The Culture Agent: Sander Roscoe Wolff, columnist for LBPost.com - Conventions Don't Exist: Enrique Arturo Diemecke, Music Director for the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra

Conventions Don't Exist: Enrique Arturo Diemecke, Music Director for the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra

01/13/10 • 47 min

The Culture Agent: Sander Roscoe Wolff, columnist for LBPost.com

When I sat down to speak with Enrique Arturo Diemecke, I had some idea that the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra was in trouble. There had been rumors, and the occasional press release, hinting at real problems, and few solutions. Still, my intention was to speak with Maestro Diemecke about music. Although incredibly active, leading 3 orchestras, and guest conducting around the world, his whole being radiated a deep and abiding love of music. As we talked about the opportunities and challenges of being a 21st Century conductor, I found myself amazed at his energy and enthusiasm, despite having flown in from Holland the day before. In the conversation, he talks of his childhood, his many travels, and his love of Mahler. The recording is just a bit more than 45 minutes. On Friday, Maestro Diemecke presents a lecture, "Beethoven and His Symphonies," part of the "Discovering Beethoven" lecture series. Tickets for the lecture are $25. On Saturday, Maestro Diemecke will conduct what may be the LBSO's final performance. The show's starring feature is Beethoven's 8th Symphony, described as "good-natured, cheery and humorous." It is book-ended by Handel's Royal Fireworks Music, and Antonin Dvorák's Symphony #9 or 'New World' Symphony. Ticket prices for the concert start at $18, quite affordable, actually.

Previous Episode

Lee Adams reads from her new novel, Nighthawks

Lee Adams has more talent in the tip of her pinky toe than most amass in a life-time of effort. From her early days as a child performer, singing and dancing in a top hat and tails, to her later work as singer/songwriter/bandleader, she has brought artistry, intelligence, and class to everything she's done. Her work as a novelist is no exception. On Saturday, November 14th, at 7 PM Lee will be celebrating the release of her second novel, Nighthawks. Join her at Porfolio Coffeehouse, located on the South East corner of 4th & Junipero, to hear her read, answer questions, drink some delicious coffee, and get your copy of the new book signed. Even though it arrives just a bit after Halloween, Nighthawks is all about ghosts. It picks up about a year after her first novel, 5th and Vanguard, ends. Julie Page, still recovering from the whirlwind celebrety of her book about the enigmatic Maxene Montego, tries to make a home for herself in the run-down outskirts of her hometown, Berle.

Next Episode

John Duykers speaks about his life, and creating the role of Chairman Mao in John Adams' Nixon in China

The Long Beach Opera is presenting three performances of John Adams' celebrated opera, Nixon In China, at the Terrace Theater. The first performance takes place this Saturday, March 20th, with a matinee and evening performance the following Sunday. On the surface, it tells the story of Richard Nixon's landmark visit to China in 1972. He arrived with high hopes but soon it becomes clear that his great ambitions for normalization are unrealistic. Mao, aged and infirm, speaks indirectly, and little progress is made. According to Adams, the opera "is part epic, part satire, part a parody of political posturing, and part serious examination of historical, philosophical, and even gender issues." John Duykers defined the role of Chairman Mao in the original production, premiered at the Houston Grand Opera in 1987. Since then, he's performed the role many times. He's worked with many great modern composers, and performed countless classic operas. In our conversation, he speaks about his childhood, his college years, and the many great roles he's played over the years. Our conversation lasts about 45 minutes.