the challenge of diverse perspectives as a barrier to forward motion.  Eli...

Loki Karuna wishes everyone a Happy Mother's Day, shares his dialogue with Michele Fowlin who is a two-time Howard graduate and the Artistic Director of the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir, celebrates Joy Guidry's recent release, "AMEN", and speaks on the power of intentional spending.  AMEN by Joy Guidry   Michele Fowlin Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Ch...

Loki Karuna chats with Maestro Kwamé Ryan who has been recently appointed as Music Director of the Charlotte Symphony. Loki offers updates on his travels and work, and offers thoughts on the recent drama at the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.  Kwamé Ryan "Portrait of Trinidad" - National Steel Symphony Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago Henri Dutilleux : Symphony No. 2 "Le Double" conducted by Kwamé R...

Loki Karuna returns after a month-long hiatus to offer words of encouragement to those dealing with difficult times, to share his conversation with Hana S. Sharif, Artistic Director of the Arena Stage, and to unpack the concept of "running from your karma".  The Arena Stage Hana S. Sharif Introduction Unknown Soldier Promo Lars-Erik Larsson: Concertino for Trombone and String Orchestra, Op. 45, fe...