Christine Donkin

This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes innovative composer and musical storyteller Erich Stem. Known for his emotionally resonant works and adventurous collaborations, Erich’s music explores connection—between place, people, and sound. From symphonies inspired by American landscapes to experimental chamber works rooted in poetry and personality, Erich brings a unique voice to the contemporary classical scene.In this episode, Erich shares his musical journey, the inspiration behind his America By: A Symphonic Tour project, and how his work with ensembles like A/Tonal and ASS3MBLY Trio has shaped his compositional voice. You’ll hear how geography, narrative, and collaboration come together in pieces like Kayak, New Years, and Shenandoah. Plus—learn what snack food could inspire his next chamber work!Pieces featured on this episode:KayakNew YearsMoving OnShenandoah (from America By: A Symphonic Tour)For more about Erich Stem and his music, visit erichstem.net. For the full archive of Moveable Do episodes, head to MoveableDo.com.Connect With Us!Email: [email protected] (New!): MoveableDo.comSupport: PatreonFacebook: Page, Listener's GroupInstagram: @moveable_do_podcastAffiliates:Steve and Moveable Do profit from purchases you make through these links.Simply Piano: https://simplypiano.sjv.io/eKoX5zSimply Guitar: https://hellosimply.pxf.io/LXvkk0Amazon Music Unlimited: https://www.tryamazonmusic.com/moveabledoDad Jokes Merch: https://dadjokesmerch.weebly.comNote: As an Amazon Associate, I earn money on eligible purchases.

This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes celebrated Canadian composer and educator Christine Donkin. Known for her striking melodic clarity and structural inventiveness, Christine’s works are performed by major ensembles around the world and are widely featured in educational syllabi. Whether she’s writing pedagogical miniatures or large-scale choral pieces, Christine brings a thoughtful and compelling voice to contemporary music.In this episode, Christine shares her early musical memories from rural Alberta, her passion for teaching and mentorship, and her approach to creating music that bridges artistry and accessibility. We explore her exploration of retrograde and palindromes, her collaboration with Indigenous artists, and the powerful refugee narrative behind Following the Moonroad. Plus—find out which animal choir she’d love to compose for!Pieces featured on this episode:Sirkel (performed by Cantus)The Moon is the Stone That Shines (from Following the Moonroad)Palindrome in A Minor (Racecar) (performed by Catherine Donkin)Ascending Major Sixth – Foreground-Background (performed by Catherine Donkin)For more about Christine Donkin and her music, visit christinedonkin.com. For the full archive of Moveable Do episodes, head to MoveableDo.com.Connect With Us!Email: [email protected] (New!): MoveableDo.comSupport: PatreonFacebook: Page, Listener's GroupInstagram: @moveable_do_podcastAffiliates:Steve and Moveable Do profit from purchases you make through these links.Simply Piano: https://simplypiano.sjv.io/eKoX5zSimply Guitar: https://hellosimply.pxf.io/LXvkk0Amazon Music Unlimited: https://www.tryamazonmusic.com/moveabledoDad Jokes Merch: https://dadjokesmerch.weebly.comNote: As an Amazon Associate, I earn money on eligible purchases.

This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes genre-spanning composer Matthew Peterson. From the grandeur of symphonies and operas to the intimate nuance of choral textures, Matthew’s music defies boundaries while stirring the soul. Now based in Sweden and serving as Composer-in-Residence with Dalasinfoniettan, Matthew shares how his musical journey led from the U.S. to Europe, and what fuels his emotionally charged, stylistically rich compositions.In this episode, Matthew reflects on his early musical influences, the mentors who shaped his voice, and the path that took him from St. Olaf College to the heart of Scandinavia’s classical scene. He also dives into his recent and upcoming projects—including a symphony, commissions for the Swedish Radio Choir, and a uniquely Swedish mass. Plus: find out which fictional character he'd love to score and what makes Sweden such a creative haven.Pieces featured on this episode:Cantate DominoAdoramus TeBright from An Inner SkyHeilig from HögalidsmässanFor more about Matthew Peterson and his music, visit matthew-peterson.com. For the full archive of episodes and more about the podcast, visit MoveableDo.com.Connect With Us!Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website (New!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MoveableDo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listener's Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@moveable_do_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Affiliates:Steve and Moveable Do profit from purchases you make through these links. Simply Piano: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://simplypiano.sjv.io/eKoX5z⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Guitar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hellosimply.pxf.io/LXvkk0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music Unlimited: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tryamazonmusic.com/moveabledo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dad Jokes Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dadjokesmerch.weebly.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn money on eligible purchases.

