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Interplay: Conversations in Music with Michael Shapiro

Michael Shapiro

Composer and conductor Michael Shapiro talks to prominent musicians, composers, and creators about their work, their response to current events, and their hopes for the future. Explore deep, informative, and stimulating discussions in classical music and beyond.

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20 episodes
Avg 32 min
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S2025 · E70
Nov 23, 2025 · 33 min
Matthew Kraemer
This Interplay, Conversations in Music, is with one of the most remarkable musicians I have ever worked with - Matthew Kraemer, music director and conductor of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. A rare treat as Maestro Kraemer talks about what it is like to be a music director, how he came to this point, and where he hopes to go. A true revelation in every way! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2025 · E69
Nov 16, 2025 · 38 min
Timothy McAllister
On this Interplay, Conversations in Music, I had the most informative and stimulating discussion with the greatest saxophonist in the world, Timothy McAllister. There is simply no one like Tim. His playing is so very superlative, and his words on the playing of his many instruments (please do listen to John Corigliano's remarkable TRIATHLON for saxophonist and orchestra in which Tim plays multiple instruments is only one testament) are pure revelation. What a great thrill! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2025 · E68
Aug 30, 2025 · 31 min
Devony Smith and Danny Zelibor
On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I had the delightful experience of talking with mezzo soprano Devony Smith and pianist Danny Zelibor, two extraordinary musicians of peerless skills and immense interpretative range - and they are remarkable people. Please be sure to watch our enjoyable talk. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2025 · E67
Jan 26, 2025 · 34 min
Nic McGegan
On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I spoke to conductor Nic McGegan, who is the most delightful and insightful person. His visions and practice in Baroque and Classical repertoire are unmatched. His dozens of recordings bear witness to his extraordinary joy of life. I think you will agree that Maestro McGegan is unique and radiants a happiness that carries forth with a special love. Not to be missed! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2024 · E66
Oct 6, 2024 · 33 min
Malcolm Singer
On this latest Interplay, Conversations in Music, Michael Shapiro speaks to his longtime friend, composer Malcolm Singer about a lifetime spent in music, from the days of his study with Nadia Boulanger, to his work with Yehudi Menuhin as head of the Menuhin School, to his work with countless musicians, and his leadership in bringing along generations of young composers and players. A thrilling examination of a composer's life. Not to be missed! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2024 · E65
Sep 8, 2024 · 12 min
Sara Karloff
Interplay, Conversations in Music with Sara Karloff and tales of her father Boris Karloff in *Frankenstein* (1931) and at home. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2024 · E64
Aug 25, 2024 · 32 min
Teddy Abrams
On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I had the great pleasure of speaking with composer and conductor Teddy Abrams about his pathfinding work in Louisville and his new musical based on the life of Muhammad Ali. There is simply no one in classical music with greater depth of knowledge and with more intensity in seeking new and exciting ways of connecting with audiences. I just loved talking with him, and you will too! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2024 · E63
Aug 18, 2024 · 32 min
Delyana Lazarova
We have some wonderful additions to Interplay, Conversations in Music, being posted today and soon. Please be sure to watch out for them. Our first is with conductor Delyana Lazarova, a complete musician, whose direction of orchestras around the world is astounding. Maestra Delyana Lazarova is that special leader with a wonderful sense of line and meaningful direction. Our Interplay displays her individuality and unique insights into making music. Not to be missed! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2024 · E62
May 19, 2024 · 33 min
Neal Gittleman
On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I had the great pleasure of talking with Maestro Neal Gittleman, music director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and a champion of progress in orchestral, operatic, and ballet music. Neal's talk with me combines incisive observations about our musical culture, the development of orchestras over long periods of time, and his view of the future of performance. An Interplay not to be missed! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2024 · E61
Apr 21, 2024 · 32 min
Daniel Asia
