Elizabeth and Nicole talk high-brow music in humble places, curating thought-provoking recital experiences, and shirking traditional “responsibilities” attached to the repertoire canon. What makes a concert interesting? What are the performer’s responsibilities to the audience? And how does this translate into pedagogy? Deep thoughts to kick off 2026 with Music Crush (and listen to the end for an update on Lake Bacon)!

Flutist-composer Kyrese Washington won FNMC’s 2025 composition competition in the flute and piano category.Today they explain how their winning composition, “Poem” came to life and how their compositional persona really blossomed during the pandemic, despite improvising and composing for fun from an early age. There are some grateful shout-outs to mentors Tim Hagen and Valerie Coleman, and a fascinating review of their commission from Katherine Needleman. Keep listening for some very fun musical suggestions and video ideas!

https://colemanpagemusic.com/composer/kyrese-washington/

Bjork, Post

Charlie XCX, Brat

Chaka Kahn, “Tearing It Up”

Today’s episode features an awe-inspiring conversation with harpist, arts administrator, and new music advocate Elizabeth Huston. As the Executive Director of the L.A.-based composer collective, Synchrony, she has been involved in commissioning, producing, and educating numerous composers over the years. She tells us how she creates an engaging show, describes the process by which composers get paid for their music, and gives performers some practical tips for getting to know your composers and their works for a more meaningful collaboration. Stick around for the contemporary harp music primer at the end!

https://elizabethharpist.com/

R. Murray Schafer, Crown of Ariadne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRAV0kXvy5M

Caroline Lizotte, Suite Galactique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgIgOTgMCpk

Jan Krzywicki, Starscape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8zdeK_tx_0