Song Cycle

Sholto Kynoch, Founding Artistic Director of the newly rebranded Oxford International Song Festival , sits down with Sam to discuss song across the Pond, how the organization engages audiences in bold and relevant ways, and that one time they bribed audience members to come to their concerts... for science, of course. Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative . You can learn more ab...

The wholesome content you've been waiting for is finally here. Meet legendary composer and CSI Advisory Council member Shawn Okpebholo , who not only writes some of the most searing and poignant vocal music of today, but also keeps it 100% real by never losing sight of the ones who helped him get where he is today and paying it forward by nurturing current relationships to the fullest. Song Cycle...

You know how you have that one friend who seems to be able to do it all? That's Myra Huang. When she's not busy working with the next generation of opera stars at The Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Artist Development Program , coaching at Manhattan School of Music ,  or running the show at the Aspen Opera Theater as director of musical administration and head coach, you can find her on recit...

It's the one, the only, Queen City Cabaret ! Get to know cool cats Sarah Folsom and Matthew Umphreys and how they got their start swooning their way through Cincinnati. Hear some live clips to get in the mood, learn more about the genre of cabaret and the Great American Songbook, and don't miss our co-production with them on March 18, 2023 - Unforgettable: The Golden Age of the Great American Song...

🚨 This is not a drill! 🚨 Song Cycle's third season is here, and our kickoff episode features none other than the *incredible* English pianist Julius Drake. Dig in with Sam as he learns all about Julius' upbringing, his fascinating career, and that one time Wigmore Hall staff came to him backstage with some shocking news... Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative . You can learn...

Laura talks with arts administrator and collaborative pianist Allen Perriello. While many of us seem to be going through transitions during these COVID times, Allen talks about what gets him up in the morning, what grounds him, and what keeps him focused. Covering topics ranging from mentors who give that first opportunity to do something great, or giving yourself permission to be an artist or mak...

In this episode, Laura talks with Dr. Amelia Nagoski, DMA, co-author of the New York Times bestselling book, "Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle." They discuss Dr. Nagoski's career, the reality of COVID and its effect on the lives of artists, the patriarchy, and burnout. As many artists are enduring or have endured tough transitions in the last two years and are experiencing burnout...

In this episode, Laura talks with singer, arts administrator, and former nurse Nicolette Rader about life transitions and how music can be both the impetus behind and comfort during life and career transitions. They discuss handling those transitions with grace and trust, how mental health and performance go hand-in-hand, and perspective on the work that you do and how it defines you. You also may...

Laura talks with world-renowned German song scholar Dr. Susan Youens about what led her to her research, the power of art song to make us pay attention, life's journeys, overcoming academic barriers, and of course Schubert and Wolf. This is a lecture in an episode, grab a notebook; you'll want to take notes.  Notes Book: Clara Schumann Studies Dr. Youens' Bio Song: Schubert Bertha's Lied in der Na...

In this episode, Laura chats with soprano Dr. Shannon Cochran about the joys of singing during the pandemic, the importance of setting boundaries and self-care, and what tools we have available to replenish ourselves as artists. Keep this one in your back pocket when you need a little pick-me-up.  Notes Shannon Cochran, soprano Donate to CSI Join CSI Digital

Laura talks with Reggie Smith, singer and life-advice giver extraordinaire. Covering everything from recital programming, song's profound ability to change our thoughts and the thoughts of those around us, and the rewards and challenges of living on the road, like Reggie says, there's "something for everyone".  Notes Reginald Smith, Jr. Donate to CSI Join CSI Digital

Laura talks with Matt Cahill about the importance of healing through music and that our artistic journeys should give both those making the art and those consuming the art new life and perspective. This is a good one if you're in need of some artistic TLC.  Notes Hogfish ATSinging Book: Coddling of the American Mind Book: Pedagogy of the Oppressed Donate to CSI Join CSI Digital

Laura talks with Martha Guth and Erika Switzer of Sparks and Wiry Cries about the importance of song as a medium to connect people especially during a time when connection feels less available, leadership in the arts, and the ability to stay flexible in times of uncertainty. In addition to some sound advice about toe safety. Notes Sparks and Wiry Cries Martha Guth Erika Switzer Donate to CSI Join...

