Sunday Baroque Conversations 140: Reynard Burns

Sunday Baroque Conversations 140: Reynard Burns

Author: Suzanne Bona August 31, 2026 Duration: 31:10
The poet Robert Frost said, "I am not a teacher, but an awakener." Reynard Burns awakened the creativity and talent of countless students in his 34 years as a public school orchestra director on Long Island. Mr. Burns also plays piano and bass, and is a prolific composer and arranger whose talents and interests span many musical genres. His compositions include music for orchestra, wind ensemble, concert band, jazz ensemble, and more, and have been performed throughout the United States and abroad. Suzanne spoke with Reynard Burns about his life as a teacher and composer, as well as his post-retirement lectures and workshops that focus on classical music of composers of African descent.

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: 50

Sunday Baroque Conversations
Podcast Episodes
Sunday Baroque Conversations 119: Morgan Sullivan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:16
Morgan Sullivan came to singing later than many other professional singers do. Nevertheless she has achieved success as a freelance musician who has performed with numerous top tier ensembles, including Bach Collegium Ja…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 118: Frederick Ballentine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:16
Frederick Ballentine is an American tenor whose awards include a Grammy for his recording of George Gershwin's PORGY AND BESS. The opera star exudes a sense of ease, confidence, and fun when it comes to his career as an…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 117: Shawn Okpebholo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:00
Award-winning musician Shawn Okpebholo earned his degrees at the prestigious University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. But he credits his start in music to The Salvation Army church, where he received free…
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…