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 Person
GBH 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
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Open Studio: Indigenous Artist Rose B. Simpson makes her mark at the ICA
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The November Drop: A month stuffed like a turkey with Brahms to Bram Stoker
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GBH Music
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Maria Callas' "Vissi d'Arte"
Watch Maria Callas' stellar performance of the heartwrenching aria "Vissi d'Arte."| 2:11 -
Episode 23, Season 9<br> "Monet and Boston," Artist Dave Cole, and more
"Monet and Boston," Artist Dave Cole, and more| 26:46 -
Episode 2, Season 2<br> Why Puerto Rican Bomba Music Is Resistance
We break down the musical and cultural elements that make bomba, bomba.| 10:57 -
Episode 3, Season 2<br> Why Is Jersey Club Music Everywhere?
Recently, this sound has gone viral online across YouTube, Instagram, and Tik Tok.| 15:47