Transitions

The Rochester Oratorio Society announced a commission this week in celebration of the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and other milestones.  The ROS will commission composer Glenn McClure to write a piece including texts, instruments and musical resources from Ghana, West Africa, and Western New York. “The Emancipation Oratorio” (that’s the working title) will be about half an hour long, and after the June 2013 world premiere in Rochester, the chorus plans an East Coast tour in July of 2013. Read more here.

Also this week, historic recording site Pristine Classical predicted the end of the CD,  and Ira Glass, host of This American Life, got angry over a question about the future of radio. “Who cares?” he said.  Read more.

Speaking of radio, long-time WXXI fans will remember classical radio host Mordecai Lipshutz. Following a health crisis last month in which we thought we would lose him, he’s rallied and is returning home as of November 11^th.  If you’d like to send a card or have any desire to help (he won’t be able to drive for a year, he says) please e-mail classical@wxxi.org with “Mordecai” in the subject line. Thank you!

It’s been a time of transition for RPO principal pops conductor Jeff Tyzik, who became a first-time grandparent. He writes on his facebook page, “Jill and I are thrilled to have our first grandchild: Jemma Evelyn Greenberg born on 10/22/11.”  Congratulations!

 Finally, we've been thrilled to have Mona Seghatoleslami (pronounced "seh-gah-tole-ah-SLAH-mee") with us at WXXI for a few weeks.  Click here to find out more about her.  You'll hear our new afternoon announcer, who’s replacing Chris Van Hof, in her regular slot Monday November 14^th at 2 p.m.  Welcome, Mona!