Gabriel Kahane:  Merritt Parkway

Gabriel Kahane: Merritt Parkway

Gabriel Kahane is one of my favorite contemporary songwriters. He sprang to prominence with an early piece, “Craigslistlieder,” a brash, hilarious, and sophisticated song cycle based on internet postings. Gabe has a unique way of melding popular and classical styles,...
Leonard Bernstein:  A Julia de Burgos

Leonard Bernstein: A Julia de Burgos

Of all of Bernstein’s vocal works, the one I love most is “Songfest.” It was originally intended to premiere during the Bicentennial year, but Bernstein was not able to finish it in time. As a result he had to relinquish the commission. Yet he felt strongly impelled...
Samuel Barber:  O Boundless, Boundless Evening

Samuel Barber: O Boundless, Boundless Evening

I’ve become friends with my British colleague Julius Drake. John Brancy introduced us a few years ago, and I am always touched that Julius makes sure to see me when he’s in town. I admire him very much as an artist, and have taken to sending him occasional emails when...

This is our last day together, all you amazing folks who support NYFOS!!!  I can’t believe I only get to share one more song with you. I’ll have to beg Steve to let me do this again sometime in the summer. For my final selection, I want to say Thank You. However,...
Kander & Ebb:  Marry Me / A Quiet Thing

Kander & Ebb: Marry Me / A Quiet Thing

Day Four! Only two more! How will I choose??!? For Thursday’s treat, you delicious NYFOS supporters you, I give you “A Quiet Thing”. I sang this right after I graduated high school in response to my co-stars’ song “Marry Me” in a Portage Players’...