The Muse in Music - Merwin Siu on Transforming Local Pride into National Impact through New Music

By, Dan Perttu

Please join me as I talk with Merwin Siu, Artistic Administrator of Live Arts Toledo and Principal Second Violin of the Toledo Symphony, about how thoughtful programming, local partnerships, and long-term trust shape successful orchestral seasons. Merwin describes programming as a kind of “menu,” balancing the familiar and unfamiliar to create coherent musical experiences that resonate with specific communities. Drawing on projects inspired by Toledo’s astronomy program and regional conservation efforts, he shows how new music can feel both deeply local and broadly universal. The conversation also explores interdisciplinary collaboration and why new music is most effective when it’s integrated into a larger artistic narrative rather than treated as an isolated add-on.

The Muse in Music - Geoffrey Robson on Bridging Tradition and Today's Sound Worlds in Orchestral Music

By, Dan Perttu

Please join me as I talk with Jeffrey Robson, Music Director of the Arkansas Symphony, about his musical inspirations and experiences. Geoffrey, a former violinist, discusses his love for symphonic music, particularly from the Romantic and early 20th-century eras, and his admiration for composers like Tchaikovsky, Strauss, and Mahler. He highlights the importance of being a generalist in music and his appreciation for contemporary composers like Thomas Adès. Geoffrey emphasizes the collaborative relationship between conductors and living composers, noting the dynamic process of creating and performing new music.  

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