15th MOCM Festival - the spirit that moves us

Join us on a melodic journey as we explore the upcoming Missouri Chamber Music Festival with executive director Nina Ferrigno! This year’s event is set to be a spectacular showcase of talent, innovation, and, of course, beautiful music, running from June 9th to 20th, 2025. Nina shares all about the festival's mission to educate and promote classical chamber music, which has been her passion for over a decade. It’s a celebration of both established works and new compositions, and Nina gives us the inside scoop on what to expect.

From world premieres to unique collaborations, each concert is designed to take the audience on a musical adventure. We dive deep into the festival’s themes, including the electrifying world premiere of “Hey, Mr. Drum Machine Man,” composed by Eric Moe. Nina gives us a sneak peek into what makes this piece special, blending the energy of rhythm with the spirit of creativity. Plus, she talks about her role as a pianist and how she collaborates with other talented musicians to create captivating performances.

This episode is packed with interesting anecdotes, including how Nina’s Calyx Piano Trio got its name and the importance of fostering a love for classical music in the community. We even touch on the challenges and joys of organizing such an event, especially in a post-pandemic world. So, whether you're a music aficionado or a curious listener, tune in for a delightful chat that will inspire you to appreciate the magic of live performances and the vibrant arts scene in St. Louis!

[00:00] Introduction to the Missouri Chamber Music Festival

[00:34] Meet the Hosts and Special Guest

[01:37] Return to Civility: Pronunciation Etiquette

[03:42] Interview with Nina Reno: Festival Highlights

[05:26] Exploring the Festival's Performances

[13:56] Concert Two: Bygone

[19:36] Concert Three: Naturally

[23:40] Special Free Event Announcement

[25:30] The Transformative Power of Music

[25:51] Messiaen's Inspiration and Composition

[27:13] Roles of the Pianists

[28:16] The Emotional Impact of Music

[29:10] Synesthesia and Musical Colors

[31:00] Performance and Audience Interaction

[31:40] Challenges of Playing Two Pianos

[33:25] Festival Details and Artist Backgrounds

[35:58] Fun Facts and Mental Floss

[39:02] National Days and Lighthearted Banter

[44:41] Closing Remarks and Credits

Takeaways:

• Nina Ferrigno, the executive director of the Missouri Chamber Music Festival, shares exciting details about the festival's upcoming performances and world premieres, showcasing the vibrant chamber music scene in St. Louis.
• The festival runs from June 9th through June 20th, 2025, featuring a variety of concerts that include not just established works but also new compositions that aim to engage and inspire audiences.
• During the episode, Nina discusses how the festival aims to balance classical music with contemporary pieces, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and education in the arts.
• The conversation highlights the significance of music's ability to evoke emotions and connect people, with Nina sharing her personal experiences of how certain pieces have profoundly impacted her life and performance.
• Nina also dives into the creative process behind choosing the festival's repertoire, focusing on thematic elements that explore spirituality and the human experience through music.
• Listeners are encouraged to attend the festival, not only for the music but for the opportunity to support local artists and enjoy a uniquely curated cultural experience in St. Louis.

Tickets: On sale now:  www.mochambermusic.org

• 4-Concert Festival Passes $80
• Single Tickets $25 / Student Tickets $5 with ID

Concert I / Get up June 9, 2025 @ 7:30 PM: CMS Concert Hall, Webster University

Music of Christopher Stark, and World Premiere of Eric Moe’s ‘Hey Mr Drummachine Man’

Featuring Kevin Ritenauer, percussion & Nina Ferrigno, piano

Concert II / Bygone June 12, 2025 @ 7 PM: Graham Chapel, Washington University

Music of Debussy, Ravel

Concert III / Naturally June 19, 2025 @ 7 PM: Winifred Moore Auditorium, Webster University

Music of Turina, Kaija Saariaho, and Florence Price: Featuring Hugh Hinton, piano

Concert IV / Above June 20, 2025 @ 7 PM: Winifred Moore Auditorium, Webster University

Music of Messiaen: Hugh Hinton, Nina Ferrigno, piano

Festival Performers

-Hugh Hinton, piano -Hannah Ji, violin -Nina Ferrigno, piano

-Kevin Ritenauer, percussion -Sixto Franco, viola -Robert Walker, clarinet

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This is Season 8! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

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