This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes beloved choral composer and educator Laura Farnell. With a background in teaching and a catalog of over 60 published choral works, Laura is known for her heartfelt, accessible music—particularly for middle school choirs. From her days as a classroom teacher to her work as a sought-after clinician, Laura brings insight, warmth, and intention to every piece she writes.In this episode, Laura shares stories from her early musical life, her time in Texas classrooms, and the inspirations behind her latest compositions. You'll hear the moving story behind Roses I Give to You, her approach to setting texts that empower and uplift, and her thoughts on why writing for young singers is both joyful and essential. Plus—find out what book she’d choose as her favorite and why it means so much.Pieces featured on this episode:Heart, We Will Forget Him!Roses I Give to YouThe ThunderstormBe the ChangeFor more about Laura Farnell and her music, visit laurafarnell.musicaneo.com. For a full archive of Moveable Do episodes, head to MoveableDo.com.Connect With Us!Email: [email protected] (New!): MoveableDo.comSupport: PatreonFacebook: Page, Listener's GroupInstagram: @moveable_do_podcastAffiliates:Steve and Moveable Do profit from purchases you make through these links.Simply Piano: https://simplypiano.sjv.io/eKoX5zSimply Guitar: https://hellosimply.pxf.io/LXvkk0Amazon Music Unlimited: https://www.tryamazonmusic.com/moveabledoDad Jokes Merch: https://dadjokesmerch.weebly.comNote: As an Amazon Associate, I earn money on eligible purchases.

This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes longtime educator and prolific composer Dan Davison. With over four decades of experience teaching middle school choir in Puyallup, Washington, Dan brings a wealth of insight into working with developing voices—and the musical creativity to match. From dynamic rhythms to text-driven drama, Dan's compositions have become a staple for choirs of all levels across the country.In this episode, Dan shares his journey from student to teacher, how writing music for his own ensembles led to broader recognition, and why he chose to spend his entire career in middle school education. He discusses the influence of his mentors, the excitement of festival conducting, and how a TV show inspired one of his most powerful works. Plus—find out whether Dan would rather brave the North Pole or the Sahara Desert.Pieces featured on this episode:RitmoLaudate DominumThe Storm¡Bailará!For more about Dan Davison and his music, visit dandavisonmusic.com. For a full archive of episodes and more about the podcast, visit MoveableDo.com.Connect With Us!Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website (New!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MoveableDo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listener's Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@moveable_do_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Affiliates:Steve and Moveable Do profit from purchases you make through these links. Simply Piano: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://simplypiano.sjv.io/eKoX5z⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Guitar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hellosimply.pxf.io/LXvkk0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music Unlimited: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tryamazonmusic.com/moveabledo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dad Jokes Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dadjokesmerch.weebly.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn money on eligible purchases.

This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes composer, conductor, and singer-songwriter Karen Marrolli. With a career spanning sacred music, community outreach, and intimate storytelling, Karen brings a dynamic and deeply human perspective to everything she creates. From her work as Director of Music Ministries in Albuquerque to founding the powerful Lux Aeterna choir, her music uplifts, provokes, and heals.In this episode, Karen shares the origins of her musical path, how her songwriting heroes influence her choral voice, and the ways her personal spirituality and storytelling instincts shape her process. You'll hear about her Celtic-inspired Christmas collection, her haunting environmental anthem Sing Unto the Sky, and the interplay of text and melody in her original works. Plus—hear what she'd call the reality show of her life!Pieces featured on this episode:Until Love is SpokenSing Unto the SkyLike a Mighty WindNoel (from Light of Peace: Celtic Carols for Christmas)For more about Karen Marrolli and her music, visit karenmarrollimusic.com. For the full archive of Moveable Do episodes, head to MoveableDo.com.Connect With Us!Email: [email protected] (New!): MoveableDo.comSupport: PatreonFacebook: Page, Listener's GroupInstagram: @moveable_do_podcastAffiliates:Steve and Moveable Do profit from purchases you make through these links.Simply Piano: https://simplypiano.sjv.io/eKoX5zSimply Guitar: https://hellosimply.pxf.io/LXvkk0Amazon Music Unlimited: https://www.tryamazonmusic.com/moveabledoDad Jokes Merch: https://dadjokesmerch.weebly.comNote: As an Amazon Associate, I earn money on eligible purchases.

This week on Moveable Do, composer Clark Lawlor joins the podcast to share his remarkable return to music after a 20-year hiatus. After initially studying composition at the University of Utah, Clark stepped away for a career in business and technology—only to rediscover his passion through choral singing. Now an award-winning composer with performances across five continents, Clark reflects on the whirlwind success of his recent works and the creative spark that brought him back.In this episode, Clark discusses how text guides his compositional voice, his collaborations with mentors like Eriks Esenvalds and Anthony Silvestri, and how family life and musical intuition shape his process. From the ghostly whimsy of Haunted Houses to the Swedish serenity of I denna ljuva sommartid, discover what makes Clark’s music both accessible and artistically rich. Plus—find out what he’d title his (hilarious) autobiography!Pieces featured on this episode:Dona Nobis Pacem/Foveamus PacemHaunted HousesCarols of Christmas (Love is All Around)I denna ljuva sommartidFor more information about Clark Lawlor and his music, visit clarkwilliamlawlor.com. For more about the podcast and the full episode archive, visit MoveableDo.com.Connect With Us!Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website (New!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MoveableDo.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listener's Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@moveable_do_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Affiliates:Steve and Moveable Do profit from purchases you make through these links. Simply Piano: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://simplypiano.sjv.io/eKoX5z⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Guitar: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hellosimply.pxf.io/LXvkk0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Music Unlimited: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tryamazonmusic.com/moveabledo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dad Jokes Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dadjokesmerch.weebly.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn money on eligible purchases.

