Yuliana Lagunas is a rising star in the world of music as the concert mistress of the Inner-City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA), and hopes to use the leadership skills she's cultivated to become a leading pediatrician! She joins Loki to talk about her journey, so far, why ICYOLA has been important for her overall development, and what this…

Curtis Stewart returns to TRILLOQUY to chat about his life since becoming Artistic Director of the American Composers Orchestra, his engagements with the Gateways Music Festival, and his newest work, "Seasons of Change". Loki speaks to what he thinks people should think about as it relates to current TV shows and movies that deal with group resista…

World-renowned musician, educator, performer, and composer, Damien Sneed, chats with Loki about his life, the power of existence, and the upcoming premiere of his new work, "Reflections of Resilience" by the Gateways Festival Orchestra. Loki speaks to dealing with feelings of "being left out" as Black communities grow within the field of classical …

Loki chats with Grammy-winning composer Jessie Montgomery about her trajectory as an artist, the role her parents and broader New York community played in her development, maintaining a sense of authenticity through notoriety, and lots more. Loki responds to recent lay offs at the Kennedy Center. Support for TRILLOQUY comes from Boulanger Initiativ…

Dr. Matthew Aubin has dedicated his research to raising awareness around the music of a French woman named Fernande Decruck, whose legacy has fallen into relative obscurity. He chats with Loki about his professional trajectory, his introduction to the music of Decruck, the new album featuring music of Decruck, and how he contextualizes his work wit…

Loki chats with Maestro Sean Mayes to unpack Black identity north of the "American" border, his work with the Pops of Color Orchestra, the power of Whitney Houston's music in a symphonic setting, and more! Loki also speaks on the idea of relevance in classical music. Sean Mayes The Voice of Whitney at Town Hall Pops of Color Orchestra "It's Not Rig…

Loki chats with librettist/producer Portia Kamons and composer Ron Ramin about their joint venture with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, designed to meaningfully engage Generation Z. Loki shares the reasoning behind his return to "traditional" orchestral engagements. Ron Ramin Portia Kamons More on SEVENTEEN "SEVENTEEN" Promo Hungarian March fro…

Loki chats with Cheryl Warfield about her career as a singer, her beginnings outside of the music industry, and her upcoming collaboration with The Discovery Orchestra for their presentation of "Discover Angelitos Negros" in celebration of Black History Month. Loki offers continued thoughts on the takeover of the Kennedy Center. The Discovery Orche…

Loki chats with George Marriner Maull, founder of the Discovery Orchestra, about his life, engaging new audiences through public media, and his upcoming Black History Month celebration concert: "Angelitos Negros". Loki shares his thoughts on the recent takeover of the Kennedy Center. The Discovery Orchestra George Marriner Maull New World Symphony …

Loki chats with composer Shawn E. Okpebholo about the idea of "music for music's sake", the importance he puts on responding to calls for social justice, and his latest release, "Songs in Flight". Loki compares backlash against Beyoncé's Grammy wins to society's general aversion to musical evolution and change. Support for TRILLOQUY comes from Feed…

Loki chats with acclaimed musicologist and pianist Samantha Ege about her early engagement with music, her work highlighting and preserving the work of Black women in classical music, and her new book, "South Side Impresarios". Loki reacts to the idea of fighting against upcoming challenges in America. Dr. Samantha Ege "South Side Impresarios" Sama…

Composer Carlos Simon returns to TRILLOQUY to offer updates on life, music, and the pursuit or peace in a world filled with change and uncertainty. Loki shares writings of Martin Luther King Jr. to commemorate MLK Day and the inauguration of Donald Trump as 47th President of the United States. Carlos Simon "Ring Shout" by Carlos Simon "brea(d)th" b…

Violinist Kristin Lee joins Loki to discuss her new album, "American Sketches", and to unpack the question of who (and what) is American. Loki offers Buddhist texts as encouragement to those impacted by the California fires. Kristin Lee "American Sketches" Emerald City Music "Monk's Mood" (perf. Kristin Lee and Jeremy Ajani Jordan) "Southland Sketc…

