HearTOGETHER Podcast

"Never Standing Still" w. Terence Blanchard

On the final episode of our series, host Khadija Mbowe is joined by the renowned trumpet player and composer Terence Blanchard. Hear the pair talk like two old friends as they get real about everything from their experiences navigating the opera world to the power that sharing an article has to convey fatherly love.  Get Tickets To See Terence Blanchard Live in Philly on April 7, 2024! https://www.ensembleartsphilly.org/events-and-tickets/2023-24/kcp/terence-blanchard/ Music from this epi...

"The Enduring Legacy of Marian Anderson" w. J’Nai Bridges

Two-time Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano, Curtis Institute of Music graduate, and former varsity basketball captain J’Nai Bridges joins host Khadija Mbowe for a free-flowing conversation about her wide-ranging musical influences, structured systems for success, and the public humiliation that (inadvertently) led to her becoming a star. In February 2024, Bridges joined The Philadelphia Orchestra to announce the upcoming rededication of its home inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts ...

"Bootcamp, Breath, & Beyoncé" w. Na'Zir McFadden

A candid conversation between host Khadija Mbowe and 23-year-old Detroit Symphony Orchestra assistant conductor, Na'Zir McFadden. You'll hear about his collaborative conducting style, day-in-the-life, and deep Philly roots.    Music from this episode: STRAUSS, Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (Opening), Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Na’Zir McFadden, conductor. COLRIDGE-TAYLOR,  African Suite: Danse Nègre, Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra, Na’Zir McFadden, conductor. HOLST, The Planets, O...

"People weren't prepared" — Judith Still and Dr. Guthrie Ramsey on William Grant Still

Music historian, pianist, composer, and the Edmund J. and Louise W. Kahn Term Professor of Music at the University of Pennsylvania Dr. Guthrie Ramsey joins Judith Anne Still, daughter of the late composer William Grant Still, to discuss her father’s life and music, how his experiences as a Black man informed his compositions, and how, despite his many “firsts,” his music was largely unrecognized until recently. Music from this episode: STILL, Symphony No. 4 (“Autochthonous”), The Philade...

"We're involved whether we like it or not" w. respectfulchild

On our season finale, interdisciplinary artist respectfulchild (they/them) shares a frank discussion with host Khadija Mbowe about their creative journey of experimentation and discovery. Born in Canada to Chinese-Malaysian parents, early on, respectfulchild yearned to defy expectations as a classical music student. Today, their compositions and artwork are a vehicle to imagine, discover, and occupy altogether new ways of being. Chapters: [00:00] Introduction - what's in a name? [04:35] ...

"Pantsed by the ancestors" w. Ian Cusson

Ian Cusson celebrates deep questions and despises stereotypes. is In this episode, you'll hear the sought-after Indigenous (Georgian Bay Métis Community) and French Canadian composer share a candid conversation with host Khadija Mbowe, digging into his experiences of privilege, shame, and one anecdote of sweet, swift, cosmic justice.  Chapters: [00:00] Introduction [02:49] Métis community influence on Ian's artistic approach today [10:00] Navigating indigenous heritage and Western religi...

“We need to stop cosplaying as elites” w. Mari Esabel Valverde

Mari Esabel Valverde is an award-winning composer of choral music and among the leading voices in American choral composition today.  In addition to instructing high schoolers in classical voice, she has specialized in working with transgender vocalists like herself.  In this episode, you'll hear Mari tell host Khadija Mbowe about how she learned to overcome self-doubt, why "respect" is a trap, and why she loves icy people as much as she loves icy weather. Chapters: [01:53] Identifying op...

"All our stories have songs" w. Babatunde Akinboboye (PART 1)

Babatunde Akinboboye, known online as @babatundehiphopera, became a viral sensation when he started blending his lifelong love of hip-hop with his budding interest in opera. Today, he's built a multi-faceted career that gives him the best of the concert hall and the digital stage.  In this candid convo with host Khadija Mbowe, Babatunde talks about overcoming preconceived notions, stepping into his full identity through music, and feeling profound, glowing alignment.   Chapters: [00:00] In...

"A bop is a bop," w. Babatunde Akinboboye (PART 2)

This one's for the music lovers! Tune in to hear Babatunde Akinboboye tell host Khadija Mbowe about his favorite music, stick around to hear them wax philosophical about training, technology, and the importance of feeling music viscerally.    Chapters:  [00:26] Babatunde's 5 favorite hip-hop artists [6:18] Babatunde's 5 favorite arias [08:00] How training threatened to erode Babatunde's relationship with music [11:09] The threat (or lack thereof) from AI technology Music and artists me...

