Select Interviews

I had the pleasure of conducting a brief interview with Cardinal Egan in the summer of 2002, while covering the 2002 International Keyboard Institute & Festival for the WFMT Fine Arts Network.  Then-Music Director Johannes Somary led a concert at St. Patrick's cathedral and this clip reflects the departed Cardinal's view of music as a sacred experience.

Edward Cardinal Egan On Music

In 2006, I had the privilege of interviewing the singular John Williams, who was conducting the New York Philharmonic in a program of his own music, along with that of his friend and mentor Bernard Herrmann for a gala evening.  We talked about his relationship with Herrmann as well as his workflow and the notion of multimedia concerts.  With all of the excitement about Star Wars right now, this seemed like  perfect time to revisit this material.  Enjoy!

Mark Travis interviews John Williams

It was announced on 1/27/2016 that Mr. van Zweden would succeed Alan Gilbert as Music Director of the New York Philharmonic.  

On April 12, 2012, I met with Jaap van Zweden, who was in town to make his New York Philharmonic debut.  He was joined by Yuja Wang for a performance of Prokofiev's Third Piano Concerto and he also conducted a very memorable Symphony No. 1 by Mahler.  During the course of our conversation, we spoke about the difference between life as a concertmaster and life as a Music Director.  He also shared some experiences from his early life, the thoughts behind his programming and he also talked a lot about his conducting philosophy.

Jaap van Zweden with Mark Travis

This was my final interview with Maestro Lorin Maazel (1930-2014), while he was still Music Director of the New York Philharmonic.  We talked a great deal about his early years in music as well as his philosophy of life, music, and art.  Much of this conversation formed the basis for my award-winning tribute to him, which can be heard here:
https://soundcloud.com/newyorkphilharmonic/a-new-york-philharmonic-tribute-to-lorin-maazel?in=markstephantravis/sets/tributes-to-former-nyp-music

Interview with Lorin Maazel from June, 2009

I've had the pleasure of interviewing Mo. Robertson several times over the years and it is always a joy.  He is intensely curious and conversant about so very many things, from science and literature to gadgets, pop-culture, and good coffee.  Here, we spoke about two weeks of programs he was leading at the New York Philharmonic in May, 2008.  The repertoire we discuss includes Schubert's Unfinished Symphony, the Schubert-Berio piece, Rendering, Sibelius's Symphony No. 1, the Korngold Violin Concerto and an orchestration of Debussy's Etudes.  The piece was recorded via ISDN on 5/27/2008. 

Interview with Conductor David Robertson, 2008

I've have the privilege of speaking with Ms. Voigt several times and she has seemingly always rewarded those who do their homework with terrific insights and very complete and thoughtful answers.   This is a short conversation we had in between rehearsals for a program of Strauss Lieder she was singing with the New York Philharmonic during the 2006/07 season.

Interview with Soprano Deborah Voigt, 2007

Mark Travis has been a leader in the music industry as a writer, producer, broadcaster, lecturer, and audio engineer for more than two decades.  He currently serves as the Director of Media Production for the New York Philharmonic and has produced the orchestra's broadcasts since 2003.  You can learn more about the award-winning producer here: https://www.marktravisproducer.com/about

Interview with Soprano Deborah Voigt, 2007

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