classically/SPEAKING: A Multi-Generational Choral Music Podcast

The Sound of Freedom: Struggle, Hope, and the American Song A History Lesson.. What does freedom sound like? In this deeply reflective and historically grounded episode of Classically Speaking , we explore how American music has carried the weight of our nation’s contradictions from its founding ideals to its most painful failures and how song has consistently served as both witness and guide thro...

Summary Exploring the life and legacy of Florence Price, the pioneering Black woman composer who broke racial and gender barriers in classical music. Discover her contributions, struggles, and why her story is vital to American history and music. Key Topics Florence Price's early life and education Her groundbreaking 1933 symphony performance Fusion of Black musical idioms with European classical...

In this episode of Classically Speaking, Nicholas Clements-Lindsey and Owen Nathanael delve into the intricate relationship between sound and storytelling. Owen shares his journey from a young musician in Jakarta to a composer and educator in Los Angeles, emphasizing the importance of using music as a narrative tool. They discuss the impact of technology on composition, the role of empathy in musi...

Summary In this episode of Classically Speaking, host Sam Estes interviews composer Christopher Tin, known for his groundbreaking contributions to choral music, particularly through his work on the Civilization video game franchise. The conversation explores Tin's musical journey, influences, and the creative process behind his latest album, Song Offerings. They discuss the importance of melody, t...

This week on Classically/Speaking, Nicholas and Sam break down two of the biggest cultural shifts happening in the classical world: the viral explosion of orchestral content on TikTok and YouTube, and the global resurgence of cinematic film scores. From meme-worthy Mahler moments to packed arenas for Hans Zimmer and Classical-Pop crossover sensation...Rosalia, classical music is reaching new audie...

This week, Sam Estes sits down with tenor Pasquale Esposito to explore how a single holiday album can carry two cultures at once. Pasquale shares how his Italian heritage shapes his vocal identity, how Neapolitan musical traditions inform his phrasing and arrangements, and why Christmas repertoire is uniquely powerful for connecting audiences across borders. Listeners will learn how artists preser...

In this episode of classically/SPEAKING , host Nicholas Clements-Lindsey sits down with John Funkhouser , Fundraising Chair of Voices/LA, to unpack how performing arts organizations begin, grow, and sustain themselves through thoughtful development strategy. Together, they explore what it really takes to turn artistic vision into institutional impact from launching a nonprofit to building donor re...

In this episode of classically/SPEAKING , Dr. John Sutton and Lauren Biggs lead a conversation on the evolving landscape of choral composition and the new generation of voices redefining the art form. Together, they explore how digital collaboration, mentorship, and social media are reshaping the creative process and expanding where choral music lives. The discussion highlights how innovation and...

What happens when the grandeur of the concert hall meets the intensity of a video game? In this debut episode of classically/SPEAKING , host Sam Estes sits down with award-winning composer Garry Schyman , the creative force behind BioShock , Shadow of War , and Dante’s Inferno . Together, they explore how orchestras and choirs bring emotional depth to digital worlds and how classical composition c...

Every great ensemble begins with a vision. In this episode of classically/speaking hosts Nicholas Clements-Lindsey , Sam Estes , and Dr. John Sutton pull back the curtain on voices/LA — Los Angeles’ newest choral collective redefining what it means to make music in the modern era. Together, they share how the ensemble was born, what drives its creative spirit, and how mentorship, collaboration, an...