Sunday Baroque Conversations

New Zealand-born composer and educator Matthew Suttor’s passion for music began when he was a small child. Throughout his career he has explored many facets of music making, with a particular interest in computer music and, now, the use of AI in music and as a creative catalyst.

Caroline Shaw is a Grammy-winning composer, singer, and violinist whose early inspiration came from her Suzuki-teaching mother and local public radio in Greenville, NC. She spoke with Suzanne about her genre-crossing career—from Pulitzer-winning compositions to scoring projects for TV and film.

Musician and drag queen Thorgy Thor reflects on her time as a young violist growing up on Long Island. The Ronkonkoma native would eventually take her talents to Connecticut, studying music at the University of Hartford.

Violinist Kristin Lee was 7 when her family moved from Seoul, Korea to the United States. The once-chatty little girl suddenly felt isolated in a new country, and music became her way to connect and make friends.

Debra Nagy plays baroque oboe, and the historical performance expert is also founding director of the chamber group Les Délices. The award-winning Cleveland-based group has a reputation for performing less well-known music of the baroque era.

The Grammy-nominated Neave Trio consists of violinist Anna Williams, cellist Mikhail Veselov, and pianist Eri Nakamura. They state their goal simply: To Engage. To Exchange. To Connect.

GRAMMY Award-winning musician Will Liverman has been praised for his versatility and skill as a singer. The American operatic baritone has performed in several roles at the Metropolitan Opera, and Lyric Opera Chicago, where he premiered an opera he co-created -- The Factotum – with his longtime friend, DJ King Rico.

ChamberQUEER operates as a collective of performers, composers, and creators, hosting events like Open Mic Nights and Sight Reading Parties to networking opportunities, performances and workshops. Suzanne Bona speaks with 3 of ChamberQUEER's founding members - Jules Biber (cello), Danielle Buonaiuto (soprano), Brian Mummert (baritone).

Byron Schenkman is an American harpsichordist, pianist, and music scholar who specializes in baroque and early music.

The Connecticut Early Music Festival takes place each June, and with the 2024 Festival set to begin Suzanne chatted with the Festival’s Artistic Director about what’s on the agenda.