Sunday Baroque Conversations 94: Eric Rice

Sunday Baroque Conversations 94: Eric Rice

Author: Suzanne Bona November 17, 2022 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 Seaport Museum, he earned his PhD in Musicology and a Certificate in Medieval and Renaissance studies from Columbia University. He worked as Artistic Director of the Connecticut Early Music Festival and music director of the Boston-based ensemble Exsultemus. Dr. Rice is currently head of the Music Department at the University of Connecticut, where he teaches music history and directs the Collegium. He spoke with Suzanne about his career as a musician and educator, and his musical group, Ensemble Origo, and their 2021 recording of music by Orlando di Lasso for the 1568 wedding of the Duke of Bavaria.

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: English Episodes: 138

Sunday Baroque Conversations
Podcast Episodes
Sunday Baroque Conversations 66: Pat Neely [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:20
Patricia Ann Neely is a seasoned professional musician. She is an expert performer on a variety of early bowed string instruments including viola da gamba, an expert in historical performance practices, a music teacher,…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 65: Melanie Punter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:20
Melanie Punter has had a busy career as a double bass player for decades. The versatile and talented musician is in demand in modern symphony orchestras, as well as for her work playing baroque and early music with perio…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 64: Sallynee Amawat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:45
Sallynee Amawat is a violinist whose passion is for baroque and early music. She was so young when she started playing that she doesn't remember life before the violin and making music! Now she imparts her passion to her…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 63: Melika Fitzhugh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:40
Composer Melika M. Fitzhugh is a multi-instrumentalist whose interests transcend centuries, from modern instruments and genres, all the way back to Renaissance and Baroque instruments and music. She especially loves comp…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 62: Justin Bland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:28
Like many musicians, Dr. Justin Bland has had to adjust his career and his expectations for life during COVID-19 lockdown. 2020 was supposed to be a big year for the American musician, who now lives in Denmark. His engag…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 61: Ann Hobson Pilot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:30
Although Ann Hobson Pilot retired in 2009 after decades as Principal Harpist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, she continues to make music and inspire others. The award-winning international musician spoke with Suzanne…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 60: Mo Pleasure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:30
Morris "Mo" Pleasure is a global artist with a career spanning more than three decades. He moves effortlessly between a wide range of musical genres including rock, R&B, and jazz, and his early training was in classical…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 59: Brandyn Lewis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:30
Canadian musician Brandyn Lewis is a professional double-bass player, currently an interim member of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, which he has called a "dream come true." He chatted with Suzanne about the trial and e…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 58: Oleg Timofeyev [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:20
Oleg Timofeyev plays guitar and lute, and is a musicologist. The Moscow-born musician has a particular interest in reviving the Russian 7-string guitar and its repertory. He lives in Iowa now, where he teaches, and recen…
Sunday Baroque Conversations 57: Kayoko Dan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:00
Kayoko Dan stands confident and poised in front of the orchestras she conducts, drawing on her extensive training as a conductor and educator, and her innate passion for music. So it's a bit disarming that she describes…