In a fun and improvisatory conversation, Sérgio Assad, one of the world’s most celebrated guitarists and composers of the last 40 years, reveals how Chopin and Ravel inspired him to compose for guitar, how his amazing family came to be the towering figures in the music world they are today, how Villa Lobos and Carlos Gomes figure into the tapestry of Brazilian art music, what a “Choro” is, and more. This episode explores music that will be performed at the Festival on July 21st “Sergio Assad and his World”, featuring Sergio’s close friend and colleague, Bay Area guitarist Marc Teicholz.

In this episode Venezuelan composer, scholar and pianist Mariantonia Palacios talks about the life and times of the great 19th-century pianist, composer, singer and conductor, Teresa Carreño. Learn about her music and her influences in an engaging conversation with Festival Artistic Director, Tanya Tomkins.

Cuban violinist and scholar, Yavet Boyadjiev joins Tanya Tomkins for an in-depth conversation about 19th-century Cuban composer and violinist, José White, whose music will be featured on VMMF’s opening concert of the 2024 season, “José White and his Circle”. Yavet tells the story of her personal connection to White, talks about his journey from Cuba to Europe and about his great success there. Learn about why we don’t hear more of White’s music today. Hear selections from White’s violin concerto and Études for violin, as well as music from Cuba, the United States and Europe that he admired.