On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I had a remarkable talk with Daniel Asia, composer and writer on music. From his lifetime of work in music including his years of teaching on the college level and creating works of great substance and direction, Daniel has a special voice, and I urge you to listen to his guidance of how the present must guide the future of creation and what needs to be done. I am with him in every way! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2024 · E60
Mar 10, 2024 · 31 min
Kyle Ketelsen
Please join us for this exciting discussion on this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, to learn more. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2024 · E59
Feb 25, 2024 · 45 min
Thomas Little
Thomas Little is widely known for his incredibly articulate and popular podcast The Classical Nerd. He is a wonderfully great teacher with an enthusiastic wit that compels the viewer to keep on watching and learning. But did you know Thomas is a versatile and brilliant composer? Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2024 · E58
Feb 11, 2024 · 27 min
Donato Cabrera
I recently spoke on Interplay, Conversations in Music, with conductor Donato Cabrera, that rare musician whose every gesture comes from deeply profound musicianship and meaning. I hope you will delve into this talk with a wonderfully warm and engaging personality who is creating great art every moment with a special humanity and caring. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2024 · E57
Jan 28, 2024 · 28 min
Matt Haimovitz
On this month's Interplay, Conversations in Music, I spoke to the remarkable Matt Haimovitz, cellist, and leader in the expansion of the cello repertoire. We discussed the influences on Matt's playing, and why is his life and loves are rarely separate from his organic music making. A discussion not to be missed! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2024 · E56
Jan 7, 2024 · 27 min
Jennifer Roig-Francoli (Alexander Technique)
Attention musicians (and everyone else): if you're suffering from any discomfort or even pain, it's time to consult with Jennifer Roig-Francoli, a remarkable Alexander Technique teacher and miraculous violinist (and my teacher!). Her new book *Make Great Music with Ease!: The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life* is just out on Amazon. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2023 · E55
Nov 19, 2023 · 23 min
Kalena Bovell
In this month's INTERPLAY, Conversations in Music, I speak to my dear friend Kalena Bovell whose conducting is widely recognized and appreciated for its sincerity, deepest musicality, and emotion. Kalena Bovell, conductor, is that rare person whose music making is a wonderful mix of intelligence, beauty, and that special quotient - making everything she touches sing with organic purity. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2022 · E53
Oct 9, 2022 · 24 min
Colin Jacobsen
On this month's INTERPLAY, my talk is with the remarkable violinist and composer COLIN JACOBSEN, co-founder of Brooklyn Rider and The Knights. Colin is a pathbreaking artist always seeking a vibrant path of expression in whatever he does. This Conversation in Music explores his many views on repertoire, chamber music, solo and orchestral playing. Every note he plays is magical, organic, and deeply felt. And all this comes through in our thrilling and touching INTERPLAY. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2022 · E52
Aug 14, 2022 · 35 min
Alexander Soddy
On this month's Interplay, a most wonderful Conversation in Music with the uniquely gifted conductor Alexander Soddy. We met whilst he was in New York to conduct at The Met in the remarkable Anthony Minghella production of Puccini's *Madama Butterfly*. Soddy is a rarity - a musician who can bend a phrase in a dramatic setting with total musicality. Comparisons have been made in the press to Carlos Kleiber, and they are warranted, but Alexander Soddy is surely one of those special artists who puts his all into everything he does. He is an original. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2022 · E51
May 29, 2022 · 48 min
John Mauceri on 'The War on Music'
On this month's Interplay, Conversations In Music, I met with conductor and author John Mauceri about his important and crucial new book, *THE WAR ON MUSIC: Reclaiming the Twentieth Century*. This social history by a brilliant and consequential conductor is a must read and parallels Maestro Mauceri's work these past 30 years. A must watch and a must read as the issues presented are significant for all of us. Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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S2022 · E50
May 8, 2022 · 41 min
Carlos Kalmar
I had the most enjoyable INTERPLAY Conversation In Music recently with the remarkable conductor CARLOS KALMAR. Longtime music director of the Oregon Symphony and Grant Park Music Festival Orchestra, Maestro Kalmar is now director of orchestral music at the Cleveland Institute of Music. He reveals his approach to the score, his background, and what he wishes to impart to his students. Endlessly fascinating! Find out more at www.michaelshapiro.com
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