Song Cycle (Cincinnati Song Initiative)
Explore every episode of Song Cycle
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Jun 2023 | The One with Sholto Kynoch | 00:50:08 | |
Sholto Kynoch, Founding Artistic Director of the newly rebranded Oxford International Song Festival, sits down with Sam to discuss song across the Pond, how the organization engages audiences in bold and relevant ways, and that one time they bribed audience members to come to their concerts... for science, of course. Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts. | |||
| 15 Feb 2021 | The One with Eileen Strempel | 00:59:22 | |
Laura has a conversation with Dr. Eileen Strempel. Eileen is the inaugural dean for the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA, a prolific singer and performer, a fierce advocate for new music especially by female composers, and a pioneer in educational leadership and equity. Notes Eileen's book: Beyond Free College: Making Higher Education Work for 21st Century Students | |||
| 01 Mar 2021 | The One About Art Song | 00:26:08 | |
Laura sits down (with herself) to talk about art song: a brief history, how it's different from other musical forms, and why it's important especially today. Notes | |||
| 04 Apr 2022 | The One with Allen Perriello | 00:52:18 | |
Laura talks with arts administrator and collaborative pianist Allen Perriello. While many of us seem to be going through transitions during these COVID times, Allen talks about what gets him up in the morning, what grounds him, and what keeps him focused. Covering topics ranging from mentors who give that first opportunity to do something great, or giving yourself permission to be an artist or make that job transition, to the power of song to connect us in the hardest of times, this one has a little bit for everyone. Notes | |||
| 26 Jan 2023 | The One with Julius Drake | 00:35:36 | |
🚨 This is not a drill! 🚨 Song Cycle's third season is here, and our kickoff episode features none other than the *incredible* English pianist Julius Drake. Dig in with Sam as he learns all about Julius' upbringing, his fascinating career, and that one time Wigmore Hall staff came to him backstage with some shocking news... Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts. | |||
| 24 Jan 2025 | Season 5 Trailer | 00:03:07 | |
Welcome to Season 5, and meet your new co-host, Laura Strickling! She's one of the coolest, most entrepreneurial singers around, and we can't wait to get into some great conversations with her and her friends. Got something to say? Share it with our new #TeamArtSong Mailbag! Submit a question for Laura and Sam to answer on a future episode. From career advice to repertoire and programming ideas to shedding light on the ins and outs of this ever-changing industry, we hope to have a conversation with you. Come along for the ride! | |||
| 24 May 2021 | The One with Davóne Tines | 01:07:06 | |
In this episode, Laura talks with bass-baritone Davóne Tines. Davóne is a multi-talented, many-faceted storyteller, communicator, arts leader and singer. In addition to preparing for his time singing in the Cincinnati May Festival, Davóne is innovating the performance realm of vocal music and changing lives along the way. Maybe have a tissue ready while listening to this episode: powerful stories await. | |||
| 23 Nov 2023 | The One with Sasha Cooke | 00:54:31 | |
Who better for a gratitude-filled, inspirational, optimistic, and enlightening Thanksgiving conversation than the luminous Sasha Cooke? From learning to trust the universe when doors of opportunity open, to meaningful commissioning projects that caught fire, to chatting about why Wolf is such a singularly unique song composer, Sasha and Sam cover a wide range of topics that anybody will want to hear. The nuggets of wisdom are plentiful, as are the good times during this conversation. Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts. | |||
| 26 Apr 2021 | The One with Karen Slack | 01:38:23 | |
In this episode, Laura and Sam talk with Karen Slack about... well, everything. This extraordinary artist shares her story about her life and career and gets real about the struggles within the industry, how to stay creative during a time when it feels almost impossible, and our hopes for the future. Especially during the pandemic, it's important to remember that real connection can happen even when we're not physically together, and this particular episode left me feeling more connected to the artists in my life than I have in a long time. This is one you won't want to miss. Notes | |||
| 27 Jul 2023 | The One with Laura Strickling | 00:55:05 | |
This one's for you if you need a little inspiration on turning your passions into action. Meet Laura Strickling, literal creator of the #TeamArtSong hashtag, song advocate, conduit between singers, pianists, and composers, and all-around song cheerleader. Get to know her, her story, and go bookmark her brand new album, 40@40! Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts. | |||
| 14 Mar 2024 | The One with Iain Burnside | 00:46:30 | |
The great Scottish pianist Iain Burnside joins Sam for a fun and informative conversation. Come for the sage advice on how to stay active in this ever-changing classical music landscape, stay for the greatest page-turning fail you never knew you needed to hear. | |||
| 25 Apr 2024 | The One with Roderick Williams | 00:58:51 | |
It's truly the most interesting man alive: English baritone Roderick Williams. Yes, the same Roderick Williams who sang at King Charles III's coronation in 2023. The one you've probably heard on most any English song album. Would you guess the magnitude of his career after listening to this chill conversation he has with Sam? Definitely not. So settle in for an hour of wonderful stories and shared wisdom on working hard, staying open to different ideas and opinions, and making sure to stop and smell the roses along the way. | |||
