The composer Zoltan Kodaly has a special place in my heart and history. I like much of his music, which is very folk-based. He was the chap that pioneered formal classical music based on local regional folk & popular music. He actually traveled around his native Hungary with wax cylinders recording peasants, villagers and gypsies […]
Tag: SPB
Nostalgic Chatty Conductors in Beautiful Penguin Suits
Can you believe it’s already been a month since the last chat about orchestras on Twitter? It was another FABULOUS discussion amongst some passionate orchestra enthusiasts, and we’re on a role with three under our belt. #OrchChat was scheduled for one hour and this time people from around the world were prepped and keen to get […]
A day in the life of you…
Can you help me? I’m not sure what ‘being productive’ means anymore. Perhaps you can share your thoughts below. Many times I’m asked “What do you actually DO?” Today (yesterday, by the time this is published) I accomplished the following: Shopped for a new suit, baked some cookies, had a lunch meeting and then an […]
#OrchChat – January 2013
Twitter was the home of another FABULOUS discussion amongst some passionate orchestra enthusiasts last night! #OrchChat was scheduled for one hour and although it got off to a slow start, people from around the world joined in and the discussions got meaty. I’m thrilled so many people participated and some have already made terrific suggestions […]
World Premiere Was Wonderful!
Last month I had the distinct honor of attending a Holiday concert in a rather chilly New Jersey, during which my Global Music Award winning piece Wind Quintet 1 was played for the very first time. Thanks to Jane Rondin and the Zephyrs Winds, I got to hear what the ‘human element’ could add to […]
Not normal goals for 2013
I can’t believe I spent as much time setting next year’s goals as I did. Really. Goals have always been important to me (you may remember I subscribe to Gary Ryan Blair’s wonderful Goal System) And whilst there are some great projects in the works, in the back of my mind, and even underway, here […]
Exclusive “Schmooze with Stephen”
Let’s take a break from seeing how a composition is created for a moment, because here’s something really exciting for you. Over the next couple of months I have three pretty important events (amongst many others) taking place around the USA. All three are featuring new pieces of mine, including the Sonata for Chamber Orchestra we’ve been […]