Richardson Symphony Orchestra - Portraits in Music

Maestro Clay Couturiaux previews the Richardson Symphony Orchestra's 65th season with podcast producer Ross Sivertsen, Laurie Garvie, and Olivia Hughes — from opening night's Prokofiev & Brahms to a season finale of Shostakovich & Mahler. Along the way: an all–John Williams pops night, Grand Canyon Country with panoramic imagery, and why Beethoven was the rock star who broke his own rules.

A joyful roundtable on Symphony Days, where young students, teachers, and RSO musicians share how live orchestral music sparks curiosity, connection, and future dreams.

In Episode 605 of Portraits in Music, the RSO welcomes students, educators, RSO bassoonist Leslie Massenburg, and Executive Director Laurie Garvie for a lively conversation about Symphony Days. From classroom musician visits and favorite instruments to memorable concert moments and the magic of hearing an orchestra live, this episode celebrates how music education can inspire the next generation.

Join this episode of Portraits in Music with Maestro Clay Couturiaux, Executive Director and President Laurie Garvie, and producer Ross Sivertsen as they welcome pianist Jon Kimura Parker for a lively, behind‑the‑scenes look at the RSO’s season‑finale concert.

Join Maestro Clay Couturiaux and Ross Sivertsen as they sit down with Rachel Potter and Patrick Thomas to explore their decade-long touring show, “The Legends of Country,” ahead of the February 7th concert with the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. Hear how they fell in love with music, built careers from Broadway to Nashville, and now bring iconic country classics to life alongside a full symphony orchestra. 

This episode highlights the Richardson Symphony’s commitment to education and community engagement—why service is core to our mission, how programs reach students and families, and what it takes to sustain access to live music. We close with an invitation to Sunset Serenade on October 19, 2025 at The University of Texas at Dallas, a free community concert for everyone.

Key takeaways:

• Community is central to the orchestra’s purpose and programming.
• Education initiatives create access points for students and families.
• Community concerts remove barriers and build belonging.
• Donors and volunteers directly expand the reach and impact of these programs.
• Sunset Serenade (Oct 19, 2025, UT Dallas) is a free concert open to all.

Resources and links:

• Support our programs: https://richardsonsymphony.org/donate/
• Event: Sunset Serenade — Oct 19, 2025 at The University of Texas at Dallas (free community concert)

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend, leave a rating, and consider supporting our programs at the link above.

Shanna Morin is the new co-host of the RSO “Portraits in Music” podcast. As the RSO Director of Audience Development, Shanna injects energy, warmth, and curiosity into conversations with Maestro Clay Couturiaux and special guests. Seasoned concertgoers and newcomers alike are invited into the vibrant world of live orchestral music.

 

Join Maestro Clay Couturiaux and producer Ross Sivertsen as we welcome the newest member of the RSO team, Director of Audience Development, Shanna Morin. We discuss the RSO "Stars of the Future" concert on March 1st, showcasing the incredible talent of Daria Podorozhnova, winner of the 2025 Ann & Charles Eisemann International Young Artist Competition. 

Join Executive Director Laurie Garvie, Maestro Clay Couturiaux, and producer Ross Sivertsen as we chat with Stockton Helbing about the RSO Holiday Classics Concert on December 7th. We dive into the vibrant world of live performance and the unique experience it offers. We also explore the irreplaceable magic of live music in an age dominated by digital recordings and the joy of discovering music in unexpected places. 

In this episode, Maestro Clay Couturiaux, Executive Director Laurie Garvie and Producer Ross Sivertsen discuss the repertoire for the RSO 2024/2025 Season. Maestro Couturiaux also shares insights into how he programs a concert season.

In this episode of Portraits in Music, Maestro Clay Couturiaux, Executive Director Laurie Garvie and Producer Ross Sivertsen have a captivating conversation with Chris Farrell about his journey as an orchestral musician and composer. From his early days playing viola to his current role in the Nashville Symphony, Chris shares his experience and insights into the world of classical music. Discover how he found his passion for composing, his creative process, and the joys and challenges of working with musicians and orchestras.