The Muse Podcast
The Greek muse Calliope - the goddess of epic poetry and music - inspired writers, artists and craftsmen. This podcast pays tribute to her legacy through interviews with renowned artists, unlocking their thoughts, insights, and reflections about their life’s work in the arts. THE MUSE is hosted by Cally (Calliope) Jamis Vennare.
The Muse Team includes Lillie Leonardi (Producer), Cally Jamis Vennare (Creative Content Producer), Sabry Mohieldin (Tech Producer) and Passages & Prose (Sponsor). Music is provided by pianist & composer George Skaroulis.
The Singer Muse.
I've known Cheryl Bentyne - singer, superstar and member of The Manhattan Transfer - for many years and was delighted when she agreed to be my very first guest on my new podcast, "The Muse."
Don't miss the launch of my podcast with this special episode, entitled "The Singer Muse," featuring my conversation with Cheryl about her music, her life, her inspirations and her own muse/s.
The Conductor Muse.
Next up on "The Muse," I have the great honor of speaking with multi- GRAMMY Award-winning Maestra JoAnn Falletta - one of the most celebrated women conductors of our time. Our conversation explores her musical beginnings, her deep passion for working with the next generation of classical musicians, her inspired journey through the pandemic, and her musings about her upcoming travels around the United States and abroad.
The Broadway Muse.
When I first heard Lisa Vroman, I was immediately transfixed by her exquisite voice and elegant yet commanding stage presence. From Broadway (most notably as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera and Fantine and Cosette in Les Miserables) to classics, on stage and in concert, Lisa has established herself as one of America’s most versatile voices. Our passion for music brought us together, but our friendship was truly cemented by a shared love of vintage fashion and travel adventures, including the stunning waterfalls throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina.
The Musician Muse.
Mike Guggino began playing the mandolin when he was in college studying history and music, eventually helping to form the GRAMMY Award-winning bluegrass group, Steep Canyon Rangers (SCR).
I had the great pleasure of meeting Mike during my very first SCR concert…and the distinct privilege of taking music lessons from this mandolin virtuoso. Although my mandolin skills have faltered over the years, our friendship has not. He is still as gracious as ever in sharing his wisdom: about who and what influenced his musical passions, about the life of a working musician, about lessons learned throughout the pandemic, and about the influence of his Italian grandfather on his newest instrumental recording, Mia Dolce Farfalla, with SCR colleague Barrett Smith.
The Opera Singer Muse.
More than three decades have passed since I first met bass-baritone David Pittsinger. It was the late 1980’s. I was fresh out of graduate school, making my mark as director of public relations for Pittsburgh Opera. David was an emerging young artist who had captured the attention of our charismatic general director, Tito Capobianco. Little did I know that he would not only become renowned as a stage performer of great distinction for his work in the world’s major opera houses, but also gain notoriety for his portrayal of Emile de Becque on Broadway at Lincoln Center Theatre and on tour throughout the U.S. Nor could I imagine that, almost 25 years after our first meeting, I would help produce the world premiere of Scott Eyerly’s Arlington Sons with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, an exquisite musical arrangement composed for David and his son Richard. Time stands still as we recapture some fond moments from our careers and our collaborations…and look to the future with optimism and gratitude.