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
-
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.
Sign up for GBH newsletters
GBH offers several newsletters focused on the topics that matter to you.
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.
-
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. -
The Huntington Theatre Company's 'The Bluest Eye' brings Toni Morrison's legacy to life
The adaptation of Morrison's first novel takes on renewed significance during our country’s current look at systemic racism and police brutality. -
Open Studio: Mayor Wu on all things arts, and a traveling hip-hop theater troupe
Watch "Open Studio With Jared Bowen" as he meets with Mayor Wu to discuss Boston arts and the group Freestyle Love Supreme.
GBH Music
More Culture Programs
-
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 -
Episode 21, Season 10<br> Imagine Van Gogh, Tracy K. Smith, and more
Imagine Van Gogh, Annabelle Mauger & Julien Baron, and more| 26:46 -
"Lulu's Back In Town"
Gavin Creel performs "Lulu's (Someone's) Back In Town."
