In normal seasons, the Festival’s pre-concert talks have been a popular event that gives listeners a fascinating view of the compositional felicities of and programmatic connections between works that comprise a concert program.This year, because of Covid-19 protocols it seemed sensible to offer the talks online so patrons could access them conveniently even days before a concert.
One of our most popular speakers has been Dr. Ryan Dudenbostel, among the most engaging classical music (and other genres) advocates on the planet. He has generously converted his live conversations to the video medium.
By way of background, Dr. Dudenbostel is Director of Orchestral Studies at Western Washington University, where he conducts the WWU Symphony Orchestra, coordinates the graduate program, and directs the contemporary music ensemble NowHearThis! Previously, he was Music Director of the El Sistema-based Santa Monica Youth Orchestra in Los Angeles. He recently served as Interim Artistic Director of the Marrowstone Music Festival, and regularly returns to LA for concerts with the Jacaranda new music series.
There will be a virtual pre-concert talk for all five programs. Look for them in the coming days. And, of course, when you attend the concerts, there are Dr. Dudenbostel’s wonderfully informative notes in the program book.
