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 99: Clayton Stephenson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:46
The talented young pianist Clayton Stephenson's story is more than just an inspiring example of the power of music. It is also a story of tenacity and resourcefulness, and the importance of teachers and mentors. The New…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 98: Holly Mulcahy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:18
Violinist Holly Mulcahy is concertmaster of the Wichita Symphony, and has previously held that position in other symphonic orchestras across the country. She is also a busy soloist and chamber musician who regularly perf…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 97: Rochelle Sennet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:35
Dr. Rochelle Sennet is a versatile musician, with a wide repertory. The prize-winning pianist has recorded (so far) two albums called BACH TO BLACK in which she combines works by Johann Sebastian Bach with works by Black…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 96: Randall Scotting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:48
Randall Scotting's 2022 debut recording THE CROWN is a tribute to famed 17th century Italian castrato singer, Senesino. Scotting collaborated with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, conducted by Laurence Cummings…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 95: Rachel Barton Pine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:27
Since her 1984 debut with the Chicago Symphony at age 10, American violinist Rachel Barton Pine has been a trailblazer. Her musical tastes are broad and inclusive – from the baroque era, through all the major classical a…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 94: Eric Rice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:59
Brooklyn native Eric Rice did not set out to become a professional musician and musicologist. He discovered early music while studying at Bowdoin College and, after four years as a schooner captain at the South Street Se…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 93: André Raphel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:25
North Carolina native André Raphel is an award-winning orchestral conductor with an international career. An expert in the classic orchestral repertory as well as a proponent of new music, Maestro Raphel's experience wit…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 92: Mike Fan and Sallynee Amawat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:25
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction! The celebrated French violinist and composer Jean-Marie Leclair was found murdered in his Paris apartment. Despite several obvious potential suspects, no one was ever charged wit…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 91: Stephen Schultz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:31
In 4th grade, Stephen Schultz had a chance to learn an instrument to play in the school band. He ended up being assigned to play his third choice – the flute – which was a very good thing, because the instrument is his p…