Strings of Change: John Mark Rozendaal’s Cello-Driven Activism

09/02/24 • 35 min

John Mark Rozendaal is a renowned musician and fervent climate justice activist. Celebrated for his mastery of Baroque and Renaissance music, John Mark has shifted his focus towards a critical and urgent mission—saving our dying planet. John Mark’s unique protest, playing Bach in front of Citibank to spotlight their substantial investments in fossil fuels, not only led to his arrest but also spotlighted the powerful role that music and musicians can play in societal change.

In this conversation with Eugene Friesen, John Mark shares his transition from performing in esteemed early music ensembles and teaching at prestigious institutions to taking bold actions with Extinction Rebellion and Climate Defiance. Eugene and John Mark discuss the motivations behind this dramatic career shift, the challenges of overcoming feelings of helplessness against climate threats, and how we can bind together to make impactful statements on global issues.

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Hosted by Eugene Friesen

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Read more on the Beyond Mastery website
Follow us on Facebook
Hosted by Eugene Friesen

Previous Episode

Underground Audiences: From Earth to Heaven with Bach, Humor, and Dobbs

A master storyteller and devotee of Bach's cello suites, Richard Hartshorne aka Dobbs has dedicated his life to bringing music to the most unlikely places around the world. In this episode with Eugene Friesen, Dobbs reveals how his musical journeys have not only changed the lives of his audiences but have also reshaped his own understanding of impact and service through art.

Since 2004, Dobbs has performed exclusively in locations where music is a rare gift: from prisons in the US and Uganda to refugee camps and UN schools in Palestine, from drug rehab centers in Afghanistan to centers for abused women and homes for blind children in Iraq. His performances offer a profound sense of connection and remembrance to those in the most extreme circumstances, affirming the transformative power of music.

Discover more about Dobbs and his global musical mission at BachwithVerse.org.

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Hosted by Eugene Friesen

Next Episode

Improvisation and Healing with Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater

Classically-trained virtuoso Jordan Rudess reveals how he unlocked the power of improvisation and self-expression, transforming his music into a profound healing force. Jordan shares his journey from Juilliard prodigy to pioneering creative artist and key member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater.
Host Eugene Friesen sits down with Rudess to talk about his fusion of classical discipline with the boundless realms of improvisational magic. Discover how this synthesis not only elevated his own artistry but continues to influence musicians around the globe, making music a dynamic medium for personal and communal transformation.
Learn more about Jordan on his website or Instagram.

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Read more on the Beyond Mastery website
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Hosted by Eugene Friesen