Opus 264 - Executive Director Duties (feat. Monica Ellis)

Stefan Thompson is a composer whose works celebrate the beautifully diverse aesthetics and traditions of his Bahamian home. He joins Loki to chat about growing up in the Bahamas, his entry into composition, and his research that shines a light on the lack of diversity in the world of film music. Support for TRILLOQUY comes from WDAV! Stefan ThompsonNDE: Impressions of a Near Death Experience  ★ Support this podcast ★

Monica Ellis has blazed a trail in "classical" music for nearly 30 years as a founding member of the historic Imani Winds ensemble. She joins Loki to talk about her career, so far, her past and upcoming work with the Gateways Music Festival, and more! Loki offers a peek into his work as the new Executive Director of the American Composers Forum. Gateways Music Festival Monica EllisLiber Tango (arr. Jeff Scott)Afro BlueRecomposing America (presented by the American Composers Forum) ★ Support this podcast ★

Music at the Anthology (MATA) was founded in 1996 and has become the world’s most sought-after performance opportunity for adventurous emerging music artists experimenting with composition, multimedia, and collaborative performance art. Loki chats with MATA's Executive Director, Pauline Kim Harris, about the festival, her life, and shifting status quo in the field. Loki shares notes from his upcoming address at the League of American Orchestras Conference.Pauline Kim HarrisMATA Festival"Metamorphosis 2" by Philip Glass"Ambient Chaconne" by Pauline Kim HarrisLeague of American Orchestras Panel: Follow the Music for Systemic Change ★ Support this podcast ★

Amanda DeBoer Bartlett has reached beyond her training in opera to write and produce music from her own aesthetic experiences. Loki and Amanda chat about her upbringing in "classical", the notion of genre, and her new album, "Braided Together". Loki reflects on his time at the American Composers Orchestra as he begins his new journey with the American Composers Forum. Amanda DeBoer Bartlett/'Braided Together""Braided Together" (track)"Cherry Blossom"American Composers Forum ★ Support this podcast ★

Yuliana Lagunas is a rising star in the world of music as the concert mistress of the Inner-City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA), and hopes to use the leadership skills she's cultivated to become a leading pediatrician! She joins Loki to talk about her journey, so far, why ICYOLA has been important for her overall development, and what this all means for her as a Latina in America today. Loki responds to recent cuts by the National Endowment for the Arts. Support from TRILLOQUY comes from WDAV-FM! The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los AngelesYuliana Lagunas featured in Teen Vogue"Huapango de Moncayo"Violin Concerto by Manuel Ponce (finale)Trump Cuts NEA Grants ★ Support this podcast ★

Curtis Stewart returns to TRILLOQUY to chat about his life since becoming Artistic Director of the American Composers Orchestra, his engagements with the Gateways Music Festival, and his newest work, "Seasons of Change". Loki speaks to what he thinks people should think about as it relates to current TV shows and movies that deal with group resistance. **Support for TRILLOQUY comes from WDAV-FM!Curtis Stewart"Krishna" (from Curtis Stewart's "of Love.")LOVE SHARK, by Curtis StewartGrassroots Organizing Wisdom Will Be Crucial With a Fascist in the White HouseThe Smithsonian PURGE: Trump Team Removes Artifacts of Black ResistanceHow One Man Convinced 200 Ku Klux Klan Members To Give Up Their Robes ★ Support this podcast ★

World-renowned musician, educator, performer, and composer, Damien Sneed, chats with Loki about his life, the power of existence, and the upcoming premiere of his new work, "Reflections of Resilience" by the Gateways Festival Orchestra. Loki speaks to dealing with feelings of "being left out" as Black communities grow within the field of classical music. Support for TRILLOQUY comes from WDAV-FM!Damien SneedGateways Music Festival"Call Him By His Name""Invitation: 'Come and Join the Army" ★ Support this podcast ★

Loki chats with Grammy-winning composer Jessie Montgomery about her trajectory as an artist, the role her parents and broader New York community played in her development, maintaining a sense of authenticity through notoriety, and lots more. Loki responds to recent lay offs at the Kennedy Center. Support for TRILLOQUY comes from Boulanger Initiative. TRILLOQUY is a proud partner of WDAV-FM. Jessie MontgomeryNew York Philharmonic performs Jessie MontgomeryJessie Montgomery: "Rounds" | Awadagin Pratt, Detroit Symphony OrchestraJessie Montgomery: "Hymn for Everyone" | Chicago Symphony OrchestraExclusive: Ex-Kennedy Center employee speaks on institution’s ‘toxicity’ after getting fired under Trump ★ Support this podcast ★

Dr. Matthew Aubin has dedicated his research to raising awareness around the music of a French woman named Fernande Decruck, whose legacy has fallen into relative obscurity. He chats with Loki about his professional trajectory, his introduction to the music of Decruck, the new album featuring music of Decruck, and how he contextualizes his work within the framework of activism. Loki speaks to the power of reaching outside of our respective communities, and offers words in response to reactions about his latest professional venture. Support for TRILLOQUY comes from Boulanger Initiative. Loki Karuna named Executive Director of American Composers ForumMatthew AubinFernande DecruckNew Fernande Decruck Album ★ Support this podcast ★

Loki chats with Maestro Sean Mayes to unpack Black identity north of the "American" border, his work with the Pops of Color Orchestra, the power of Whitney Houston's music in a symphonic setting, and more! Loki also speaks on the idea of relevance in classical music. Sean MayesThe Voice of Whitney at Town HallPops of Color Orchestra"It's Not Right, But It's Ok" (Instrumental)"The Greatest Love of All" (perf. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra)Wynton Marsalis on "relevance" ★ Support this podcast ★