Music for Life

Hosted by Ryan Malone

Music for Life is a music-appreciation and music-history based program that explores the purpose and value of music to humanity’s enrichment. Hosted by Ryan Malone, it features interviews with artists performing at the Armstrong Auditorium sponsored by the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation.

#131: A Number-One Concerto

Aired Monday, February 18, 2019   ·   04:00 PM CST   ·   52 minutes

In this episode, we explore Tchaikovsky’s famous first piano concerto, in the lead-up to its performance at Armstrong Auditorium, by pianist Song Siheng and the Shanghai Opera Symphony Orchestra, Sunday February 24.

#130: Symphonic Rach

Aired Monday, February 11, 2019   ·   04:00 PM CST   ·   56 minutes

In this episode, we explore the triumphant second symphony by Sergei Rachmaninoff — and why it was such a triumph for the composer — in the lead-up to its performance on February 24 at Armstrong Auditorium by the Shanghai Opera Symphony Orchestra.

#129: Benny and Utter Bliss

Aired Monday, February 4, 2019   ·   04:00 PM CST   ·   54 minutes

n this episode, we explore the Julian Bliss Septet in the lead-up to their performance at Armstrong Auditorium Thursday February 14 — which will be a tribute the King of Swing Benny Goodman. We also have an exclusive interview with Julian Bliss himself, about his background, his band, and what excites him most about this upcoming performance.

#128: Tchaikovsky’s Lake of Swans

Aired Monday, January 21, 2019   ·   04:00 PM CST   ·   56 minutes

In this episode, we explore Tchaikovsky’s most famous ballet, Swan Lake, in the lead up to its performance by the Russian National Ballet at Armstrong Auditorium on January 29.

#127: Real Men Sing

Aired Monday, December 24, 2018   ·   04:00 PM CST   ·   56 minutes

In this episode, we explore the art of singing as a legitimate activity (and even career) for men—as supported by the biblical record. To accompany the discussion, we will sample great examples of male ensemble singing from standard music history.

#126: New Book on Music’s Importance

Aired Monday, December 17, 2018   ·   04:00 PM CST   ·   55 minutes

In this episode, host Ryan Malone gives an overview of his new booklet, How God Values Music, which explores music’s importance through history, its inspiring future, plus its impact in our lives and how it connects us with the eternal.

#125: Concerti, Cantatas And A Collegium

Aired Monday, November 26, 2018   ·   04:00 PM CST   ·   55 minutes

#124: Bach In Japan?

Aired Monday, November 19, 2018   ·   04:00 PM CST   ·   56 minutes

In this episode, we explore some of the exquisite instrumental repertoire that the Bach Collegium Japan will be performing at Armstrong Auditorium on December 4–masterpieces from Bach, Marcello and Telemann.

#123: The Oldest Youngest Choir Ever

Aired Monday, November 12, 2018   ·   04:00 PM CST   ·   53 minutes

In this episode, we explore the world-famous Vienna Boys Choir—an institution over half-a-millennium old—in the lead-up to its performance at Armstrong Auditorium on Tuesday November 20. We also have an exclusive interview with two members from the institution: its historian plus its conductor for this North American tour.

#122: Felix’s Fiddle and Anne Akiko Meyers Spotlight

Aired Monday, October 29, 2018   ·   04:00 PM CDT   ·   54 minutes

In this episode, we explore Felix Mendelssohn’s beloved violin concerto — in the lead-up to its performance at Armstrong Auditorium November 1, by violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and the Mozart Orchestra of New York under Gerard Schwarz. We also spotlight these artists and have an exclusive interview with Ms. Meyers.