Omar Thomas on making “Griot Songs” at GBH
Omar Thomas is a large ensemble composer who’s had work commissioned by Eastman New Jazz Ensemble, the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. His newest album, “Griot Songs,” was recorded entirely in the GBH Fraser Performance Studio. He spoke to Al Davis and Va Lynda Robinson about the process.
Music & Culture Events
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In PersonGBH Music Presents: Christina Day Martinson and Friends
Join Grammy-nominated baroque violinist Christina Day Martinson and her acclaimed collaborators for an intimate recital celebrating her extraordinary career and the forthcoming documentary A Second Movement, which captures her life story and artistry. The evening showcases the full breadth of Christina’s musical expression, featuring selections from her Grammy-nominated album Biber: The Mystery Sonatas alongside new compositions. Hosted by WCRB’s Brian McCreath, this special performance also includes conversations with Christina and features guest performers: theorbo player Michael Leopold, composer and pianist Olivia Pérez-Collellmir, and composer/musician Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol.
Photo credit: Courtesy of A Second Movement.
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Culture in the News
Kick back with one of our 2025 summer-reading selections
Three local librarians share their picks for every kind of reader for this summer.
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Remembering MLK in art beyond The Embrace
Julia Swanson of Art Walk Boston joins The Culture Show to map out where to find public art in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Also, Jha D Amazi talks about the importance of public memorials -
Good songs about sobriety for Dry January
For Dry January, a former pop critic for The New Yorker suggests great songs about not drinking. Many are by musicians who have been sober for decades. -
New documentary features African students at MIT and their journey far from home
Under the Radar sits down with the director and a student featured in "Brief Tender Light," a new film about four African students navigating their studies at the world's premier engineering school.
GBH Music
More Culture Programs
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What is Audra McDonald's Connection to "Cornet Man"?
Audra McDonald performs "Cornet Man" and explains her special connection to the song.| 3:34 -
Audra McDonald Performs "I Could Have Danced All Night"
Audra McDonald performs "I Could Have Danced All Night" from "My Fair Lady."| 2:33 -
Episode 20, Season 51<br> Audra McDonald at the London Palladium
Audra McDonald performs a repertoire of classic Broadway songs at the London Palladium.| 1:22:24 -
Episode 7, Season 4<br> Who Burns for the Perfection of Paper
Poet Martín Espada worked manufacturing legal pads, and the job is burned into his memory.| 25:21
