Sunday Baroque Conversations 133: Matthew Suttor

Sunday Baroque Conversations 133: Matthew Suttor

Author: Suzanne Bona June 26, 2025 Duration: 48:10
New Zealand-born composer and educator Matthew Suttor's passion for music began when he was a small child. Throughout his career he has explored many facets of music making, with a particular interest in computer music and, now, the use of AI in music and as a creative catalyst. That's what led him to "collaborate" with AI to write his opera about Alan Turing, the British mathematician whose work was key to breaking Nazi codes during World War II. Far ahead of his time, Turing was interested in – and cautious about – AI, and Suttor's opera I AM ALAN TURING explores the nuances and prescience of Turing's life and work. Suzanne spoke with Matthew Suttor about his life in music, including his path to incorporating computers and technology into his musical toolbox, and his philosophy of teaching creativity.

Behind every piece of music is a person with a story, and that’s where Sunday Baroque Conversations finds its rhythm. Host Suzanne Bona, familiar to listeners of her Sunday Baroque program, sits down with professional musicians who have dedicated their lives to their art. These aren’t just casual chats; they are deep, personal explorations of what it truly means to live a life in music. You’ll hear celebrated artists discuss the specific pieces that first ignited their passion, the formidable challenges of mastering centuries-old techniques, and the quiet triumphs that happen offstage. This podcast pulls back the curtain on the discipline and heart required for a performing career, offering a genuine, often surprising, look at the individuals behind the instruments. Each conversation feels like an intimate backstage pass, revealing the inspirations and vulnerabilities that fuel these exceptional performers. For anyone curious about the human dimension of classical and baroque music, Suzanne’s thoughtful interviews provide a rich and rewarding listen. You can find Sunday Baroque Conversations by searching its title in your favorite podcast app.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Sunday Baroque Conversations
Podcast Episodes
Sunday Baroque Conversations 116: BLKBOK [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:15
From the time he was just a small child, Charles Wilson III – aka BLKBOK – showed extraordinary musical talent. The budding piano virtuoso's family nurtured his interests, which blossomed to include many genres of music:…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 115: Jessie Montgomery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:00
"Being an artist is living a life of service." The words of Jessie Montgomery, who has earned acclaim, awards, and praise for her growing body of work as a composer, violinist, teacher, and activist. The musician credits…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 114: Kellen Gray [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:00
Scotland-based American conductor Kellen Gray is Assistant Conductor of the English National Opera and Assistant Conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. He's attuned to the orchestral repertory, including Bel…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 113: Brandon Patrick George 2023 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:06
Grammy-nominated flutist Brandon Patrick George is a member of Imani Winds and has appeared as a soloist with soloist with the Atlanta, Baltimore, and Albany symphonies, American Composers Orchestra, and the Orchestra of…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 112: Melvin Chen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:30
As a music lover, you may be familiar with Melvin Chen for his recordings of piano music by Dmitri Shostakovich or Ludwig van Beethoven. He put his double degrees from The Juilliard School to work as Professor in the Pra…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 111: Mahan Esfahani [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:30
Acclaimed harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani - the first and only harpsichordist to be named a BBC New Generation Artist, and the youngest ever recipient of the Wigmore Medal – is an outspoken and passionate advocate for his…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 110: Loki Karuna [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:00
Loki Karuna (formerly Garrett McQueen) began his life in music as a bassoonist, earning degrees in music and performing in orchestras. His passion for music and justice propelled his career as a musician, leading him to…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 109: Trio Sefardi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:52
Howard Bass, Tina Chancey, and Susan Gaeta are the members of Trio Sefardi, a group they formed in 2010 to perform traditional songs of the Sephardim – the descendants of Jews exiled from Spain in 1492. They draw on thei…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 108: Tammy McCann [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:30
Tammy McCann loves music. She lives and breathes her craft, and starts each day acknowledging and celebrating Music's importance in her life. She talked with Suzanne about her life as a professional jazz singer, her star…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 107: Kelly Hall-Tompkins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:30
Kelly Hall-Tompkins is a dynamo – full of energy, positivity, passion, and initiative. The talented violinist is an award-winning and acclaimed musician with an international career, as well as an entrepreneur, humanitar…