Loki chats with composer Damian Geter about his upbringing, career success, and his new opera that shines a light on the Loving v. Virginia court case, which made interracial marriage legal in the United States. Damian also offers words on "The Blacknificent 7" and their hopes for the industry. Loki shares his experiences and opinions on the topic …

Loki chats with acclaimed composer Adolphus Hailstork about his experiences engaging Black composers over the course of this trajectory, the US premiere of his work, "Ndemara", and guidance to the next generation of composers. Loki reads from the manifesto of Luigi Mangione, offers his thoughts on direct, cultural, and systemic violence, and encour…

Loki chats with Grammy-nominated flutist, vocalist, and composer, Nathalie Joachim about Afromodernism, building community as an artist, and more. Loki responds to imagery that suggests that it's time for Black women to watch it all burn. NOLA Chamber Fest Lyrica Baroque Nathalie Joachim Nathalie Joachim - Kouti yo (Live from Juilliard) Aware by Na…

Loki chats with Jennifer Koh about the notion of "risk" in western classical spaces, the importance of commissioning new work, and her upcoming collaboration with the Kennedy Center. Loki reads from the autobiography of Huey P. Newton and responds to the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. Jennifer Koh ARCO Collaborative Fortas Chamber Music…

Loki chats with composer George Lewis about the "Composing While Black" anthology, his approach to furthering the tradition of "great Black music", and his upcoming collaborations with the New York Philharmonic, ICE, and others. Loki also responds to the Afromodernism concert he recently attended, presented by the New York Philharmonic. Support for…

Loki reunited with one of his high school classmates to talk about their upcoming 20 year reunion, memories from band (and Music Theory class), and how decolonizing classical music can benefit students beyond those who are interested in music as a career. Loki also shares The Parable of the Mustard Seed in response to recent challenge and tragedy. …

Loki Karuna chats with Grammy-nominated clarinetist, Seunghee Lee (aka Sunny Kang) about the path toward a Grammy, her life as a golfer, and her new album, "Intermezzo". Loki offers condolences to the family of Marcellus "Khalifah" Williams and offers his thoughts on the death penalty. Seunghee Lee "Intermezzo" Album "Executive", by Michele Magnani…

Loki Karuna chats with Charlton Lee of the Del Sol Quartet about the flexibility of smaller ensembles to shift the status quo, his new podcast, "Sounds Current", and more! Loki also highlights and reflects on his recent trip to a Buddhist conference in Florida. Charlton Lee "Sounds Current" "Rough Math" by Mason Bates "Scrapyard Exotica" by Mason B…

Loki chats with literary activist E. Ethelbert Miller about activism in prose, the legacy of James Baldwin (and other notable activists in literature), and how music intersects this tradition. Loki also shares his thoughts on the upcoming presidential election. **This opus is made possible, in part, by Bucklesweet. E. Ethelbert Miller Student Nonvi…

Loki Karuna chats with Shane Evans about working as a classical recording artist as an "outsider", defining American music, and the release of his latest album, "Ballades". Loki offers thoughts in response to ideas on class structure and solidarity as presented in "The New Human Rights Movement", by Peter Joseph. Black August Shane Evans "Ballades"…

Loki Karuna chats with Lorin Green about her continued journey toward equity and liberation in classical music, her newly published anthology of Black experiences within the field, and how arts administration has impacted her view on the role of musicians. Loki also offers perspectives relating to the murder of Sonya Massey and political fundraisin…

Loki Karuna chats with Marcus Norris about developing a composition career for Black audiences, his recent projects for both film and the stage, and the path that led him toward a collaboration with Beyoncé! Loki also offers responses and reactions to the latest in national politics. Marcus Norris "I Tries So Hard For You" by Marcus Norris "I Don't…

