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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Latinx News Roundtable: Boston Schools' English learners advisors resign in protest of 'harmful' plan
Eight members of the schools' task force stepped down after BPS' new "Inclusive Education Plan" announced that English language learners will receive English as a Second Language support as needed and not be taught separately in their native language. -
Author and scholar Julia Lee discusses growing up neither Black nor white in America
What does it mean to be Asian in a country where everything is Black and white? Author and associate professor Julia Lee explores the state of being caught in a racially stratified America in her new memoir, "Biting the Hand: Growing Up Asian in Black and White America." -
Director Alexander Payne talks about 'The Holdovers,' Paul Giamatti and shooting in New England
Oscar-winning director Alexander Payne talks to GBH's Executive Arts Editor Jared Bowen about his new film, “The Holdovers,” which opens in Boston on Friday, November 3rd. The film, a 70s period piece set over a winter break at a New England area prep school, focuses on the relationship among a cantankerous history teacher, Paul, his rebellious student, Angus, and the school’s head cook, Mary, who lost her son — a soldier recently killed in Vietnam.
GBH Music
More Culture Programs
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Beyond the Lens: Kati Kati | Mbithi Masya
A conversation with KATI KATI's Mbithi Masya. -
Beyond the Lens: AfroPoP | Leslie Fields-Cruz and Denise Green
A conversation with Black Public Media's Leslie Fields-Cruz and Denise Green. -
Commuted | A Daughter Without Her Mother
A daughter opens up about growing up very young without her mother who was incarcerated. -
Commuted | A Commutation, A Second Chance
Kenneth Polite, Jr. shares why he supported President Obama's clemency of Danielle Metz.
