We hope you enjoy these interviews with our commissioned composers and SDG directors. The most recent interviews appear first.
MacMillan, James
James MacMillan discusses his Alpha and Omega with Chandler Branch (former SDG President and CEO).
James MacMillan reflects on the rewards of being a composer.
James MacMillan speaks about his process of composing Alpha and Omega.
Nelson, John
Conductor John Nelson speaks with Stephen Wright about the "heart" of Beethoven's Missa Solemnis.
Greg Wheatley of Moody Radio interviews Maestro John Nelson prior to conducting Brahms' Requiem at Wheaton College's 150 Anniversary concert on November 20, 2010.
Audio courtesy of Moody Radio.
Kellogg, Daniel: O Greening Branch (premiered Nov 2010)
SDG Communications Manager Marcia Broucek speaks with Daniel Kellogg about the composition of O Greening Branch, commissioned for the 150th anniversary of Wheaton College.
Kellogg, Daniel: Preserve Me, O God (premiered Nov 2009)
This work, based on Psalm 16, is the first commission in the Psalms Project, a series of short choral pieces we are commissioning from leading composers based on the Psalms. In this interview SDG Associate Artistic Director Peter Bannister comments on the Psalms Project.
Audio courtesy of Greg Wheatley and Prime Time America, Moody Radio.
Bancks, Jacob: Mass for All Saints (premiered Sept 2009)
Soli Deo Gloria CEO Chandler Branch speaks with composer Jacob Bancks in advance of the world premiere of Mass for All Saints, commissioned by Soli Deo Gloria.
A conversation with Jacob Bancks (3:39)
The first in a series of interview segments with composer Jacob Bancks. Soli Deo Gloria CEO Chandler Branch speaks with the composer in advance of the world premiere of Mass for All Saints.
The conversation continues . . . (8:41)
The second in a series of interview segments with composer Jacob Bancks.
Final remarks on Mass for All Saints (4:51)
The last in a trilogy of interview segments with composer Jacob Bancks. Bancks remarks on highlights of the Mass, including roll call in his setting of the Litany of the Saints.
Bannister, Peter: Et Iterum Venturus Est (premiered Sept 2008)
Composer Peter Bannister speaks with Greg Wheatley, host of Moody Radio’s Prime Time America, about the creation and performance of Et iterum venturus est, an oratorio commissioned by Soli Deo Gloria and written in memory of Olivier Messiaen.
Bannister Interview - Part 1
Bannister Interview - Part 2
Audio courtesy of Moody Radio.
Peter Bannister on the creation of Et iterum venturus est (April 2009)
An interview with John Nelson, conducted by Carl Grapentine of WFMT, focused on SDG’s commission project with composer Peter Bannister, Et iterum venturus est (from the Nicene Creed, meaning “And he shall come again”).
Audio courtesy of WFMT.
Kellogg, Daniel: The Fiery Furnace (premiered April 2008)
Composer Daniel Kellogg on the emotion and spirit of The Fiery Furnace.
Kellogg on the experience of composing The Fiery Furnace.
Conductor Jahja Ling describes his initial impressions of The Fiery Furnace.
Ling describes the dramatic elements of The Fiery Furnace.
Prime Time America interview with Daniel Kellogg and Chandler Branch, March 2008 (part 1 of 2)
Interview with Daniel Kellogg and former SDG Executive Director Chandler Branch (part 2 of 2)
Daniel Kellogg and Chandler Branch Prime Time America interview courtesy of Moody Radio.
John Nelson (2008)
An interview with John Nelson, conducted by Carl Grapentine of WFMT, focused on SDG’s commission project with composer Peter Bannister, Et iterum venturus est (from the Nicene Creed, meaning “And he shall come again”).
Audio courtesy of Moody Radio and WFMT.
Rouse, Christopher: Requiem (premiered March 2007)
Soli Deo Gloria CEO Chandler Branch interviews Christopher Rouse in Los Angeles on the eve of the premiere performance of his choral/orchestral Requiem.
Los Angeles Master Chorale’s Music Director Grant Gershon reveals highlights from the score and discusses the work’s emotional potency.
Shohat, Gil: Songs of Bathsheba (premiered April 2005)
WFTM radio interview with Gil Shohat, April 2005
Gil Shohat radio interview courtesy of WFMT.
Kellogg, Daniel: Children of God (premiered March 2004)
Composer Daniel Kellogg comments on Children of God
Arasimowicz, George: Window Rock (premiered Dec 2000)
Interview with conductor John Nelson, who discusses the founding of SDG, SDG's first commission, D'vorah, by Paul Schoenfeld, and the commission of George Arasimowicz's Window Rock, a tone poem on the life of St. Peter. Arasimowicz describes his vision for the work. (15:58)
March/April 2000 interview courtesy of Mars Hill Audio.
