SLSO Violist Michael Casimir on Performing While Black

04/29/21 • 59 min

Join Dr. Ashley Pribyl as she interviews St. Louis Symphony violist Michael Casimir about his experience as a musician of color. In this episode, the two explore the importance of teaching, how to reach diverse audiences, the historical and systematic barriers faced to expanding participation in classical music, and why everyone should love the viola!
The theme for MOSY Motifs is the overture to Treemonisha by Scott Joplin, recorded by Cristian Chiappini & Orchestra dell'Università di Firenze.

Music examples:
Lawrence Power, Maxim Vengerov, UBS Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra perform Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Sinfonia concertante in E flat major, K. 364
Michael Casimir and Nathan Chan, Dmitri Shostakovich's Preludes for Two Violins, arr. for Viola and Cello
Brian Owens and the 442s, Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come"
Tyler Stahl and Michael Casimir, "Come Back Inside"

These complete examples, as well as more music related to this episode, can be found here or on our YouTube page.

Support the show

These complete examples, as well as more music related to this episode, can be found here or on our YouTube page.

Support the show

Previous Episode

Darwin Aquino on Classical Music in Latin America

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Pribyl interviews Dominican conductor/composer and current St. Louis resident Darwin Aquino. Join them as they discuss the history of classical music on the island of Hispaniola, the important impact of El Sistema in Latin America, how the publishing industry impacts composer diversity, and Aquino’s own journey of becoming a world-renowned composer and conductor. They also discuss the wide variety of amazing music by Latinx composers, giving quite a few specific examples for you to explore!

Listen to more of his music at www.darwinaquino.com.

The theme for MOSY Motifs is the overture to Treemonisha by Scott Joplin, recorded by Cristian Chiappini & Orchestra dell'Università di Firenze.

Music examples:
Charles P. Phillips performs “4 Danzas” by Ludovic Lamothe

BBC Symphony Orchestra, Finale from Engima Variations by Edward Elgar

Youth Orchestra of the Americas and the Dom. Rep. National Youth Orchestra, Yo Aminicana by Darwin Aquino

Frankfurt Radio Symphony, Danzas de Ballet “Estancia” by Alberto Ginastera

Philharmonie de Paris, La Noche de los Mayas by Silvestre Revueltas

Heidelberg Youth Chamber Orchestra, Fuga con Pajarillo by Aldamaro Romero

These complete examples, as well as more music related to this episode, can be found here or on our YouTube page.

Support the show (https://themosy.org/donate/)

Support the show

Next Episode

Celebrating Juneteenth with Dr. Brandon Boyd

In this episode, Dr. Brandon Boyd helps Ashley and all our listeners prepare for MOSY's Juneteenth celebration on Saturday! Don't know what Juneteenth is? Don't worry! Dr. Boyd explains the origins of the holiday, as well as the difference between spirituals and gospel music. He and Ashley also cover the pieces to be performed on Saturday and the power music and singing have to build community.
The theme for MOSY Motifs is the overture to Treemonisha by Scott Joplin, recorded by Cristian Chiappini & Orchestra dell'Università di Firenze.

Music examples:
Naguanda Nobles sings "Deep River"
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" by the Choral Arts Alliance of Missouri
"Hold On!" Arranged by Brandon Boyd

These complete examples, as well as more music related to this episode, can be found here or on our YouTube page.

Support the show (https://themosy.org/donate/)

Support the show