David Patrick Stearns

Arts Reporter

David Patrick Stearns is classical music critic for The Philadelphia Inquirer and arts reporter for WRTI's Creatively Speaking. He received his master's degree in musicology from New York University while working as music and theater critic for USA Today. He wrote the documentary film David Amram: The First 80 Years and is currently at work on two other documentaries. He is a frequent recording reviewer for the London-based magazine Gramophone. He is also a contributor to Opera News, The Guardian and Obit-Mag.com

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Creatively Speaking
4:06 pm
Sat January 21, 2012

Conductor Herbert Blomstedt--The Story Behind The Scottsboro Boys Musical--Playwright Edward Albee

David Patrick Stearns profiles the veteran conductor Herbert Blomstedt - in town to conduct the Philadelphia Orchestra in an all-Beethoven program.

Susan Lewis looks at a story of injustice that became the basis for a critically acclaimed Broadway musical. The Scottsboro Boys opens in Philadelphia on January 20, 2012.

We listen back to an archive interview with playwright Edward Albee.

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Creatively Speaking
10:42 am
Thu January 19, 2012

East Coast Premiere of Tan Dun Opera 'Tea'

David Patrick Stearns previews the Opera Company of Philadelphia's production of Tea: A Mirror of Soul by Tan Dun.

Creatively Speaking
3:58 pm
Sat January 14, 2012

Beethoven & Phila. Orchestra--Soprano Ailyn Perez on the Rise--American Swedish Historical Museum

Susan Lewis explores the life and music of Beethoven, whose music continues to enthrall modern audiences, and is now featured in three weeks of programs at The Philadelphia Orchestra.

David Patrick Stearns reports on the rise and rise of Ailyn Perez. The soprano, whose career began in Philadelphia, recently starred in the Royal Opera House's production of La Traviata.

Eric Brannon takes us to the American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia.

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Creatively Speaking
4:23 pm
Sat January 7, 2012

Yannick!--Percussionist Alan Abel--A Star Tenor and His Teacher

Alan Abel

Jim Cotter speaks with Yannick Nezet-Seguin, music director designate of The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Susan Lewis profiles the legendary percussionist Alan Abel.

David Patrick Stearns examines the relationship between star tenor Stephen Costello and his coach Bill Schuman, an Academy of Vocal Arts faculty member who is considered to be one of the great voice builders - and re-builders - in the business.

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Creatively Speaking
4:21 pm
Sat December 17, 2011

A New Jean Sibelius Symphony?--Charles Dickens' 200th Birthday--The Kimmel Center at Age 10

Jean Sibelius

As fragments of an unfinished masterwork by Jean Sibelius come to light, David Patrick Stearns considers whether or not we're about to hear a new Sibelius symphony - more than half a century after the death of the great Finish composer.

Susan Lewis explores the best of times and the worst of times in the life of Charles Dickens. Celebrations of the 200th birthday of the great Victorian-era English novelist are taking place around the region and the world.

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Creatively Speaking
2:42 pm
Thu December 8, 2011

Pianist Christian Zacharias--Flutist Joshua Smith--A Look at Handel's MESSIAH

Christian Zacharias

Jim Cotter speaks with the renowned German pianist Christian Zacharias.

David Patrick Stearns profiles Joshua Smith as the principal flute of The Cleveland Orchestra prepares for a Philadelphia recital.

And Susan Lewis considers the history and continued vitality of Handel's Messiah.

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Creatively Speaking
12:14 pm
Sat December 3, 2011

Soprano Ailyn Perez--Philadelphia Wind Symphony Debut--Symphony in C's Krishna Thiagarajan

Soprano Ailyn Perez

David Patrick Stearns reports on the rise (and rise) of Ailyn Perez. The soprano, whose career began in Philadelphia, stars in the Royal Opera House's production of La Traviata.

Susan Lewis takes a first look at The Philadelphia Wind Symphony. The new ensemble makes its debut on December 4th.

Jim Cotter speaks with Krishna Thiagarajan, the president of Symphony in C orchestra.

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Creatively Speaking
2:49 pm
Thu December 1, 2011

The Opera Company of Phila.--Tempesta Di Mare--Nat'l Assoc. of Negro Musicians--Tristin Lowe at PMA

There's good news emanating from the Opera Company of Philadelphia. We speak with General Director David Devan.

Susan Lewis profiles the Philadelphia-based Baroque ensemble, Tempesta Di Mare.

David Patrick Stearns looks at the National Association of Negro Musicians.

We speak with the Philadelphia-based contemporary artist Tristin Lowe. His Under the Influence, an installation comprised of two interconnected works, is currently on view at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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Creatively Speaking
4:13 pm
Sat November 19, 2011

Rising Local Opera Star Meagan Miller--Imagine Africa at Penn Museum--Insect Illustrations at ANS

David Patrick Stearns profiles Meagan Miller. The West Chester soprano is a rising star in the opera world.

We explore an innovative exhibition at the Penn Museum. The look and content of Imagine Africa will evolve over the coming year through visitor and local community feedback.

And Susan Lewis takes us to an exhibition at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia of the insect illustrations of a world-renowned entomologist.

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Creatively Speaking
4:44 pm
Thu October 27, 2011

Leila Josefowicz with the Phila Orch--The Phila Singers, Bach, and the Mendelssohns--Tony Bennett

A conversation with violinist Leila Josefowicz. The MacArthur Fellowship (so-called Genius Award) recipient speaks with Jim Cotter about her new role as artist-in-residence with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Susan Lewis considers lesser-known works of 19th-century composers Felix Mendelssohn and his sister Fanny Hensel as the Philadelphia Singers prepares a weekend concert In Rittenhouse Square exploring the influence of J.S. Bach on the two siblings.

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