VIDEO & EDITING PROJECTS
The following are a few of my favorite video projects I wrote, filmed, edited and produced while working for Utah Symphony and Opera.
Demarre McGill on Jolivet’s “Suite en Concert”
Principal Flutist for the Seattle Symphony Demarre McGill joined Utah Symphony in the 2020-2021 season to perform Jolivet’s “Suite en Concert” with Maestro Thierry Fischer.
He gave a great interview talking about the piece, his love of teaching/performing/all of the above, his wonderful relationship with his brother Anthony and — my personal favorite point — his experience being on Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.
Verdi’s “La Traviata” as a reality show
Similar to how I presented Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville,” I wanted to take some of the seriousness out of one of the heaviest and saddest operas. Baritone Michael Chioldi, soprano Anya Matanovic and tenor Rafael Moras took this acting challenge to heart to re-imagine what “La Traviata” would sound like if it were presented in the style of “Real Housewives.”
James Ehnes on Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1
An interview with Canadian violin soloist James Ehnes about his performance of Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1. He discusses what makes the piece so fun to play, what he loves about the Utah Symphony and what he’s most passionate about.
Jan Lisiecki on Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1
A in-depth interview with Canadian-Polish piano prodigy Jan Lisiecki about Chopin and what makes this concerto so special.
Violin and viola jokes with Viviane Hagner and Brant Bayless
Viviane Hagner and Brant Bayless were tapped to perform Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante” in 2019, and I felt this was a perfect chance to get them to tell violin and viola jokes on camera.
Neither was present while the other was being interviewed, which made their reactions all the more magical. They were on the same page whether performing Mozart or telling jokes.
Pablo Villegas explains Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez”
Pablo Villegas, the “soul of Spanish guitar,” explained beautiful details and stories behind one of Rodrigo’s most iconic pieces, “Concierto de Aranjuez.”
Villegas kindly agreed to interview in Spanish, and I translated the subtitles into English in order to reach a broader audience of Spanish speakers in the community.
Madeline Adkins and Ralph Vaughn Williams “Lark Ascending”
“Lark Ascending” has a very personal meaning to Madeline Adkins — it’s a heartfelt reminder of her musicologist mother, who inspired her and nurtured her drive to accomplish great heights in music.
(Note: Adkins graciously wrote the talking points for this one and provided the photos of her mother.)
Benjamin and Elizabeth Beilman on Lalo’s “Symphonie Espagnole”
The creative gene runs in families. Violinist Benjamin Beilman and his sister, violist Elizabeth Beilman, discuss their childhoods, what it was like growing up together, what makes “Symphonie Espagnole” so special and give tips to students learning the peice.
Karen Gomyo on the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
Violinist Karen Gomyo tells the story of how she learned the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto for the first time. She had a teacher who believed in children’s capacity to learn, grow and retain information — but most importantly — believed in her.
Stefan Jackiw on the Brahms Violin Concerto
Violinist Stefan Jackiw is a master teacher and presenter. In this interview, he takes us through the important details and meatiest bits of music that make up one of the best violin concertos of all time.