Ryan Haskins

In this episode of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra Radio Hour, you will hear the music of Marianna Martines, Missy Mazzolli, and Bobby Ge, the 2023 Sioux City Symphony Composer of the Year. A child prodigy, Marianna Martines, born in 1744, was introduced to Vienna's musical elite, including influential figures like Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Despite the challenges of being a female composer in a male-dominated field, Martines' elegant melodies and sophisticated compositions earned her a respected place in music history. Listen to Martines’ Overture in C in this episode, which is perhaps the first symphony ever published by a female composer. Missy Mazzoli’s music combines modern textures with celestial imagery to create mesmerizing symphonic journies that explore the boundless expanse of space and time. With its striking rhythms and innovative orchestration, Mazzoli’s Sinfonia for Orbiting Spheres offers an intriguing glimpse into Mazzoli’s unique musical voice.Bobby Ge, known for his innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, challenges conventions and pushes the boundaries of classical composition. His distinctive voice blends rich orchestral textures with cutting-edge sounds, offering a fresh and compelling perspective on modern music.Join Host Ryan Haskins in conversation with Bobby Ge as they discuss the inspiration behind writing music today and experience firsthand the impact of a vibrant, forward-thinking approach to the orchestral genre that is catching audiences' attention worldwide.

On the next Sioux City Symphony Orchestra Radio Hour episode, we will feature two groundbreaking works, Florence Price's Piano Concerto, which combines classical elegance with vibrant African American musical traditions and Maurice Ravel's seductive Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2.Composed in 1934, Price's concerto is a dazzling display of rhythmic vitality and melodic richness. Host Ryan Haskins and pianist Michelle Cann will delve into its lush orchestration and the dynamic interplay between piano and orchestra. From the lively first section to the provocative second and the jubilant finale, join us as we celebrate Price's innovative spirit and explore why this concerto remains a masterpiece of American classical music.Maurice Ravel's enchanting Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2, derived from Ravel's lush ballet score, is a journey that transports listeners to a world of myth and romance. The suite's rich orchestral colors and complex rhythms unfold a story of love and pastoral beauty, culminating in the exhilarating "Danse Générale."Explore Ravel's masterful orchestration and Florence Price's legacy of innovation and passion. Join us as we honor these two composers who significantly contributed to Western Classical Music in the 20th century, providing inspiration and impacting historical shifts that we still celebrate today.

Episode Four of the Sioux City Symphony Radio Hour invites listeners to explore the life of influential American composer and bandleader Duke Ellington and the intriguing journey of contemporary composer and SCSO Principal Oboist Jeffrey Paul. The episode delves into Ellington's groundbreaking piece, "Harlem," and Paul's recently commissioned "Oboe Concerto", which showcases his eclectic blend of classical, folk, and modern sounds. The Concerto also features a newly developed hybrid instrument never heard before. The episode includes an extended interview with Host Ryan Haskins and composer Jeffrey Paul, offering an in-depth analysis of the Concerto's creation and the compelling stories behind its development.This unique episode unravels each composer's distinctive creative approaches, providing insights into their inspirations and lasting impact on today's musical landscape. Whether you are a jazz aficionado or a classical music enthusiast, this program aims to enrich your understanding and appreciation of new music and its significance.

I do have a description for this episode – it’s Edward Elgar’s Symphony No. 1

On Episode Two, step into the world of musical innovation with our latest podcast episode, where we unravel the captivating story behind Max Richter's reimagining of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons." Journey with Host Maestro Ryan Haskins and special guest and Sioux City Symphony Concertmaster Bacco Liu through the creative process that transformed a timeless classic into a contemporary masterpiece. Discover how Richter's seamless blend of classical and electronic elements breathes new life into Vivaldi's work. Listen to experts and passionate music enthusiasts as they delve into the profound impact of Richter's re-composition, which continues to enchant audiences around the globe. This episode promises an engaging exploration of Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons, revealing its transformative influence on modern classical music. Don't miss this immersive experience into the intersection of tradition and innovation in music.

