Portland Youth Philharmonic: Conversation with the Conductor- Historic Horn Recordings

Portland Youth Philharmonic Musical Director David Hattner will host a special evening devoted to the art of horn playing, featuring historic recordings and a panel discussion with three distinguished musicians: Roger Kaza, Richard Todd, and Lawrence Johnson.

The evening will take the form of a musical listening experiment. Hattner will play a selection of historic horn recordings for the panelists without revealing the identities of the performers. Following each selection, the panelists will share their impressions, discuss the musical and technical characteristics of the performance, and offer insights from their own experiences as orchestral musicians, soloists, and teachers. Only after the discussion will the identity of the recorded artist be revealed.

The program offers a rare opportunity to hear three accomplished horn players respond spontaneously to performances from the instrument’s recorded history. Their differing backgrounds and experiences promise a lively and illuminating conversation about interpretation, style, sound, and the traditions of horn playing.