BONUS: In-Depth Lightning Round with Theo Baer (aka iT Boy)

Who makes you laugh? Cataclysm sentence? Skill you wish you had? Song you wish you'd written? Worst advice? The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

"Mennonites love music" with Theo Baer (aka iT Boy)

Theo Baer aka iT Boy is a Brooklyn-based composer of music that has, at various times, been described as  "experimental," "thoughtful," and "cosmic." In this discussion with host Khadija Mbowe, Theo reflects on the influences that brought him here; starting with a childhood growing up as the adopted child of Mennonite missionaries, walking a tightrope between his prodigious musical gifts and the persistence of low expectations— all the while navigating an evolving queer identity.   Chapters...

BONUS: In-Depth Lightning Round with Tailinh Agoyo

Who makes you laugh? Cataclysm sentence? Skill you wish you had? Song you wish you'd written? Worst advice? The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

"What was the REAL reason?" with Tailinh Agoyo

Tailinh Agoyo is an award-winning multi-disciplinary artist, TV and film actor, and co-founding director of We Are the Seeds, an organization that amplifies and uplifts Indigenous voices through the arts in an effort to reverse the erasure of native people in Philadelphia and the nation. In this candid conversation with host Khadija Mbowe, you'll hear about how We Are The Seeds is rooted in Tailinh's upbringing alongside her father's artistic career, her experiences attending an Ivy League c...

“If I’m not what you want, go find what you need…" with Karen Slack

New host Khadija Mbowe is joined by esteemed soprano Karen Slack for a no-holds-barred conversation about excellence, expectations, and self-esteem.  Chapters: [03:25] Fairytale love story [05:19] Music in the household [07:29] Veterinary dreams [8:27] Journey into classical through CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts High School) [14:11] Undiagnosed learning challenges [15:07] The double-edged sword of winning the Rosa Ponselle scholarship  [18:45] Approach to mentorship [27:09] See...

BONUS: In-Depth Lightning Round with Karen Slack

Who makes you laugh? Cataclysm sentence? Skill you wish you had? Song you wish you'd written? Worst advice? The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

“Change is uncomfortable…but give me a chance,” with Khadija Mbowe

Season 3 of the HearTOGETHER podcast opens with a passing of the torch as Executive Producer Tori Marchiony interviews incoming host, Khadija Mbowe. Khadija is a socio-cultural content creator, classically trained soprano, and self-described loving provocateur. In this episode, you’ll hear about Khadija’s cross-continental upbringing, musical evolution, why they made a sharp turn away from the opera world, and much more.  Chapters: [07:03] Khadija's cross-continental upbringing [08:48] Khad...

“Change is uncomfortable…but give me a chance,” with Khadija Mbowe

Season 3 of the HearTOGETHER podcast opens with a passing of the torch as Executive Producer Tori Marchiony interviews incoming host, Khadija Mbowe. Khadija is a socio-cultural content creator, classically trained soprano, and self-described loving provocateur. In this episode, you’ll hear about Khadija’s cross-continental upbringing, musical evolution, why they made a sharp turn away from the opera world, and much more.  Chapters: [07:03] Khadija's cross-continental upbringing [08:48] Khad...

Keys For Connection : Michelle Cann

Where are all the great Black pianists? Michelle Cann is one of the best. And she's determined to help shift the musical landscape to include many more pianists of color in the coming generations.  On the season two finale of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, pianist Michelle Cann joins host Tori Marchiony for an intimate conversation about the nature of competition, expressing something transcendent in music, and the importance of mentorship for up-and-comers.  MUSIC, performed by Michelle Cann ...

Practicing Liberation : inti figgis vizueta

What do you do to survive? For inti figgis-vizueta, making music inside traditional institutions felt like trying to put a square peg into a round hole– painful, and fruitless. So, she eschewed the status quo and focused on embracing the angles that made her unique.  On this episode of the HearTOGETHER podcast, NYC-based composer inti figgis-vizueta speaks with host Tori Marchiony about her early ambitions for a 9-5 in science, the communities and identities that inform her work today, and ...

Practicing Liberation : inti figgis vizueta

What do you do to survive? For inti figgis-vizueta, making music inside traditional institutions felt like trying to put a square peg into a round hole– painful, and fruitless. So, she eschewed the status quo and focused on embracing the angles that made her unique.  On this episode of the HearTOGETHER podcast, NYC-based composer inti figgis-vizueta speaks with host Tori Marchiony about her early ambitions for a 9-5 in science, the communities and identities that inform her work today, and ...