In this episode, Laura and Sam recap the first season of Song Cycle and the fifth season of Cincinnati Song Initiative. While goofy and sometimes incoherent, Laura and Sam manage to discuss the important things: the successes and opportunities presented by the pandemic, the importance of story, and some favorite moments from the pod and the groundbreaking all-digital season. That's a wrap for seas...

In this episode Laura talks with Will Liverman. Will is a baritone, a composer, and an arts advocate. This conversation solidifies the importance of storytelling, accepting that you have your own voice to tell your own stories, and recognizing that to bring about social change both in the music world and whole world at large requires deliberate action and intention. Will is engaging with the rich...

In this episode, Laura talks with Kathy Kelly, a pianist, coach, conductor, writer, mentor, and arts leader. And, if that wasn't enough, Kathy is a fierce advocate for gender and racial equity in the musical world by fostering and creating music that will perpetuate and transform our musical world one collaboration at a time. Notes Kathleen Kelly Kathleen Kelly - Instagram Kathleen Kelly - Twitter...

In this episode, Laura talks with bass-baritone Davóne Tines. Davóne is a multi-talented, many-faceted storyteller, communicator, arts leader and singer. In addition to preparing for his time singing in the Cincinnati May Festival, Davóne is innovating the performance realm of vocal music and changing lives along the way. Maybe have a tissue ready while listening to this episode: powerful stories...

In this episode, Laura talks with Linda McAlister, the executive director of Schmidt Vocal Arts, CSI board member, and arts leader and advocate. Covering everything from changing careers to presidential pardons to Amanda Gorman, Linda talks about her career as a performer in the US and in Europe and transitioning into her role in arts administration, and the importance of allowing yourself to be c...

In this episode, Laura and Sam talk with Karen Slack about... well, everything. This extraordinary artist shares her story about her life and career and gets real about the struggles within the industry, how to stay creative during a time when it feels almost impossible, and our hopes for the future. Especially during the pandemic, it's important to remember that real connection can happen even wh...

In this episode, Laura talks with JJ Penna, a phenomenal pianist, coach, and mentor. Talking with JJ is like getting a lesson in how to listen - both to other people and to music and its texts - which comes full circle when he gives his advice at the end of the episode. While every moment with JJ feels like it has its own profound importance, its especially that way when talking about the future a...

In this episode, Laura sits down with Margo Garrett, a shining light and pioneer of the collaborative piano world, and all-around wonderful person. They talk about Margo's career, what it's like to be a woman in the classical music world, and how to keep our art alive, even when it feels almost impossible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notes 4D Piano Ernest Bloch: Music for Viola and Piano Donate t...

Laura sits down (with herself) to talk about art song: a brief history, how it's different from other musical forms, and why it's important especially today. Notes Join CSI Digital Donate to CSI

Laura has a conversation with Dr. Eileen Strempel. Eileen is the inaugural dean for the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA, a prolific singer and performer, a fierce advocate for new music especially by female composers, and a pioneer in educational leadership and equity.  Notes Eileen's book: Beyond Free College: Making Higher Education Work for 21st Century Students The Self-Care Wheel Donate t...

Laura sits down with opera director and acting teacher David Paul to talk about the tough questions being asked regarding the performing arts world, our responsibility to respond to calls for change and adaptation, and one of Laura's profoundly embarrassing moments during her youth.  Notes David Paul, director Top 10 Role Study Wolftrap's The Orpheus Project PoetLOVE Donate to CSI   Join CSI Digit...

Laura and Sam sit down (virtually) to talk about CSI, art song, community, and the importance of flossing.  Notes Donate to CSI Join CSI Digital