Come join Jacob Caines - musician, teacher and writer of the classicalqueer blog and Samantha Jane Smith - radio station presenter, writer and person with no musical ability as we discuss queer classical music. We are two queer people with widely differing interests and experience in classical music. Come hear us try and understand what queer classical music is, talk with composers and generally have a good time.
Episodes
Sunday Jun 04, 2023
Classical Queer Episode 25
Sunday Jun 04, 2023
Sunday Jun 04, 2023
Sunday May 07, 2023
Classical Queer Episode 24
Sunday May 07, 2023
Sunday May 07, 2023
For CQ Episode 24 we crossed the world to Australia to talk to composer, pianist and conductor Kym Dillon who is currently based in Melbourne and Geelong. Starting out her career as a jazz pianist, Kym’s interest soon turned to composition, and her work now regularly spans multiple genres and areas of musical practice.
We had a great time chatting with Kym and talking about her work as well as having lots of laughs and a generally fun time. We hope you take a listen.
Sunday Apr 02, 2023
Classical Queer Episode 23
Sunday Apr 02, 2023
Sunday Apr 02, 2023
Back in November 2021 Jacob and I had the pleasure of interviewing composer and instrumentalist Florence Anna Maunders. Since then her career has moved forward in leaps and bounds. So we thought it was time to invite her back on the show and find out what she has been doing.
We talk about her work and awards over the last year and listen to three recent compositions. As usual we discuss a wide range of topics and talk about upcoming work. Do take a listen.
Sunday Mar 05, 2023
Classical Queer Episode 22
Sunday Mar 05, 2023
Sunday Mar 05, 2023
Jacob and I welcome to the show Canadian Composer Stuart Beatch. Stuart specialises in choral music and has had his work performed across North America and Europe. During the show we listen to three pieces all of which need to be listened to not only for their choral beauty but for the story they tell - which is surely the sign of great composing.
We of course talk about music, the state of the world and pretty much everything in between. Jacob and I had a great time talking with Stuart so do take a listen.
Credits
Sunday Feb 05, 2023
Classical Queer Episode 21
Sunday Feb 05, 2023
Sunday Feb 05, 2023
For our first episode of 2023 we welcome the Swedish Opera company Man Must Sing to the show. They commission, produce and perform newly written, norm-creative opera in Swedish all aimed at important topics in today's world.
In this show we look at two works in particular, one a queer childrens opera (must be a first!) and the second about polyamory.
I had a lot of fun recording this show and meeting the company. Do take a look at their online shows - they are brilliant and funny even though you may not understand the language and anyway when has that stopped anyone listening to Verdi?
Friday Dec 23, 2022
Classical Queer Episode 20
Friday Dec 23, 2022
Friday Dec 23, 2022
For our Christmas/New Year show we are delighted to welcome members of the Opéra Queens to the CQ podcast. Opéra Queens provides queer opera performances for BIPoC/IBPoC performers, creators & audiences while connecting the cultural hubs of Toronto and Montréal as well as online audiences worldwide!
The interview is really fun and shows the energy that the Queens bring to their shows. After you have listened to the podcast do check out their online performances!
(note: sadly I (Sammi) was ill for the recording and missed the fun but that means you get to hear more of Jacob and that can't be bad)
Sunday Nov 06, 2022
Classical Queer Episode 19
Sunday Nov 06, 2022
Sunday Nov 06, 2022
We are delighted to have bassist and composer Kebra-Seyoun Charles on this month's podcast. Keb is not your conventional bassist having a rare talent for engaging directly with his audience. But as you will hear in the podcast his repertoire stretches from Mozart through to modern compositions as well as his own work.
As usual we covered a wide-range of subjects but throughout Keb's joy and humour shines through. Do take a listen.
Sunday Oct 02, 2022
Classical Queer Episode 18
Sunday Oct 02, 2022
Sunday Oct 02, 2022
This month we are pleased to welcome Australian award winning composer Matt Webster to the show. We discuss Matt's background and listen to his new work, This Too Shall Pass, a very personal work about his struggles with mental illness.
The work, due for release soon, has already sparked a great deal of interest not only for it's great musicality - it is simply brilliant - but also for it's focus on the fight against mental illness. It was the subject of a very successful crowdfunder and caught the imagination of many.
As we discuss a difficult and not often talked about subject in an open manner some may find it triggering but it is a subject that we feel needs to be discussed. Have we said the music is fantastic and your getting an early preview?
Sunday Sep 04, 2022
ClassicalQueer Episode 17
Sunday Sep 04, 2022
Sunday Sep 04, 2022
On this month's show Jacob and Sammi welcome Conductor and Musical Director Matthew Salvaggio to the programme. Matt founded the Clevland Repertory Orchestra in 2001 which he formed to place an emphasis on new music and those historically excluded from the classical repertoire. If that isn't enough he is Artistic Director and Conductor of the Erie Junior Philharmonic, Music Director of the Euclid Symphony Orchestra and Director of Orchestras at Mercyhurst University.
His artistic collaborations have included members of the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, and more. So do join us for CQ episode 17.
Sunday Aug 07, 2022
Classical Queer Episode 16
Sunday Aug 07, 2022
Sunday Aug 07, 2022
On our show this month Jacob and Sammi are pleased to welcome bass-baritone Sam Taskinen to the show. Sam has a wonderful deep resonant voice that really engages. As a trained dancer she has fantastic stage presence that brings life to her characters and provides an extra level of emotion.
We talk about a wide range of topics including her native Finnish music, transitioning and her love of performance. Come take a listen.