Conducting With Empathy: Lina González Granados

What role does empathy play in your life? For Lina González-Granados, it’s a core value for daily living, as well as a musical superpower that’s been instilled in her artistic practice by more than one mentor. On this episode of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, conductor Lina González-Granados joins host Tori Marchiony for a heartfelt interview about what it took to follow her dreams across the world, her status as a high profile Latina in classical music, and how the pandemic has shifted her prio...

From Programming to Progress: MLK Day Live Recording

Reflections on programming, progress, "the American dream," and more! On January 17th, 2022, as part of The Philadelphia Orchestra's annual day of free community programming in observance of Martin Luther King Jr day, an audience gathered in the Perelman Theater at The Kimmel Center for From Programming to Progress, a live panel discussion with pianist Michelle Cann, Juilliard ethnomusicology professor Dr. Fredara Hadley, and music directoress of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church and CEO of N...

Telling Stories That Matter: Charlotte Blake Alston, American Griot

Which stories are worth repeating? This question has driven storyteller, narrator, and longtime Philadelphia Orchestra collaborator Charlotte Blake Alston throughout her more than 30-year career.  On this episode of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, American griot Charlotte Blake Alston joins host Tori Marchiony for a candid conversation about her transition from being a teacher to a full-time creative, the pillars of her craft, and her responsibility to honesty as a steward of both African-America...

Composing Across Cultures - Reena Esmail

What does “home” sound like to you? For composer Reena Esmail, this was a question of invention, not recollection. Today, she is celebrated for the seamless interplay between her Western and Hindustani influences in her music, but her journey through craft, culture, and creativity was winding and often treacherous.  In this episode of HearTOGETHER, composer Reena Esmail joins host Tori Marchiony for a heartfelt conversation about growing up between two cultures and two religions, the toxici...

Claiming Space, Defying Expectations- The Honourable Elizabeth A. Baker

How do you honor the multitudes you contain?  The Honorable Elizabeth A. Baker makes space for all that she is by eschewing conventional categorizations and creating art that follows her own curiosities, not the latest trends. In this episode of HearTOGETHER, new renaissance artist The Honorable Elizabeth A. Baker joins host Tori Marchiony for a candid conversation about self-definition, collaborating with nature, what it takes to truly improvise, and more. Music in this episode: Three ...

Claiming Space, Defying Expectations- The Honorable Elizabeth A. Baker

How do you honor the multitudes you contain?  The Honorable Elizabeth A. Baker makes space for all that she is by eschewing conventional categorizations and creating art that follows her own curiosities, not the latest trends. In this episode of HearTOGETHER, new renaissance artist The Honorable Elizabeth A. Baker joins host Tori Marchiony for a candid conversation about self-definition, collaborating with nature, what it takes to truly improvise, and more. Music in this episode: Three ...

Claiming Space, Defying Expectations- The Honorable Elizabeth A. Baker

How do you honor the multitudes you contain?  The Honorable Elizabeth A. Baker makes space for all that she is by eschewing conventional categorizations and creating art that follows her own curiosities, not the latest trends. In this episode of HearTOGETHER, new renaissance artist The Honorable Elizabeth A. Baker joins host Tori Marchiony for a candid conversation about self-definition, collaborating with nature, what it takes to truly improvise, and more. Music in this episode: Three ...

BONUS: Maverick, Not "Marginalized" Composers -Lara Downes

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

Amplifying Joy, Pursuing Justice- Lara Downes

Do you think of "doing the right thing" as fun and joyful? Lara Downes does. In this episode of HearTOGETHER, pianist and podcast host (NPR's Amplify) Lara Downes joins host Tori Marchiony for an intimate conversation about growing up as an American abroad, exploring her identity through music, and expanding the cannon to create a more inclusive and vibrant future for concert music. You'll hear about her youth mentorship series, My Promise Project, her ambitious venture to create new recor...

BONUS: Lara Downes on Performative Activism

BONUS: Lara Downes on Performative Activism

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

Acting On Good "IDEAS" - Matías Tarnopolsky

What does it take for a 120-year old institution to change? President and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra, Matías Tarnopolsky, is determined to find out. In this episode,  hear the veteran arts administrator reflect on the hectic year that saw concert halls close, but made hearts and minds open in new ways. In this candid conversation with host Tori Marchiony, Matías talks about why institutions like his can't sidestep social issues, what blind auditions miss, and the "universal values" ...

