Episode 16 features Gala Flagello, composer, DMA student at the University of Michigan, Festival Director, and co-founder of the nonprofit contemporary music festival Connecticut Summerfest. We talk with Gala about Connecticut Summerfest, hidden music fees, making music accessible, and writing an opera! Transcripts to all podcast episodes are available for free on our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/diversify_the_stand. Big thank you to Hollyn Slykhuis for the transcription!
To learn more about Gala and all the groups and composers she spoke about during our chat, check out the links below!
LINKS
Gala Flagello - https://www.galaflagello.com/
Music & Mindset Podcast - https://anchor.fm/musicandmindset?fbclid=IwAR3bC00P_d80q5FdRxHKrWc0bKoVXCoEBT6REFjLcxdtYEehuzdVnONWHSM
A Seat at the Piano - https://www.aseatatthepiano.com/
Kristin Kuster - http://kristinkuster.com/
Promenade Opera Project (POP) - https://www.promenadeoperaproject.com/
Connecticut Summerfest - https://www.ctsummerfest.org/
GA Runoff Commissioning Project - https://www.kennedycomposer.com/ga
Self-Talk: III. Pursuit performance: https://open.spotify.com/track/5IlXJfWICbgwUXNp4UbnFx?si=Ur2TLM9MQpqpASpZ8OtQMw&nd=1
Self-Talk Program Notes: “Self-Talk (2018) is a piece about the stories we tell ourselves—our inner voice, our commentary on our own actions and emotions. Each movement is a different manifestation of self-talk. The first movement, “Fable,” describes an instance where the protagonist learns about themselves over time through trial and error. The rhythmic material of this movement was derived from a line of Jim Harrison’s poetry: “I was a fable to myself.” The second movement, “Transformation,” describes a person’s shifting perspective over time, which parallels the transformations of the melody after each musical interruption. The final movement, “Pursuit,” propels the protagonist toward a predetermined goal with a few unexpected turns along the way.”
CT Summerfest Faculty:
Chen Yi: https://conservatory.umkc.edu/profiles/faculty-directory/chen-yi.html
Carlos Simon: http://coliversimon.com/
Ken Steen: https://www.kensteen.com/kensteen.htm
Nina Young: http://www.ninacyoung.com/
Huge thanks to Trevor Weston and Whitney George for letting us include their music in our intro and outro! Our recording of Weston’s “Fanfare for Changes” opens the podcast, and Ashley’s recording of George’s “Incantations” closes each episode. Visit their websites to learn more about them and their works below!
Trevor Weston - http://www.trevorweston.com/
Whitney George - https://www.whitneygeorge.com/
