Racial Equity in Classical Music with Trombone player Ken Thompkins and Former DSO Fellow Garrett McQueen

The guys chat with 2024 Classical Roots Soloist Steven Banks about the evolution of the saxophone in classical music and Billy Child's co-commission Diaspora Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra.

The guys chat with Bass Trombone Adam Rainey about his path from aspiring doctor with a bad high range to the player we know today.

On this episode of Between 2 Stands, the guys chat with pianist Alexandra Dariescu about how to listen to new compositions and how some of our favorite classical pieces weren't always so celebrated. Hear Alexandra perform the world premiere of "Shades of Unbroken Dreams" on the next Live from Orchestra Hall Webcast on November 11, 2023 and on DSO Replay following the concert.

On the season 5 premiere, the guys chat with composer Arlene Sierra about her new symphony Kiskadee before it's world premiere with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in the fall of 2023. Although it is inspired by sounds of nature, there are no cartoon birds flying around.

On the season 4 finale, the guys chat with newly tenured DSO cellist Cole Randolph on his journey with the DSO from being a high school student torn between playing in orchestra and the basketball team, to choosing a career in music, to landing the DSO African American Fellowship position, to winning the audition, to finally becoming a full orchestra member. The guys also challenge him to a game of music history.

The guys chat wtih composer Carlos Simon before the world premiere of Troubled Water for Trombone and Orchestra May 5-7, 2023.

The guys chat with violinist Anne Akiko Meyers about her musical inspirations and being a supporter of new compositions.

On this special episode of Between 2 Stands, the guys speak with clarinetist Anthony McGill before he premieres the new Anthony Davis work "You Have the Right to Remain Silent" at the 2023 DSO Classical Roots concert.

The guys chat with saxophonist Jess Gillam before the world premiere of "Glasslands" a classical saxophone concerto by Anna Clyne February 18 and 19 with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

The guys chat with Andre Dowell, Chief of Artist Engagement of the Sphinx Organization. Focused on increasing representation of Black and Latinx artists in classical music and recognizing excellence, Sphinx programs serve beginner students to seasoned classical music professionals, as well as cultural entrepreneurs and administrators.