This week on Moveable Do, Steve welcomes internationally acclaimed composer Roxanna Panufnik. From royal commissions to global peace-building through music, Roxanna’s career spans opera, orchestral works, choral compositions, and cross-cultural collaborations. With her signature blend of emotional depth and musical diplomacy, she has become one of Britain’s most beloved and forward-thinking composers.In this episode, Roxanna shares stories of her musical upbringing as the daughter of composer Andrzej Panufnik, the inspirations behind some of her most meaningful works, and the path that led her to writing for King Charles III’s coronation. We explore her commitment to interfaith harmony, her use of unconventional instrumentation, and her multimedia approach to storytelling. Plus—hear what kind of amusement park ride one of her compositions might become!Pieces featured on this episode:Lament for a Bulgarian Dancing BearMy Man (from Faithful Journey – A Mass for Poland)Sleep, Jesus SleepZen Love Song (from Love Abide)For more about Roxanna Panufnik and her music, visit roxannapanufnik.com. For the full archive of Moveable Do episodes, head to MoveableDo.com.Connect With Us!Email: [email protected] (New!): MoveableDo.comSupport: PatreonFacebook: Page, Listener's GroupInstagram: @moveable_do_podcastAffiliates:Steve and Moveable Do profit from purchases you make through these links.Simply Piano: https://simplypiano.sjv.io/eKoX5zSimply Guitar: https://hellosimply.pxf.io/LXvkk0Amazon Music Unlimited: https://www.tryamazonmusic.com/moveabledoDad Jokes Merch: https://dadjokesmerch.weebly.comNote: As an Amazon Associate, I earn money on eligible purchases.

This week on Moveable Do, Steve launches Season 9 with composer and conductor Ryan Murphy. As Associate Music Director of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Ryan brings artistry, precision, and spiritual depth to one of the world’s most iconic choral ensembles. From his early days in Connecticut to sharing the podium with Mack Wilberg, Ryan’s musical journey is as inspiring as it is accomplished.In this episode, Ryan reflects on his formative experiences singing in an Episcopal boys' choir, arranging folk songs and spirituals, and stepping in front of a 360-voice choir for the very first time. He shares insights on his approach to rehearsal efficiency, creative collaboration, and faith-infused artistry. You’ll also hear about his early rock band days, his musical theater moments, and which section of the Tabernacle Choir would make the best ice cream topping!Pieces featured on this episode:Pilgrim Song (Salt Lake Vocal Artists)Music in the Air (Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square)A Lullaby (USC Thornton Chamber Singers and Concert Choir)Standing on the Promises (Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square)To learn more about Ryan Murphy and his work, visit thetabernaclechoir.org. For the full archive of Moveable Do episodes, visit MoveableDo.com.Connect With Us!Email: [email protected] (New!): MoveableDo.comSupport: PatreonFacebook: Page, Listener's GroupInstagram: @moveable_do_podcastAffiliates:Steve and Moveable Do profit from purchases you make through these links.Simply Piano: https://simplypiano.sjv.io/eKoX5zSimply Guitar: https://hellosimply.pxf.io/LXvkk0Amazon Music Unlimited: https://www.tryamazonmusic.com/moveabledoDad Jokes Merch: https://dadjokesmerch.weebly.comNote: As an Amazon Associate, I earn money on eligible purchases.

Season 9 is here! In this special preview episode of Moveable Do, host Steve Danielson welcomes listeners back for another season of composer stories, musical discovery, and creative inspiration. With 175 episodes now in the archive—114 full interviews and countless bonus gems—Steve reflects on the journey so far and shares highlights from a summer filled with travel, presentations, interviews, and composition.You’ll get a sneak peek at what’s coming this season: 14 new composer interviews spanning genres, backgrounds, and bold ideas. From academic innovators to self-taught creators, this season dives into stories of reinvention, resilience, and creative risk. Plus, hear a sample of Steve’s latest personal composition project: a marching band show inspired by Star Wars.Featured on this episode: The Star Wars ShowWhether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, this season promises heartfelt conversations, stunning music, and more than a few surprises along the way.Subscribe now and get ready—new episodes drop every Tuesday starting August 19!Connect With Us!Email: [email protected] (New!): MoveableDo.comSupport: PatreonFacebook: Page, Listener's GroupInstagram: @moveable_do_podcastAffiliates:Steve and Moveable Do profit from purchases you make through these links.Simply Piano: https://simplypiano.sjv.io/eKoX5zSimply Guitar: https://hellosimply.pxf.io/LXvkk0Amazon Music Unlimited: https://www.tryamazonmusic.com/moveabledoDad Jokes Merch: https://dadjokesmerch.weebly.comNote: As an Amazon Associate, I earn money on eligible purchases.