Sunday Baroque Conversations

Founded in 1973 by a music-loving furniture salesman, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Association has grown into the world’s largest chamber music competition. Executive Director Josh Aerie talks about the organization’s mission to support young musicians through competition, education, and outreach.

Violist and scholar Edward Klorman joins Suzanne Bona to talk about his new book Bach: The Cello Suites and why these seemingly simple works became the “holy grail” for cellists. He explores what makes Bach’s unaccompanied suites so enduring—and why artists like Yo-Yo Ma keep returning to them.

From a free youth orchestra in southern Brazil to international stages, recorder player Vladimir Soares has a remarkable musical journey.With help from translator Jessica Oliveria, Vladimir sat down with Suzanne Bona to talk about his life in music.

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.