| 04 Oct 2021 | The One with Matt Cahill | 00:53:55 | |
Laura talks with Matt Cahill about the importance of healing through music and that our artistic journeys should give both those making the art and those consuming the art new life and perspective. This is a good one if you're in need of some artistic TLC. Notes Book: Coddling of the American Mind | |||
| 07 Mar 2022 | The One with Dr. Amelia Nagoski | 01:09:30 | |
In this episode, Laura talks with Dr. Amelia Nagoski, DMA, co-author of the New York Times bestselling book, "Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle." They discuss Dr. Nagoski's career, the reality of COVID and its effect on the lives of artists, the patriarchy, and burnout. As many artists are enduring or have endured tough transitions in the last two years and are experiencing burnout, this is an important episode to remind us of how, and why, we make music and what it does to us as people, inside and out. Notes | |||
| 23 Feb 2023 | The One with Queen City Cabaret | 00:49:03 | |
It's the one, the only, Queen City Cabaret! Get to know cool cats Sarah Folsom and Matthew Umphreys and how they got their start swooning their way through Cincinnati. Hear some live clips to get in the mood, learn more about the genre of cabaret and the Great American Songbook, and don't miss our co-production with them on March 18, 2023 - Unforgettable: The Golden Age of the Great American Songbook. Clip 1: Secret Love - Sammy Fain (music), Paul Francis Webster (lyrics) Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts. | |||
| 28 Dec 2023 | Season 3 Holiday Party! | 00:52:03 | |
The Season 3 finale crossover extravaganza is here! Sam invites the hosts of CSI's other podcasts, So Lit Song Lit and Follow the Lieder to join him to discuss what their shows are all about. More importantly, though, is your chance to see if you can guess even fewer music trivia questions correctly than this band of hooligans did. Happy holidays to all, and here's to a bright and musically fulfilling new year! Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts. | |||
| 01 Nov 2021 | The One with Reggie Smith | 01:03:23 | |
Laura talks with Reggie Smith, singer and life-advice giver extraordinaire. Covering everything from recital programming, song's profound ability to change our thoughts and the thoughts of those around us, and the rewards and challenges of living on the road, like Reggie says, there's "something for everyone". Notes | |||
| 29 Mar 2021 | The One with JJ Penna | 01:01:25 | |
In this episode, Laura talks with JJ Penna, a phenomenal pianist, coach, and mentor. Talking with JJ is like getting a lesson in how to listen - both to other people and to music and its texts - which comes full circle when he gives his advice at the end of the episode. While every moment with JJ feels like it has its own profound importance, its especially that way when talking about the future and evolution of art song. Notes | |||
| 18 Jan 2021 | The One with Sam Martin | 00:53:54 | |
Laura and Sam sit down (virtually) to talk about CSI, art song, community, and the importance of flossing. Notes | |||
| 15 Mar 2021 | The One with Margo Garrett | 01:10:43 | |
In this episode, Laura sits down with Margo Garrett, a shining light and pioneer of the collaborative piano world, and all-around wonderful person. They talk about Margo's career, what it's like to be a woman in the classical music world, and how to keep our art alive, even when it feels almost impossible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notes | |||
| 25 Jun 2024 | The One with Rhoslyn Jones | 01:05:52 | |
If you're interested in hearing a little bit about everything, this one's for you. Rhoslyn Jones brings the most joy to her artistry as a teacher and performer. Grab a listen to hear about her amazing early musical opportunities in Canada, and stay to hear all her hot takes on the industry and celebrity teachers. Oh, and no pigs were harmed during the creation of this episode. 🐷 | |||
| 06 Dec 2021 | The One with Dr. Shannon Cochran | 01:04:39 | |
In this episode, Laura chats with soprano Dr. Shannon Cochran about the joys of singing during the pandemic, the importance of setting boundaries and self-care, and what tools we have available to replenish ourselves as artists. Keep this one in your back pocket when you need a little pick-me-up. Notes | |||
| 03 Jan 2022 | The One with Dr. Susan Youens | 01:06:09 | |
Laura talks with world-renowned German song scholar Dr. Susan Youens about what led her to her research, the power of art song to make us pay attention, life's journeys, overcoming academic barriers, and of course Schubert and Wolf. This is a lecture in an episode, grab a notebook; you'll want to take notes. Notes Book: Clara Schumann Studies Song: Schubert Bertha's Lied in der Nacht Song: Schubert Der Winterabend Song: Wolf Im frühling from Mörike-Lieder | |||
| 01 Feb 2021 | The One With David Paul | 01:07:26 | |
Laura sits down with opera director and acting teacher David Paul to talk about the tough questions being asked regarding the performing arts world, our responsibility to respond to calls for change and adaptation, and one of Laura's profoundly embarrassing moments during her youth. Notes | |||
| 27 Apr 2023 | The One with Shawn Okpebholo | 00:45:01 | |
The wholesome content you've been waiting for is finally here. Meet legendary composer and CSI Advisory Council member Shawn Okpebholo, who not only writes some of the most searing and poignant vocal music of today, but also keeps it 100% real by never losing sight of the ones who helped him get where he is today and paying it forward by nurturing current relationships to the fullest. Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts. | |||
| 28 Jun 2021 | The Debrief | 00:35:29 | |