Loki Karuna chats with Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle about Black music as American music, her work highlighting classical Black women of decades past, and what it means to serve an industry that's built to serve whiteness, no matter who (or what) is on stage. Dr. Tammy L. Kernodle Concerto for Violin and Orchestra (by Julia Perry) I Wish I Knew How It Woul…

Loki chats with Elizabeth Chang about the intersections of performing and teaching, and highlights her latest album, "Sonatas and Myths". Loki also offers a glimpse into the challenge of meeting people where they are toward the goal of systemic change within the classical music industry, and showcases how he's been engaging the challenge of diverse…

Loki Karuna wishes everyone a Happy Mother's Day, shares his dialogue with Michele Fowlin who is a two-time Howard graduate and the Artistic Director of the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir, celebrates Joy Guidry's recent release, "AMEN", and speaks on the power of intentional spending. AMEN by Joy Guidry Michele Fowlin Washi…

Loki Karuna chats with Maestro Kwamé Ryan who has been recently appointed as Music Director of the Charlotte Symphony. Loki offers updates on his travels and work, and offers thoughts on the recent drama at the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Kwamé Ryan "Portrait of Trinidad" - National Steel Symphony Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago Henri Dutilleux …

Loki Karuna returns after a month-long hiatus to offer words of encouragement to those dealing with difficult times, to share his conversation with Hana S. Sharif, Artistic Director of the Arena Stage, and to unpack the concept of "running from your karma". The Arena Stage Hana S. Sharif Introduction Unknown Soldier Promo Lars-Erik Larsson: Concert…

Johnathan Gibbs returns to TRILLOQUY to offer updates as the newest member of the New York-based Dessoff Choirs. Loki and Johnathan return to the discussion of Handel and Negro Spirituals in honor of Black History Month, highlight the intersectional culture of Asian- and Afro-Americans, and address the challenge of burnout while working to shift cl…

Loki Karuna shines a light on some of the Black history of Winston-Salem, NC, chats with Brian Cole, Chancellor of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and reacts to his recent trip to Detroit for the annual Sphinx conference. Armenta (Hummings) Dumisani Minister Louis Farrakhan performs Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto Brian Cole Duo …

Loki Karuna shares a few words following his live "New Blue Sun" experience, chats with Joe LaRocca about the benefits (and challenges) of being a multi-instrumentalist, and expounds on a controversial statement by the late Langston Hughes. "New Blue Sun" by André 3000 Joe LaRocca "The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain" ★ Support this podcast ★…

Loki Karuna offers a brief reaction to the film "American Fiction" as it relates to arts funding, chats with James Daly about "The Powerful Piano", and previews his upcoming reaction to Spike Lee's "Bamboozled". Frederic Chopin - Ab Major Etude 'Aeolian Harp' (perf. James Daly) James Daly/San Ramon Academy of Music The Powerful Piano ★ Support this…

Loki Karuna affirms his evolving feelings on George Gershwin, chats with Lara Downes about her latest project, "Rhapsody in Blue: Reimagined", and shares his 2024 resolution to strive toward absolute freedom. Rhapsody in Blue Reimagined ★ Support this podcast ★By TrillWerks Media

Loki highlights words by the late Kwame Ture, chats with Parisian violinist and arts activist Marina Chiche, and responds to the historic appointment of Kwame Ryan as Music Director of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. "La Création du Monde" by Darius Milhaud Elaine Brown and Kwame Ture Interview (1993) Marina Chiche La Marseillaise par la violonis…

Loki offers support and a call to action in light of recent news from choral director Alysia Lee, chats with Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett about the tradition and future of Black choral music, and spills some Bernstein tea. Dear TMEA Music Education is in Hot Water (X Thread) Message from Alysia Lee Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett "Say Her Name" by Alysia Le…

Loki pays his respects to the late Daisaku Ikeda, chats with Johnathan Gibbs about recent "classical" experiences as they relate to race and culture, and shares his continued journey of self-care as it related to the Thanksgiving holiday. Daisaku Ikeda, Who Led Influential Japanese Buddhist Group, Dies at 95 X, The Life and Times of Malcolm X: Act …