Acting On Good "IDEAS" - Matías Tarnopolsky

What does it take for a 120-year old institution to change? President and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra, Matías Tarnopolsky, is determined to find out. In this episode,  hear the veteran arts administrator reflect on the hectic year that saw concert halls close, but made hearts and minds open in new ways. In this candid conversation with host Tori Marchiony, Matías talks about why institutions like his can't sidestep social issues, what blind auditions miss, and the "universal values" ...

Rep. Joanna McClinton

On the season finale of HearTOGETHER, PA State Representative and Philly native Joanna McClinton (D)  speaks with host Tori Marchiony about the importance of music, the politics of hair, and how her faith moves her forward and keeps her focused.  MUSIC: WARD, America the Beautiful, The Philadelphia Orchestra TRADITIONAL, Amazing Grace, Jeffrey Lang, Anthony Prisk, & Matthew Vaughn TRADITIONAL, Great Day, Julia Li, Chay-Hung Chen & Yumi Kendall   WARREN, Joyful, Joyful, CAPA Choir w/ Th...

Gabriela Lena Frank

Gabriela Lena Frank, The Philadelphia Orchestra’s composer-in-residence is widely celebrated for exploring her multicultural heritage through her work. On this episode, you'll hear about her path, her position on "identity politics", and how she pays it forward. Learn more about the Gabriela Frank Creative Academy of Music here MUSIC:  FRANK, Leyendas; An Andean Walkabout, Mvt.3  (Philadelphia Orchestra) FRANK, Concertino Cusequeño  (Philadelphia Orchestra) HUNT, Climb  (Philadelphia O...

Mental Health Matters

Sheryl Lee Ralph didn't always see a therapist. But from a young age, she was encouraged to speak her struggles aloud. "You go to church, you find the right minister and you talk about it." In this special HearTOGETHER Bonus Clip, Ralph and her husband, PA State Senator Vincent Hughes, talk about their own mental health journeys, and their fight to end the stigma around mental health care. Mental Health Resources MUSIC: Dvořák Symphony No.9, “from The New World,”  The Philadelphia Orchestr...

Sheryl Lee Ralph & Senator Vincent Hughes

Episode 7 of the HearTOGETHER Podcast from The Philadelphia Orchestra is twice as nice, with star of stage and screen, Sheryl Lee Ralph and longtime Pennsylvania Senator Vincent Hughes. Married for nearly 20 years, the power couple connected early through  their shared commitment to championing positive change (especially in public health). They talk about their first date, what HIV and COVID have in common, how they feel about third party politics, and more.  MUSIC  KRIEGER & EYAN, "Dream...

Eleonora Beck

Dr. Eleonora Beck is a musicologist who teaches a course on Music and Social Justice at Lewis & Clark College-- but she's never been the type to stay locked away in an ivory tower. In this episode, you'll hear Beck talk about fighting for change through music, inside musical institutions, and out on the front lines of protest and policy.  Music: BECK, Euridice,  MONK, Railroad (Travel Song), Conrad Tao SHOSTAKOVICH, Symphony No.7 Leningrad 4th Movement Part 1, The Philadelphia Orchestra ...

Dr. Aaron Beck

Dr. Aaron (formerly, Eleonora at the time of this recording) Beck is a musicologist who teaches a course on Music and Social Justice at Lewis & Clark College-- but has never been the type to stay locked away in an ivory tower. In this episode, you'll hear Beck talk about fighting for change through music, inside musical institutions, and out on the front lines of protest and policy.  Music: BECK, Euridice,  MONK, Railroad (Travel Song), Conrad Tao SHOSTAKOVICH, Symphony No.7 Leningrad 4t...

Brandi Waller-Pace

Through her non-profit, Decolonizing the Music Room, Brandi Waller-Pace teaches educators how to create class environments that celebrate, reflect, and speak to Black, brown, Indigenous, and Asian cultural perspectives that are routinely erased. In this episode, you’ll hear about Waller-Pace’s own school experiences, the "decolonizing" lessons that matter most, and why she always maintains the mindset of a student.    MUSIC  Sally in the Garden, Brandi Waller-Pace MARSALIS, Blues Symphony...

