A Berlin orchestra for American music
mainFrom the Houston Chronicle:
Keast, who’s originally from Houston and is now based in Berlin, has since become a sought-out guest conductor …The pandemic hasn’t slowed him down much, either. When most of his 2020 performances were cancelled, Keast decided to immerse himself into a longtime passion: music from his homeland.
With the help of Rosie Salvucci, another Berlin-based classical musician originally from Texas, Keast founded the Berlin Academy of American Music, a chamber orchestra focused on American repertoire. The initiative features some well-known talent in Europe’s classical music circles and has already recorded its first CD, which is scheduled to be released in October.
More here.
A great idea. Bravo to him!
Wonderful story. Best of luck to Garrett Keast and to the Academy!
Isn’t it odd that American music is accepted abroad but I cannot count the times my local classical radio station plays American music from non American orchestras.
It’s recorded by non-American orchestras because of the extremely high rates for making union (A.F.M.) recordings in the USA.
we can surely perform more American music on both sides of the Atlantic. There are some popular works stateside that aren’t even known in Europe and vice versa of course. Also, it’s true that American orchestras have priced themselves out of lots of the recording business. Well, it’s not much of a business anymore but it’s still important to record! 😉