The Muse in Music - Chad Goodman on Finding the Music's Truth and Orchestral Programming

By, Dan Perttu

Please join me as I talk with Chad Goodman, Music Director of the Elgin Symphony, as he discusses his journey from trumpet playing to conducting, inspired by a transformative experience with Dvorak's New World Symphony. He emphasizes the deep connection and authenticity required in conducting and highlights his love for Beethoven, Sibelius, and various living composers. We talk about the importance of engaging audiences with new music, using pre-concert talks and innovative programming to bridge the gap between contemporary and classical works. Please listen and watch below!

Photo by Tommy Ly

The Muse in Music - Holly Mulcahy on Reimagining the Connection between Orchestras and Audiences

By, Dan Perttu

Please join me as I talk with violin soloist Holly Mulcahy, who is also concertmaster of the Wichita Symphony, about her work in audience engagement. Holly discusses her background coming from a family that was not deeply into "classical" music and how this informs her approach to making classical music accessible. She highlights the importance of inviting non-musical families to concerts and providing value beyond just performance. We also talk about her super-popular Rose of Sonora violin concerto, which combines film narrative with live performance, and her collaboration with Dan on the Stealing from Birds concerto, which incorporates bird calls and themes into the fabric of the piece.

Photo by Todd Rosenberg

The Muse in Music - Michael O'Neal and Reece Windjack on Building Community through Choral Music

By, Dan Perttu

Please join me as I talk with Michael O'Neal, founder and artistic director of The Michael O'Neal Singers, and Reece Windjack, the ensemble’s assistant and cover conductor, about what inspires them in their work. Michael reflects on formative influences from Leonard Bernstein and Robert Shaw, emphasizing storytelling, preparedness, and connecting deeply with audiences. Reece brings a Gen Z perspective, highlighting mentorship, diverse repertoire, and the role of choral music in fostering possibility and community. Together, they discuss championing living composers, reimagining classics, and shaping the future of live performance in a post-pandemic world.