Classical Music

Lisa Batiashvili's Szymanowski Violin…

WHRB Classical speaks with renowned Georgian violinist Lisa Batiashvili and reviews her performance of the Szymanowski Violin Concerto with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Classical Music

80th Birthday Reflections with Composer John…

To celebrate award-winning composer John Harbison’s 80th birthday today, we’re publishing this conversation between Mr. Harbison and WHRB Classical’s Allison Pao from earlier this year, in which they discuss the Harvard music scene, cultural shifts Harbison has experienced in his lifetime, the conflicts between the jazz, rock, and classical genres, what the priorities of composers should be, and more.

Classical Music

Life Has No Boundaries with Jen Shyu:…

Musician Jen Shyu conducts fieldwork on traditional music all around the world, and in her compositions, she likes to subvert the distinctions between the traditional and the contemporary. But, she says, "I truly believe that the process must come from, at least for me, very deep research: a very deep internalization process of learning from a teacher as if I were a baby learning from nothing."

Classical Music

The Concert of Youth

WHRB Classical reviews the BSO's performance of Harbison, Rachmaninoff, and Prokofiev which took place on Saturday, October 20th. The diverse program of three seemingly unrelated pieces was, in fact, a celebration of youthfulness, and this "concert of youth" was almost flawless in its execution.

Classical Music

The many personas of JiJi, guitarist of the 21st…

The ethereal, pulsating layers of sound from her electric guitar wash over you, her classically-trained technique flawless to the point of imperception. This is JiJi, an adventurous classical guitarist with a passion for new music. We interviewed her before her upcoming concert at Highfield Hall on October 28th.

Classical Music

How to Become a Conductor: Reflections with Hannu…

WHRB Classical's Allison Pao spoke with Finnish conductor Hannu Lintu a few days before his debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the opening concert of the 18-19 season! They discuss the long but rewarding process of becoming a conductor.

Classical Music

Why We Need Tonality in Contemporary Classical…

WHRB Classical interviews contemporary composers Max Richter and Clarice Jensen who are redefining classical music today through their compositions. Max Richter provides an argument for political engagement and tonality, while Clarice Jensen emphasizes that classical music can be enjoyed anywhere.

Classical Music

Laurence Lesser: “The Arts Have Always Been…

We spoke to Laurence Lesser, class of 1961 Harvard alum, winner of the 1966 International Tchaikovsky Cello Competition, and former president of the New England Conservatory from 1983 to 1996. Tune in to 95.3 FM to hear Laurence Lesser’s full interview on Sunday, October 7th at 3pm, or read on for some excerpts!