We're excited to spotlight two masterpieces in this Sioux City Symphony Orchestra Radio Hour episode. First, we delve into Franz Joseph Haydn’s "Cello Concerto in D Major," a work that revolutionized the cello concerto genre with its inventive structure and emotional depth. Composed in 1783, this concerto was a trailblazer for the cello, featuring lush, lyrical passages and demanding virtuosic sections that highlight the instrument’s full range of capabilities. Haydn’s orchestration creates a dynamic interplay between the soloist and the orchestra, crafting a rich tapestry of sound that is both captivating and technically impressive. Listen to Principal Cellist Stephanie March and Host Ryan Haskins as they unfold the mystery behind this impactful work in classical music.Next, we turn to Brahms’s "Variations on a Theme by Haydn," a work that serves as a beautiful homage to Haydn while displaying Brahms's creative genius. Brahms took a simple yet elegant theme from Haydn’s St. Anthony Chorale and transformed it into a set of variations that traverse a wide array of emotions and musical styles. Brahms’s variations demonstrate his skillful orchestration and ability to blend classical forms with his unique harmonic language, from the reflective and serene to the vibrant and jubilant. This piece reflects Brahms’s deep respect for Haydn and highlights his innovative spirit.Join us as we explore these timeless works' intricate details and historical contexts. Discover how Haydn’s concerto brought new life to the cello and how Brahms’s variations pay a creative tribute to a classical master. Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation of these iconic pieces and immerse yourself in the rich world of classical music.

This week, host Ryan Haskins invites you to explore the captivating world of Amy Beach, a pioneering American composer who broke new ground with her extraordinary Gaelic Symphony. As one of the first prominent female composers in the U.S., Beach's innovative spirit and profound impact on classical music are the focus of this compelling episode.Discover how Beach skillfully wove Irish folk influences into her symphony, creating a work that not only captivated audiences of her time but also set her apart as a trailblazer in American music. We’ll delve into the historical significance of her career and the unique elements that make the Gaelic Symphony a masterpiece of American classical music.Deepen your appreciation for Amy Beach’s contributions and explore the rich, evocative sounds of her music. Be inspired by Beach's legacy and her remarkable Gaelic Symphony. Don't miss this week's episode of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra Radio Hour for an unforgettable musical experience!

Prepare for an unforgettable musical adventure on this week's Sioux City Symphony Orchestra Radio Hour! In Episode 7, we're diving into Antonio Vivaldi's legendary masterpiece, The Four Seasons, featuring soloist and SCSO Concertmaster Te-Chiang (Bacco) Liu, as the dazzling soloist.Be swept away by nature's vivid symphony, from spring's vibrant blooms to winter's icy whispers. With The Four Seasons, composed in 1723, Vivaldi captures the essence of each season in a way that feels as alive today as it did centuries ago. And with Bacco Liu's extraordinary, passionate performance, you'll experience this timeless work in a new light.Join us as host Ryan Haskins brings fresh insights and infectious enthusiasm to one of classical music's most performed pieces. This episode promises a captivating blend of exquisite music and engaging commentary. Don't miss out—tune in and let Vivaldi's masterpiece take you on a breathtaking journey through the seasons!

In the latest episode of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra Radio Hour, you'll be taken on a journey through Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, also known as the "Resurrection Symphony." Host Ryan Haskins will walk you through this monumental piece, from its hauntingly reflective opening to its electrifying and triumphant conclusion. Mahler’s Second Symphony is more than just a musical experience; it explores profound themes such as life, death, and the promise of rebirth, delving into the deepest questions of existence.We'll examine the rich orchestral textures and philosophical themes of this grand composition, exploring its profound impact that has captivated listeners across generations. Through evocative storytelling and insider wisdom, you'll hear how Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 combines incredible musical ambition with a deeply personal quest for meaning.Don’t miss this chance to explore one of the greatest symphonic masterpieces ever created. Tune in and let the "Resurrection Symphony" transform your understanding of music and emotion.

In our latest episode of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra Radio Hour, we invite you to join us on a captivating journey into the emotional world of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphony, known as his "Pathétique." Episode 5 explores the haunting beauty and emotional depths of Tchaikovsky’s final symphony, a masterpiece that has captivated audiences for over a century. This Symphony shrouded in mystery and intrigue, reflects the profound personal struggles and triumphs of one of history’s greatest composers. Host Ryan Haskins unravels the complex layers of the Pathétique, from its brooding first movement to the exuberant second and the heart-wrenching finale. Discover the hidden messages and emotional intensity that Tchaikovsky wove into every note and how this Symphony stands as a testament to his genius. This episode offers a fresh perspective on Tchaikovsky’s poignant farewell to the world. Don’t miss out on this captivating journey through one of the most powerful symphonies ever written.