Eric Whitacre
This week's Classical Californian is composer and conductor Eric Whitacre. His playlist focuses the spotlight on another composer who he says has inspired him like no other: 20th century American composer Samuel Barber. Whitacre has specialized in choral works, and has used technology to bring together more than 100,000 singers from more than 145 countries in Virtual Choirs. He says he came to classical music via singing Mozart's Requiem with a choir when he was 18, after only having played in rock bands. And that led to discovery after discovery.
Samuel Barber: Adagio for Strings - Berlin Philharmonic, Sir Simon Rattle
Samuel Barber: Violin Concerto, mvt. ii: Andante - St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Hugh Wolff; Hilary Hahn, violin (Eric adds: you should also listen to Anne Akiko Meyers' recording with Leonard Slatkin conducting the London Symphony Orchestra!)
Eric Whitacre: The Sacred Veil, mvt. i: "The Veil Opens" - Voces8, Christopher Glynn, piano; Emma Denton, cello; Eric Whitacre, conductor
Samuel Barber: Knoxville, Summer of 1915 - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Yoel Levi; Sylvia McNair, soprano
