This is a short compilation of some of my favorite program intros that I produced between 2002 and 2006, while serving as a writer and producer for the WFMT Radio Network in Chicago.  

Broadcast Intros

When funding was lost for the Lyric Opera of Chicago broadcasts in the early 2000s, I was called upon to create a "place-holder" series until and if they returned to the airwaves (which, of course, they did.)  Dubbed, OperaStage, this series was populated with recording obtained via the EBU's program-share and my relationships with select artists, administrators, and opera companies.  The crown jewel in this series was the North-American broadcast premiere of Lorin Maazel's first and only opera, 1984.  I was fortunate to have relatively easy access to Mo. Maazel through my work at the New York Philharmonic and with terrific cooperation from London-based producer Jon Tolansky and the Royal Opera House, we were able to put together as very complete summary of the project as a prelude to the broadcast.  Peter Van de Graaff is the host.    

Pre-Concert intro to 1984 by Lorin Maazel

After getting my first chance to record the New York Philharmonic in 2005, I got my second opportunity to do so almost exactly a year later, in December, 2006.  It was a split week, during which half the orchestra played Messiah up at Riverside Church.  I was engaged to hold down the fort at Avery Fisher Hall, where I had the pleasure of recording Bernard Labadie in works by Bach, Corelli, and Handel.  This a short excerpt from Corelli's "Christmas" concerto.  

Sample Recording: Corelli

In 2003, I was invited for the second time to travel to the Upper West Side of Manhattan (from Chicago)to cover the International Keyboard Institute & Festival at Mannes College .  As before, my charge was to produce a broadcast series of 2-hour broadcasts.  I was particularly excited at the prospect of meeting the "High Priestess of Bach," Rosalyn Tureck...but she withdrew from the festival due to illness.  A moving was tribute was staged in her honor in place of her recital appointment and as fate would have it, she passed away in Riverdale just as the tribute was wrapping up.  I seized the opportunity to produce an audio documentary later that year and I must offer sincere thanks to all those who supported this effort--notably Sharon Isbin, Jerome Rose, and Foster Grimm.  This is the intro sequence. 

Intro to Rosalyn Tureck-A Tribute in Words & Music

In June, 2004, I was sent to Israel to produce four English-language broadcasts for the Jerusalem Symphony.  I wanted to tell as complete a story as possible not only about the music that was being performed, but about the orchestra, its history, and its players.  Music Director Leon Botstein was very generous with his time to help anchor these broadcasts and I remain deeply beholden to the glowing hospitality I received from the orchestra and the musicians.  

Intro to The Jerusalem Symphony (2004)

To mark the centenary of Dmitri Shostakovich in 2006, I was engaged to produce a live broadcast featuring the New York Philharmonic performing the composer's Fifth Symphony and the first Cello Concerto with Lynn Harrell as soloists.  I asked Mr. Harrell to please illustrate some excerpts on his instrument during my interview with him and was able to open the live show with this sequence.  I know some of my colleagues were nervous about the timing, but I'm glad I went with my instincts and rolled with it.    

Lynn Harrell introduces the Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 1

This sequence introduced an episode of The New York Philharmonic This Week during its inaugural season.  You'll hear the voices of Zarin Mehta--then President & Executive director of the orchestra, Lorin Maazel, who was Music Director at the time composer Augusta Reed Thomas, and soprano Heidi Grant Murphy.  I like that the story is nearly complete before the announcer enters.    

Intro to World Premiere of Gathering Paradise

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

Broadcast Intros

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