CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS 10 – DR. JAMES SAVAGE, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Join EMS Development Director, Betsy Brick and Dr. James Savage, former Music Director of St. James Cathedral in Seattle for a delightful and informative conversation about the choral music of Chanticleer, the history of the a cappella style of singing, and the dynamic voices and behind the scenes artistry that has made Chanticleer a household name in choral music today. There will be time at the end of the interview for Q&A, so please join the conversation!
Dr. Savage attended the University of Oregon and later received his doctorate in music history at the University of Washington, along with a DMA in Choral Conducting. He is also a harpsichord instructor. Teaching music and art history has taken James to universities throughout the northwest and Germany.
Dr. Savage was raised a Baptist in Oregon, worked as a musician in Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches, and was choir director at Magnolia Presbyterian Church when he was asked to rescue music at St. James Cathedral. He served as music director at St. James for over 30 years. After retiring, he was convinced by Father Paul Magnano, to volunteer his time forming a new choir at Christ Our Hope evening mass. He is currently, Choir of Hope, Men’s Schola Cantorum Director.
James has been described as a musician with a “magic touch” and “boundless creative energy.” He currently lives in Seattle and has a son, a daughter and two grandchildren.
CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS 9 – THEODORE DEACON and ARNE ZASLOVE
Note that there is some freezing/tech problems within this video. Please enjoy anyway.
Join host and EMS Development Director, Betsy Brick, for an engaging interview with our guest stage directors, Theodore Deacon, Arne Zaslove. Together they will explore the the work of Orazio Vecchi and the Madrigal Comedy: L’Amfiparnaso which was written in 1597. The time will be spent looking at masks, hearing stories and understanding the process of putting on such a production.
CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS 8 – FEATURING MÍCHEÁL MOLEY Ó’SÚILLEABHÁIN
AND REV. NÓIRÍN NÍ RIAIN, PHD
Host and EMS Development Director, Betsy Brick, hosts an engaging interview with our guest artists connecting with her from Ireland, renowned singer and poet Micheal O’ Suilleabhain and his mother, interfaith minister, singer and accomplished author Rev. Dr. Noirin Ni Riain. Together they explored the creative bravery it takes to blend Irish tradition with elements of innovation to seamlessly bridge the old and the new. There is poetry, storytelling and a Q&A with the artists from across the ocean.
CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS 7 – FEATURING STEPHEN STUBBS, LINDA TSATSANIS
& DONALD BYRD
Join guest Host Gus Denhard, EMS Executive Director featuring Grammy winner Stephen Stubbs, soprano Linda Tsatsanis, and Tony-nominated Donald Byrd for an intriguing and thought producing interview about music, dance and song in relationship to the opera A Night in Hell: Ballo delle ingrate.
CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS 6 – FEATURING JOHN LENTI
Join Betsy Brick, EMS Development Director and John Lenti, one of the world’s great lute players, in an engaging and informative interview. They will explore the lives of the composers being featured in his upcoming concert, the historical context of the music and John will perform snippets from some of the pieces the audience will hear from his upcoming concert.
CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS 5 – FEATURING ALEXANDER WEIMANN, OLIVIER WEVERS and JIM KENT
Join Betsy Brick, EMS Development Director, Alexander Weimann, Music Director of Seattle Baroque Orchestra, Olivier Wevers, Artistic Director of Whim W’Him and one of his principle dancers, Jim Kent for this insightful and entertaining conversation. Listen as they discuss music, dance, and the creative process.
CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS 4 – FEATURING NATHAN WHITTAKER, LINDA TSATSANIS and NIKOLIJNE TROUBETZKOY
Betsy Brick, EMS Development Director with Soprano Linda Tsatsanis, Cellist Nathan Whittaker, and Poet Nikolijne Troubetzkoy explored the the purpose of music and art in times of challenge. During the interview, the artists shared some special content to highlight the themes of Sunday’s If Music Be concert.
Development Director, Betsy Brick, had our first event in a series called Creative Conversations where we go behind the scenes and talk with artists who are part of our 2020-21 season. Our first guest in the series was Rachel Barton Pine, who introduced us to her early music instrument collection, shared her thoughts about the challenges and opportunities presented by Covid-19 and invited us to explore American music, particularly works by Black composers she has discovered through her work over the past 20 years with her RBP Foundation’s Music By Black Composers initiative. This event took place August 26, 2020 via Zoom.