Interviewing William Ferris, contemporary composer and conductor, and John Vorrasi, lead tenor, as they discuss the beginning and successes of their group called the William Ferris Chorale.
Love, lust, romance and heartbreak are all apart of Louise Erdrich's book, "Tales of Burning Love". Erdrich talks about the five woman in her book, who have all married Jack Mauser. The ladies all end up stuck together in a blizzard, and it's there that they all talk to one another about their love and heartache, Jack Mauser.
Eppler plays the cimbalom, an instrument descended from the hand-held hammered dulcimer found in Eastern Europe.
Music director William Ferris discusses the singers and music of the William Ferris Chorale. Ferris provides insight on the types of instruments used by the chorale and shares origins about them. He also touches on adopted vocal styles and techniques.
The quintet of Empire Brass was founded by Rolf Smedvig after he was asked to take part in Leonard Bernstein's "Mass". All the men came from families with musical backgrounds. Currently on tour, Empire Brass plays at Orchestra Hall this evening, the day of the recording. They have been to Europe seven times, Japan twice and they have been to all the United States except for Hawaii.
Lisa Fittko discusses her experience as an anti-fascist resistance fighter in Berlin, Germany during World War II. They also explore accounts from her book "Solidarity and Treason: Resistance and Exile, 1933-1940".
Mike Chosa discusses the struggles of Native Americans, namely poverty, during the protests at Belmont Yacht Harbor. Includes the recitation of an unknown poem about Native Americans. Includes Buffy Sainte-Marie's songs "Now That the Buffalo's Gone" and "My Country Tis' of Thy People You're Dying." Includes an interview of John Tortes "Chief" Meyers. Includes the reading of a Chicago Daily News article about the Native American occupation of Belmont Yacht Harbor.
Ray Davies of the English rock band, The Kinks, talks about the studio album, "Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)". Davis reads lyrics from the songs, "Victoria," "Yes Sir, No Sir" and "Some Mother's Son".
Professor William J. Fishman explores topics from his book “The Streets of East London.” He discusses Cockney culture, poverty, labor, and history in East London.
Music director William Ferris explains various vocal techniques displayed during concerts from the William Ferris Chorale.