Loki celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Classical Black Podcast, chats with Nick and Zach from the ensemble, Invoke, about their latest genre-bending album, and brings a famous TV moment featuring James Baldwin into the general dialogue of diversifying orchestras in the United States. To Podcast or Not to Podcast? Reflections from the Hosts of…

Loki takes a look at the perspective income of a conductor who's encouraging his orchestra to perform "conductorless", chats with Maestro Kellen Gray about his latest recording of orchestral music by Black composers, and highlights the concept of Human Revolution as it applies to his life and activism, in general. Music Director Urges Musicians To …

Loki celebrates his discovery of the Turtle Island Quartet, chats with Rachel Barton Pine and Earl Maneein about their latest metal-inspired violin concerto recording, and shares the dissonance he's feeling regarding the Metropolitan Opera's presentation of "X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X". Turtle Island Quartet Earl Maneein Rachel Barton Pine …

Loki shares news about the Metropolitan Opera's decision to platform a public reading of the Autobiography of Malcolm X, interviews pianist Althea Waites, and connects some of Malcolm X's words to a current DEI initiative being executed across the American orchestral landscape. Marathon Reading of The Autobiography of Malcolm X as Told to Alex Hale…

Loki shines a light on his recent discovery of "A Soulful Celebration" on Handel's "Messiah", chats with renegade neo-classical pianist, BLKBOK, and talks money as it relates to inflation and concert attendance. "For Unto Us a Child is Born" from Soulful Celebration BLKBOK "What is Truth" by BLKBOK ★ Support this podcast ★…

Loki offers updates on the drama at WCPE-FM and the Cleveland Institute of Music, shares his dialogue with June Carryl, the writer behind a new opera dedicated to the life of Oluwatoyin Salau, and speaks to the violence in the Middle East. North Carolina Radio Station Won’t Ban Met Opera Broadcasts After All Carlos Kalmar Put on Leave of Absence by…

Loki responds to WCPE-FM's decision to forego "controversial" opera broadcasts, chats with Maria Manuela Goyanes, Artistic Director of Woolly Mammoth Theatre, and encourages activists and change makers to push through the tiring work of shifting societal status quo. North Carolina radio station declines to broadcast 6 Met opera performances over ob…

Loki highlights the struggle between the students of the Cleveland Institute of Music and Maestro Carlos Kalmar, chats with pianist Jorge Federico Osorio about his new album, "Conciertos Románticos", and speaks to how the critique of interracial dating has come into his life by way of classical musicians. Inside the Crisis at CIM "Conciertos Románt…

Loki shops for Metropolitan Opera tickets, chats with flutist Brandon Patrick George about his new album, "Twofold", and addresses recent police violence against a band director in Alabama. Buy "Twofold" by Brandon Patrick George "Afro Blue" at the Rainbow Room feat. Imani Winds Alabama band director tased by police for not stopping his students' p…

Loki responds to the Philadelphia Orchestra musicians' rejection of a new contract, speaks with President and CEO of Wolf Trap, Arvind Manocha, and shares Bodhisattva wisdom from his weekend at a Black Buddhist retreat in Florida. Philadelphia Orchestra Musicians’ Contract Negotiations Stall: https://theviolinchannel.com/philadelphia-orchestra-musi…

Guest co-host Johnathan Gibbs joins Loki to welcome him to NYC, to unpack media featuring Black conservatives, and to tease upcoming duo content. Loki features his recent conversation with composer Oswald Huỳnh, whose composition titled "Gia Đình" is quickly grabbing the attention of orchestras across the country. "Black Conservatives vs. White Lib…

Loki comments on John Eliot Gardiner's backstage fist fight, chats with Barron Ryan about his book, "Honey, If It Wasn't for You", and responds to recent conversations among members of the Arts Administrators of Color Network. More on Barron Ryan and his latest book: https://prbythebook.com/experts/barron-ryan/ ★ Support this podcast ★…