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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Open Studio: Gender equity in jazz and Nixon in (Gish Jen's) China
Watch the latest episode of Open Studio tonight at 8:30 p.m. on GBH 2, or stream live right here on our website. -
Arts This Week: The sound of music, from hip-hop to Haiti
Jared Bowen talks on an electrifying new performance by Freestyle Love Supreme, as well as a local production of “Once on This Island” and a sneak peek into what’s coming up on Open Studio. -
Pop Culture Roundtable: Hollywood feeds into 'burnout culture' with workplace thrillers and series based on real-life CEO flops
Those stories and more on our latest show.
GBH Music
More Culture Programs
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Episode 2, Season 3<br> How Black Culture Influenced Drumline
A look at the evolution of HBCU marching bands and how they influence pop culture today.| 9:48 -
Episode 3, Season 3<br> How Did Pop Music Evolve into HYPERPOP?
What started as a way to categorize "genre-less" music has evolved into a music phenomenon| 10:49 -
"Lulu's Back In Town"
Gavin Creel performs "Lulu's (Someone's) Back In Town." -
"What Do I Need with Love?"
Gavin Creel performs "What Do I Need with Love?"
