This episode of The Stereo Image features world-renowned pianist Olga Kern discussing her musical upbringing, life on tour, and teaching at the Manhattan School of Music.

Olga shares stories about winning major competitions, her family’s musical lineage, a vivid dream of Rachmaninoff, and why studying a composer’s life matters. She also talks about the power of live performance and her upcoming concert schedule.

Host Mike talks with composer Jeff Beal about his wide-ranging career — from jazz trumpet and early breakthrough with Pollock to TV and film work like House of Cards and Monk. They discuss Beal’s current projects, including his piano etudes, a new choral work premiered by the LA Master Chorale, a Rod Serling documentary score, and his upcoming world premiere of a new score for Fritz Lang’s Metropolis.

The conversation also explores Beal’s creative process, the influence of jazz, his move back to New York, how the pandemic reshaped his priorities, and his experience living with multiple sclerosis — with music playing a central role in both his artistry and wellness.

Learn more about Jeff:

Jeff Beal.com

Jeff on YouTube

This week we are so excited to have the phenomenal conductor, Leonard Slatkin! Leonard is an icon of the classical music world but he grew up surrounded by jazz giants and Hollywood legends. Not many people can say that Frank Sinatra tucked him in as a child!

This episode marks 1 year of The Stereo Image! To celebrate, we recorded this in person at Mike's Las Vegas home.

Learn more about Leonard:

Leonard Slatkin.com

Las Vegas Philharmonic

Nashville Symphony

Leonard Slatkin on YouTube