Potsdam, NY, Sep 16, 2011 — Singer Linda Eder will perform a tribute to Broadway in Hosmer Hall at SUNY Potsdam on Saturday night (7:30). She originated the role of Lucy Harris in Jekyll & Hyde on Broadway. Todd Moe spoke with Eder about her big break on "Star Search" in the late 80's, and how she created her own niche as an interpreter of Broadway songs and pop classics.  Go to full article

Prescott, ON, Aug 02, 2011 — Crane School of Music professor of piano Paul Wyse has mastered two art forms. He's a classically trained concert pianist and also paints portraits. Two of Wyse's recent portraits of pianist and conductor Leon Fleisher have become part of the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian.

He's performed at the piano on the concert stage around the world, and his oil portraits hang in public and private collections and appear in national publications.

So, how does a classically trained concert pianist become an award winning visual artist? "It's hard to explain," says Wyse. But he adds that it's not uncommon for musicians who study the structure of a symphony to use those same skills in the visual arts.

During a visit to his portrait studio in his home near Prescott, Ontario, he told Todd Moe that the mystery of transforming cloth and pigment into something that is looking back at you is powerful, alluring, and part of the compulsion to paint.  Go to full article

Potsdam, NY, Apr 29, 2011 — The Crane School of Music kicks off its 125th anniversary this weekend with its Spring Festival Concert in Hosmer Hall. Internationally acclaimed conductor Maestro Helmuth Rilling will direct the Crane Chorus and Crane Symphony Orchestra in a performance Saturday night (7:30) in Hosmer Concert Hall of Bach's Mass in B-Minor. It's a giant piece hailed by many to be the most perfect of musical compositions. Maestro Rilling, one of the world's preeminent interpreters of Bach, is known around the world for his work with choirs and orchestras. Todd Moe has a preview.  Go to full article

Potsdam, NY, Apr 07, 2011 — NCPR is media sponsor for the Orchestra of Northern New York's spring concert this Saturday night (7:30) at Hosmer Hall in Potsdam. Todd Moe spoke with ONNY Music Director/Conductor Ken Andrews, who says the concert will include "Circle of Faith" featuring Native American drummers and dancers, and Beethoven's uplifting Symphony No. 7.  Go to full article

Potsdam, NY, Mar 02, 2011 — Crane School of Music tenor Donald George tells Todd Moe why he chose to record the music of Boston composer Margaret Lang, who was the first woman to have had her music performed by a major American orchestra. She wrote more than 130 songs during the early 20th century. Though much of her music was popular during her lifetime, Lang was her own toughest critic, sometimes destroying pieces she did not feel confident of. Donald George and pianist Lucy Mauro have spent the last few years researching Lang's life and reviving an interest in her nearly forgotten music.  Go to full article

Potsdam, NY, Feb 24, 2011 — Our week-long spotlight on music in the North Country continues. Metropolitan Opera star Stephanie Blythe talks with Todd Moe about her love for art songs. Blythe recently returned to the North Country to work with students at her alma mater -- the Crane School of Music in Potsdam.  Go to full article

Apr 10, 2008 — An exhibit of handmade instruments at the Potsdam Public Library this month explores the development of musical instruments in ancient times. The instruments were built by Charles Lanphere in the early 1900's based on biblical passages. Lanphere taught at the Crane School of Music in the 1930's and was fascinated by the development of ancient music. Potsdam Museum Director and Curator Mimi Van Deusen gave Todd Moe a tour of the exhibit. She says Lanphere was raised on a Lewis County farm in the 1880's, and attended church several times a week as a child.  Go to full article

Mar 30, 2005 — The Crane School of Music's 74th annual spring concert this Saturday (7:30 pm, Hosmer Hall) includes the world premiere performance of Wind & Water. It's a performance that includes electronic music, voice and dance. Todd Moe chats with the composer, conductor and author.  Go to full article

May 04, 2001 — The Crane Opera Ensemble's production of Sondheim's musical Assassins begins tonight. Todd Moe talks with Crane Opera Director Carleen Graham, and Crane student Jim Harrigan, who portrays John Wilkes Booth in the production.  Go to full article