Explore the fascinating journey of James Flores, an accomplished organist and software engineer, as he merges his dual passions to revolutionize the documentation of Australian organs. In this interview, James shares his innovative approach to cataloging organ history using AI and digital tools, his insights on balancing music and technology, and his dedication to liturgical music. Discover how his unique blend of skills is shaping the future of classical music preservation and promotion.

Maria Gajraj, a trailblazing organist and advocate, is here to share her journey of breaking stereotypes within the organ world and empowering queer voices in classical music. Through her performances, innovative educational initiatives, and boundary-breaking collaborations, Maria is driving change in the classical music scene.

Discover the multifaceted career of Thompson Howell, a voice actor celebrated for his award-winning work and a talented freelance organist. In this insightful interview on Classically Minded, Thompson shares how his diverse experiences in radio, acting, and music have shaped his unique approach to voice acting. From his time playing the organ in Los Angeles to voicing high-profile campaigns, learn how he seamlessly blends his passions and navigates the competitive landscape of today's digital age. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, Thompson's journey offers valuable lessons on embracing creativity and versatility.

Jonathan Gregoire, a multifaceted artist, coach, and educator, invites us into his world where music and coaching intersect to empower individuals in their creative endeavors.

Drawing from his experiences as a performing artist and his coaching journey, Jonathan shares insights on navigating the complexities of the creative industry and fostering personal growth.

Welcome to an exclusive look into the world of Trevor Kowalski, a composer whose music captivates audiences worldwide.

From his collaboration with Alaska Airlines on the visionary "Salmon People" project, nominated for an Emmy Award, to his upcoming album release, "The Twilight Glow," with Neue Meister Music, Trevor's creative endeavors are diverse and captivating.

Join us as we explore Trevor's creative process, his experiences composing for the acclaimed documentary "Meet Me at the Creek," reflections on Los Angeles' vibrant music scene, and exciting upcoming projects.

Through Trevor's own words, discover his unique musical style, storytelling dedication, and unwavering commitment to authenticity.

Welcome to Classically Minded, where we examine what it means to be an artist in today's changing world. I'm your host Garrett Law. Joining us on today's episode is organist and, dear friend of mine, David von Behren.

David has performed as a concert organist across the United States and abroad, and he's now under management from the Concert Artist Collective.

He's a consummate church musician, serving as Assistant Organist and Choirmaster at the Memorial Church at Harvard University. He's also pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University.

David has been committed to music education for a long time. He's served on various organ faculties, such as the American Guild of Organists Pipe Organ Encounter. And he even founded his own summer program called the little stars Summer Program.

In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and running half marathons costumed as various superheroes. Welcome, David.

Garrett: Hi Graham, thanks for sharing your story with us. First off, congratulations on your engagement, you and Naomi must be thrilled!

Graham: Thanks, we are so thrilled! Planning a wedding during a pandemic is definitely a challenge. Our wedding date is still TBD, but I am optimistic we will be celebrating soon with friends and family.

Garrett: I’m so happy for you two. It’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to catch up. I’m curious, has your career gone in the direction you thought it would?

Graham: No, my career has not gone in the direction I thought it would! As I began to navigate my professional path, I realized that the strength of my work depended on the diversity of my work. The way that I see it, I have two clear careers with a lot of opportunities for one to influence the other…

Garrett: Next time you’ll have to play some fiddle tunes for us. That would be lovely. In addition to performing, you’ve also harnessed the power of music to act as a catalyst for social change. Tell us about some of the special projects you’ve taken on.

Dirén: The first one was “Música que Sana” (“Music that Heals”) an online charity recital in partnership with ABC Hospital’s Foundation to raise money for COVID-19 treatments. I gathered 17 other Mexican soloists and musicians and we all recorded a piece from our home for the hour-long recital. News media supported us, we did a good job with social media and had a good turnout! You can find the recital on YouTube with almost 16K views.

Garrett: Wow, congratulations. I’ve included the concert below for our audience to watch.

What was it like to win a full-time orchestra job right out of your undergraduate degree at Manhattan School of Music?

Sam: I was so fortunate and excited to win my job with Charlotte Symphony; I won the audition three days before graduating from Manhattan School of Music! I had already committed to starting my master’s degree at another university in the fall, but after a discussion with the clarinet professor, decided to withdraw and begin my career with CSO. I am also a North Carolina native, so I was very excited to come back to my home state and the home state of Cheerwine…