In this episode, Laura and Sam recap the first season of Song Cycle and the fifth season of Cincinnati Song Initiative. While goofy and sometimes incoherent, Laura and Sam manage to discuss the important things: the successes and opportunities presented by the pandemic, the importance of story, and some favorite moments from the pod and the groundbreaking all-digital season. That's a wrap for season one, everybody. Thanks for listening and Song Cycle will be back for a second season, starting in September! Notes | |||
| 06 Sep 2021 | The One with Martha Guth and Erika Switzer | 00:52:31 | |
Laura talks with Martha Guth and Erika Switzer of Sparks and Wiry Cries about the importance of song as a medium to connect people especially during a time when connection feels less available, leadership in the arts, and the ability to stay flexible in times of uncertainty. In addition to some sound advice about toe safety. Notes | |||
| 17 May 2021 | The One with Linda McAlister | 01:01:05 | |
In this episode, Laura talks with Linda McAlister, the executive director of Schmidt Vocal Arts, CSI board member, and arts leader and advocate. Covering everything from changing careers to presidential pardons to Amanda Gorman, Linda talks about her career as a performer in the US and in Europe and transitioning into her role in arts administration, and the importance of allowing yourself to be comfortable with change. She is a perfect example of, if you have a calling, it will find you and guide you where you need to be. Even if it's not where you thought you would end up. Notes: | |||
| 07 Jun 2021 | The One with Kathleen Kelly | 01:12:55 | |
In this episode, Laura talks with Kathy Kelly, a pianist, coach, conductor, writer, mentor, and arts leader. And, if that wasn't enough, Kathy is a fierce advocate for gender and racial equity in the musical world by fostering and creating music that will perpetuate and transform our musical world one collaboration at a time. Notes | |||
| 23 Mar 2023 | The One with Myra Huang | 00:42:26 | |
You know how you have that one friend who seems to be able to do it all? That's Myra Huang. When she's not busy working with the next generation of opera stars at The Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, coaching at Manhattan School of Music, or running the show at the Aspen Opera Theater as director of musical administration and head coach, you can find her on recital stages throughout the world with the greatest artists of our generation. Get to know this consummate artist right here! Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts. | |||
| 24 Aug 2023 | The One with Stephanie Blythe | 01:09:39 | |
Artist. Administrator. Visionary. Unique. Multi-dimensional. Drag icon. Legend. Just the first few words that come to mind when thinking about renowned singer Stephanie Blythe. Join her and Sam in a no-holds-barred discussion on finding inspiration and meaning from who came before us, the future of classical music, the need for artists to connect with audiences live, and, of course, the drag tenor Blythely Oratonio. Song Cycle is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts. | |||
| 21 Jun 2021 | The One with Will Liverman | 00:51:49 | |
In this episode Laura talks with Will Liverman. Will is a baritone, a composer, and an arts advocate. This conversation solidifies the importance of storytelling, accepting that you have your own voice to tell your own stories, and recognizing that to bring about social change both in the music world and whole world at large requires deliberate action and intention. Will is engaging with the rich history of classical vocal music while blazing new trails for the future of our art form by connecting with and performing the music of underrepresented communities and their stories. Notes | |||
| 22 Feb 2024 | The One with Gwen Coleman | 00:45:44 | |
What better way to kick off 2024 and Season 4 than with inspiration for chasing our own authentic selves? Allowing our mindsets to change over time, adopting new attitudes and approaches, and always - always - learning from those around us. It's the best advice for all of us, only from Gwen Coleman, right here on Song Cycle. | |||
| 28 Jan 2025 | The One with Oliver Camacho | 01:00:38 | |
We're kicking off Season 5 with a fantastic and varied conversation with the singular Oliver Camacho. This singer, radio host (WFMT Listening to Singers with Oliver Camacho), podcast host (Opera Box Score), opera reviewer, and all-around smart dude has great insight and spicy opinions. From the latest trends in song to his favorite new recordings to the podcast pro's advice for newbie host Laura, we cover it all. Let's get into it. | |||
| 23 Jul 2024 | The One with Joélle Harvey & Alex Fletcher | 00:51:21 | |
💥 Power couple alert! 💥 This month's conversation hits on a ton of great topics, featuring the very interesting perspectives of not one, but two titans of the industry - world-class soprano Joélle Harvey and epic artist manager Alex Fletcher. Not only do they bring their unique thoughts to the table as individuals, they give us a glimpse into how their roles in 21st-century American classical music has affected their married life. (Spoiler: it's wonderfully positive.) Tune in and enjoy this power couple's storytelling and advice! | |||
| 07 Feb 2022 | The One with Nicolette Rader | 01:03:02 | |
In this episode, Laura talks with singer, arts administrator, and former nurse Nicolette Rader about life transitions and how music can be both the impetus behind and comfort during life and career transitions. They discuss handling those transitions with grace and trust, how mental health and performance go hand-in-hand, and perspective on the work that you do and how it defines you. You also may get a new life hack on how to up your grilled cheese sandwich game. Notes | |||