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 Person
GBH 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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At 'Music of the Midnight Sun' festival, a celebration of Nordic folk music
Finnish-American musician Sara Pajunen wants her listeners to reflect on history, power and their own identity. -
Boston's free puppet library features creations the founder 'dreamed into existence'
For years, people have been coming to Sara Peattie's free puppet library in the Back Bay for a sprinkle of joy and a world of puppetry. -
How one poet is bringing literature to prisons, and how you can help
Reginald Dwayne Betts holds a J.D. from Yale and a MacArthur Grant. Since 2020, his organization Freedom Reads has helped bring books into prisons. He joins The Culture Show to talk about that work.
GBH Music
More Culture Programs
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Brandi Carlile | "Skyline Pigeon"
Brandi Carlile performs "Skyline Pigeon" at the 2024 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.| 3:44 -
Joni Mitchell and Friends | "I'm Still Standing"
Joni Mitchell & friends interpret Elton John's "I'm Still Standing" at the Gershwin Prize.| 3:24 -
Supa Modo | Superheroes
Who is Supa Modo? I am! The finished film, and community, pays tribute to Jo. -
Ailyn Pérez in "Florencia en el Amazonas"
Ailyn Pérez performs an excerpt from “Buenos días. Despierta usted temprano.”| 1:52