The Gould Standard

Austin-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mobley describes his style as “post-genre,” an evocative mix of pop, soul, rock with inventive touches that defy classification. What marks him as one of the most interesting emerging artists today is his beguiling blend of searing social criticism with captivating melodies, all brilliantly on display in his recent album, Young and Dying in...

Ai Weiwei is a unique presence in the world of visual art – equal parts avant-garde icon, activist and moral conscience for our times. His courage is legendary both in pushing the boundaries between the new and the traditional in art and between art and politics. He has inspired the world with his defiance in the face of authoritarianism. Join us for a deeply moving conversation, ranging from Ai’s...

If there is such a thing as a superstar in the world of contemporary classical music, soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan ranks at the top of a very short list. With her quicksilver voice, charismatic personality and the striking physicality she brings to each performance, she has done what most people considered impossible – making the music of Ligeti, Boulez and Schoenberg irresistible to the...

In Part II of our conversation with Viggo Mortensen, we delve into this protean artist’s multidimensional engagements following his landmark success in the film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. From music, to photography, painting and publishing, his multilingual acting roles and even his fascination for a masterpiece of silent film, Viggo delights and astonishes with his boundles...

Viggo Mortensen is a kaleidoscopically talented artist whose work spans a vast range of creative media from acting, directing, music, poetry, painting, photography and book publishing.   Enshrined in the hearts and minds of film lovers and fantasy fans as the perfect embodiment of Aragorn the King in Lord of the Rings, Viggo joins us during his time in quarantine via Zoom for Part One of a candid...

Sondra Radvanovsky is one of the great dramatic sopranos of our time, a singing actress who has thrilled audiences around the world in her performances of Verdi’s operas as well as mastering the virtuoso bel canto repertoire. But this down-to-earth diva defies every operatic stereotype – she is warm, open and generous, enlightening us on the way we think of the word “diva” itself. Join us for this...

Hilary Hahn is one of the most beloved violinists in the world, an artist whose musicianship, passion and brilliance has earned her devoted fans everywhere. Still, she is so much more – a strong, visionary woman, a role model, and an artist who looks to the future. In this candid conversation, Hilary talks about her early life and career, staying active and engaged through the pandemic, her commit...

Philippe Starck is a force of nature in the world of creativity. He pioneered the concept of Democratic Design – the notion that design and creativity should make life better for as many people as possible. His energy, imagination and questioning have resulted in thousands of creations from household objects, eco-friendly homes, a space habitation module to Steve Jobs’ mega-yacht. Join us as he sh...

Two of the most transformative musical forces of our time—Laurie Anderson and super-producer Bob Ezrin—sit down for a talk with host Brian Levine. This intimate conversation is one of old friends reminiscing on career highlights, the creative passions that drive them and, of course, their shared love of Lou Reed. Listen to Laurie and Bob’s remarkable stories of days past, thoughtful perspectives o...

John Ralston Saul is one of the world’s most provocative, insightful and prescient thinkers, and he has thought deeply about the erosion of democracy in our time — an issue of increasingly urgent concern in light of recent events. We caught up with John for a lively and wide-ranging discussion about the role of the arts in promoting democracy and the common good, social engagement, what we can lea...