Susan Lewis

Wolfgang Sawallisch: A Musician's Musician

Susan Lewis — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:12:32 +0000

This week, the Philadelphia Orchestra wraps up its subscription season with a special tribute to Wolfgang Sawallisch, who died earlier this year. As WRTI’s Susan Lewis reports, the Orchestra’s beloved former music director forged strong bonds with the musicians he led.

Memories of Wolfgang Sawallisch On The Podium

Susan Lewis — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:01:43 +0000

This week, The Philadelphia Orchestra wraps up its subscription season with a special tribute to former music director and conductor laureate, Wolfgang Sawallisch, who died earlier this year. As WRTI’s Susan Lewis reports, he’s remembered as a master on the podium.

Memories of Wolfgang Sawallisch: On Tour And At Home

Susan Lewis — Mon, 20 May 2013 01:38:16 +0000

The Philadelphia Orchestra wraps up its subscription season this week with a special tribute to Wolfgang Sawallisch, who died on February 22, 2013. As WRTI’s Susan Lewis reports, the Orchestra's former music director and conductor laureate shared his musical gifts with audiences at home and abroad, leading the orchestra on eight international tours.

Serious Classical Music Plus Comedy?

Susan Lewis — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:36:09 +0000

Orchestra concerts don't usually leave people laughing. But, as WRTI’s Susan Lewis reports, some contemporary composers are combining serious music with comedy. Berlin Philharmonic Music Director Sir Simon Rattle is introducing innovative works to audiences in Germany, and brings an example with him in his upcoming visit to Philadelphia.

On May 16th, 18th and 19th, Maestro Rattle conducts The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center in a program that includes the music of Beethoven, Ligeti, Webern, and Berg.

The Mystery and Allure of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos

Susan Lewis — Mon, 13 May 2013 01:16:12 +0000

Today, J. S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos are among the most popular pieces from the Baroque era. WRTI’s Susan Lewis explores the mystery in the story of the famous concertos.

On Sunday, May 19th, WRTI will broadcast The Philadelphia Orchestra performing three of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, his Double Violin Concerto, and his Orchestral Suite No. 3.

Helping The Violins Sing: Philadelphia Orchestra Associate Concertmaster Juliette Kang

Susan Lewis — Sat, 11 May 2013 22:02:28 +0000

The strings are the largest section of a symphony orchestra, and communicating among them to create a unified sound involves the conductor, the concertmaster, and another pivotal player. WRTI’s Susan Lewis talks with The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Juliette Kang about her position as associate concertmaster, and the lure of her instrument.

On WRTI's broadcast of The Philadelphia Orchestra this Sunday, May 12th at 2 pm, Juliette Kang will lead the strings in a program featuring Tchaikovsky's Souvenir de Florence, for string orchestra, and Prokofiev's Symphony No. 5.

Happy Birthday Tchaikovsky!

Susan Lewis — Mon, 06 May 2013 10:03:00 +0000

This week we mark the birthday of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who was born in Russia on May 7, 1840 and died suddenly at age 53. As WRTI’s Susan Lewis reports, the composer - internationally renowned for his great melodies - was also a master of technique and form. His body of work includes major works for the ballet, opera, and orchestra, as well as chamber music, concertos, sacred music, piano music, and solo songs.

Jazz Vocalist Phyllis Chapell: Using Music to Promote Clean Water

Susan Lewis — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:05:00 +0000

A Philadelphia-area jazz singer, who interprets songs in many languages, is also drawing attention to environmental issues. As WRTI’s Susan Lewis reports, Phyllis Chapell finds that music is a way to reach people on many levels.

Information about Phyllis Chapell's upcoming live performances in the region.

The short film, AEIOU-Water, is shown Sundays at the Fairmount Water Works.

http://youtu.be/L6scJCeJgHA

Russian Choral Music: A Century Of Change

Susan Lewis — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:04:00 +0000

Russian choral music developed over centuries - informed by tradition, the state, the church, and eventually other parts of the world. As WRTI’s Susan Lewis reports, this month, The Philadelphia Singers contrasts the works of two Russian masters, who created their sacred choral music over a century apart.

The Philadelphia Singers performs selections from Tchaikovsky’s 1878 Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, together with Alfred Schnittke's Choir Concerto, written in 1984-85, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Center City, Philadelphia on Sunday April 28th. Information here.

Discovering Philadelphia's Neighborhoods

Susan Lewis — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:54:53 +0000

A new Philadelphia tourism initiative is encouraging visitors and residents alike to explore restaurants, galleries, culture, and nightlife in neighborhoods just beyond Center City. As WRTI’s Susan Lewis reports, the campaign by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, or GPTMC, paints portraits of nearby neighborhoods that are attracting visitors.

A new section of GPTMC's website is devoted to 14 neighborhoods, with maps, videos, and social media integration. Check it out here!