Rev. Mark Tyler

Though many spiritual leaders preach visions of a better future, it's also common to bypass hard facts and focus on the happy ending. Not so for Reverend Mark Tyler.  On this episode of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, Tyler shares his path to leadership, the importance of slogans in activism, and what "Defund the Police" means to him.  MUSIC" JOHNSON & JOHNSON, "Lift Every Voice,"  The Philadelphia Orchestra w. vocalist Laurin Talese "Magic," Maze ft. Frankie Beverly WESLEY WORK JR., "Go Tell ...

HearTOGETHER #3: Nicole Jordan

It's been a long and winding journey,  and Nicole Jordan has accomplished her dream of becoming a full-time member of The Philadelphia Orchestra as its new Principal Librarian. On this episode of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, Jordan shares her journey from aspiring instrumentalist to glass-ceiling-shattering- librarian, plus what's kept her sane in between.  Music (in order of appearance): Can't Hurry Love, The Supremes Simon Fate Now Conquers  WORLD PREMIERE - PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA COMMISSI...

Nicole Jordan

It's been a long and winding journey,  and Nicole Jordan has accomplished her dream of becoming a full-time member of The Philadelphia Orchestra as its new Principal Librarian.  On this episode of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, Jordan shares her journey from aspiring instrumentalist to glass-ceiling-shattering- librarian, plus what's kept her sane in between.   MUSIC: Can't Hurry Love, The Supremes SIMON, Fate Now Conquers  WORLD PREMIERE - PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA COMMISSION COLEMAN, Seven O'C...

Jeannine A. Cook (Harriett's Bookshop)

Jeannine A. Cook is a writer, strategist, and entrepreneur who the city of Philadelphia has been lucky to call a resident for the better part of two decades.  On this episode of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, Cook shares some of the challenges and triumphs of opening her brick-and-mortar store, Harriett's Bookshop, how she became a master strategist, and why she doesn't let herself get sidetracked by unsolicited advice.  MUSIC  [Performers; Ohad Bar-David, Cello; Ajibola Rivers, Cello; Angela Za...

HearTOGETHER #2; Jeannine A. Cook (Harriett's Bookshop)

Jeannine A. Cook is a writer, strategist, and entrepreneur who the city of Philadelphia has been lucky to call a resident for the better part of two decades.  On this episode of the HearTOGETHER Podcast, Cook shares some of the challenges and triumphs of opening her brick-and-mortar store, Harriett's Bookshop, how she became a master strategist, and why she doesn't let herself get sidetracked by unsolicited advice. Read the rest of Jeannine's short story here Watch the full Our City, Your ...

HearTOGETHER #1; Davóne Tines & Jillian Patricia Pirtle

The HearTOGETHER Podcast from The Philadelphia Orchestra is a space for honest, intimate conversations about life, music, social justice- and how art can help bring us towards a brighter future. In episode one, you’ll hear from two singers who raise their voices against injustice- Davóne Tines and Jillian Patricia Pirtle. Davóne Tines is perhaps best-known for his original works which look at complex social issues, directly in the eye. Like 2018’s The Black Clown, based on Langston Hughes’ ...

Davóne Tines & Jillian Patricia Pirtle

The HearTOGETHER Podcast from The Philadelphia Orchestra is a space for honest, intimate conversations about life, music, social justice- and how art can help bring us towards a brighter future. In episode one, you’ll hear from two singers who raise their voices against injustice- Davóne Tines and Jillian Patricia Pirtle. Davóne Tines is perhaps best-known for his original works which look at complex social issues, directly in the eye. Like 2018’s The Black Clown, based on Langston Hughes’ ...

HearTOGETHER Podcast Coming 10/21!

The HearTOGETHER Podcast from The Philadelphia Orchestra is a space for honest, intimate conversations about life, music, social justice- and how art can help bring us towards a brighter future.  The Philadelphia Orchestra’s HearTOGETHER series is generously supported by lead corporate sponsor Accordant Advisors. Additional major support has been provided by the Otto Haas Charitable Trust.

HearTOGETHER Podcast Coming 10/21!

The HearTOGETHER Podcast from The Philadelphia Orchestra is a space for honest, intimate conversations about life, music, social justice- and how art can help bring us towards a brighter future. 

Wynton Marsalis (LIVE, from the Archive)

On June 6, 2020, The Philadelphia Orchestra presented the first HearTOGETHER live program, dedicated to George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, and the countless Black Lives wrongfully and tragically lost before them, and to the value and dignity of all Black Lives.   This excerpt features American trumpeter, composer, teacher, and artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center Wynton Marsalis reflecting on the past, present, and future of classical music. For more from Marsal...