Spoleto Today

Nearing the close of Spoleto Fest 2010, you'll hear Emmanuel Villaume conducting the overture to the Nozze di Figaro as one of his final performances.  Also coming your way is Inon Barnatan performing a piano quartet of Johannes Brahms, a piano trio of Mendelssohn, and once more Emmanuel Villaume leading the Intermezzo di Cavalleria Rusticana.

On Thursday’s edition of Spoleto Today, we’ll catch a lift with Brooklyn Rider – the energetic and innovative ensemble that’s changing our concept of the string quartet and the serene splendor of one of America’s great voices - a conversation with Dawn Upshaw.

Charleston mayor Joe Riley visits the studios; Actor Rodney Lee Rogers talks about his pirate play; Soprano Heather Buck dazzles in Prosperina; Churches of Charleston II - Cathedral Church of St. Luke & St. Paul.

Block Ice and Propane and George Gershwin. We'll hear from cellist Eric Friedlander about his one-man show, remembering his summer travels across America in an Airstream. Also, pianist Richard Glazier, remembering the music Gershwin created in the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Clarinetist Todd Palmer talks about the challenges of a new quintet; Marc Overton visits a Charleston Church Tea Room; Vivaldi at First Scots; men of the Westminster Choir sing Robert Shaw arrangements; jazz chanteuse Lizz Wright talks about the "sacred and primal" tradition of singing.

John Kennedy - two-decade tastemaker of contemporary music at Spoleto - talks about Music in Time; adventurous music from the time of Telemann (think Gulliver); critic Jack McCray in the Press Box.

A conversation with Pedja Muzijevic, who is a triple threat at the keyboard; the sublime sounds of Renaissance, the Charlotte-based choir lighting up the Circular Congregational Church in Charleston.

Making the opera Flora flourish again after 274 years of blackout dates: Composer Neely Bruce talks about reconstructing the first opera ever heard in America - in time for its renovated Dock Street debut. Performance Today host Fred Child drops by the studio.

New Spoleto Chamber Music Director Geoff Nuttall shares his vision for the series; Polish jazz pianist visits with Jennifer Foster; find out what's hot - and NOT - in the Press Box.

A backstage visit with the Colla Marionette company; a conversation with Spoleto Music Director for Opera and Orchestra, Emmanuel Villaume; a preview of Spoleto Jazz with critic Jack McCray.

The excitement is palpable on the first day of the much anticipated Spoleto Festival 2010 where you'll hear some of the best musicians and experience the glory of internationally renown conductors that the modern day classical world has to offer.  You'll also hear interviews from choir master Rob Taylor, newspaper critic Adam Parker, and historical insights concerning the majestic city of Charleston, SC.