As Director of Music and Programming at All Classical Radio, it is my special privilege to interview some of the world’s most talented and dynamic artists. I’ve featured conversations with the likes of pianist Marc-André Hamelin, composer Christopher Tin, and actor and conductor John Malkovich, among many others. Often these conversations revolve around a new album, but sometimes an opportunity presents itself that I can’t pass up! I love sharing my discoveries with you in my reviews and interviews, and I hope you enjoy getting to know the voices shaping classical music today, and tomorrow.
John Pitman’s recent posts:
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Introducing violinist Itamar Zorman
Until now, all of the “audio blogs” that I’ve posted have been either about CDs by established artists and ensembles, or interviews with established musicians on their latest recording. In this case, it’s a review of a new CD, and an introduction of a bright new talent on the classical music scene: Itamar Zorman. Born…
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A Lotta Scarlatti
Domenico Scarlatti was one of three major Baroque composers all born in 1685 (Handel and Bach being the others). Scarlatti and Handel became friends after an amicable competition was held in Rome when both were 23. Later, Scarlatti left Rome for Lisbon to educate the princess in keyboard performance. Apart from a brief return to…
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Pitman Review: The Marriage of Figaro
Russia is not the first place many people think of as a source for Mozart operas. While not unheard of, Mozart is more associated with western Europe. This may be changing, thanks to a dynamic and driven conductor named Teodor Currentzis, founder of an orchestra and chorus named Musicaeterna. Currentzis has embarked on a remarkable…
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American Anthem
Adagio for Strings is one of the best-known works by Samuel Barber. It’s arguably one of the most famous pieces of American classical music ever. It’s less-well known as its original use: the slow movement to his string quartet. A recent CD by the Ying Quartet makes the Barber quartet the launch point for a…
Your Host
John Pitman
I am a native Portlander who grew up in a household filled with classical music. My career in classical music radio and the history of All Classical are identical, as I have been a part of this organization since the summer of 1983. So, you could say that All Classical Radio and I have grown up together! So much has changed, and I’ve been witness to – and a part of – so much growth at this amazing, unique classical music radio station.
When not at work, I might be found trying to tame the plants and trees that grow so well in this Pacific Northwest climate, attending concerts, taking road trips with my wife, reading, watching films, or trying out some new recipe in the kitchen.
John Pitman is All Classical Radio’s host Sundays from 3:00 PM PT to 6:00 PM PT, and Saturdays from 3:00 PM PT to 9:00 PM PT, which includes his weekly Saturday evening series, The Concert Hall.
