OFFBEAT - Changing the Record

CONVERSATION WITH MAXIM GERSHUNOFF

Air Date 23 April 2009

LISTEN TO PART 1 HERE

LISTEN TO PART 2 HERE

I came across Maxim Gershunoff's memoir, entitled "Its not all Song and Dance" about four years ago, completely by accident! I read it all in one go, because it was so absorbing, unpretentious, and yet had such a wealth of stories and annecdotes about some of my musical idols, but also of so many personalities in the world of music, theatre, film and dance. Maxim Gershunof was one of the most well known impressarios/managers and first, with the legendary Sol Hurok, and later, on his own, he managed some of the incredible artists of our time, particularly those from the Soviet Union such as Gilels and Rostropovich. He was also responsible for discovering a then unknown cellist, the young Yo Yo Ma.

Just as I came across Mr Gershunoff's memoir by accident, I also got the chance to talk to him in some depth, by accident. I was planning to do a radio special on the incredible soprano Marni Nixon (more on that later), and wanted to get in contact with her directly to sort out the same. I contacted her representation, and Mr Gershunoff replied back! I straightaway made the connection (its not a difficult name to remember, after all) and asked Mr Gershunoff if he would be willing to share some of his opinions, thoughts and stories with me on the program.

The result is astonishing - he is such a wonderful story teller, but most importantly, he is passionate about the arts, and about artists he truly believes in. When you hear the interview (though its probably closer to a conversation), you will see what I mean! And the most incredible thing of all is that he sounds so young (something I joked about on the program). Probably something to do with the fact that he has devoted his entire life to something he loves and is passionate about.

To anyone who has not read "Its not all song and dance" - read it! I rarely go on and on about books as I don't like telling people what to read and what not to, but this one is terrific, and so well written that you will probably read it all in one go as I did. I love the fact that Gershunoff is not just nostalgic about the "golden era" as it were, he is optimistic but also realistic enough to know that the future lies ahead, and there is no point simply being in the past.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Its-Not-All-Song-Dance/dp/0879103108/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238935262&sr=8-1

In Part 1 of the Leon Fleisher Special (Aired LIVE on Thursday 16 April 2009), Karishmeh introduces the legendary American pianist and shares a conversation which took place a few weeks earlier.

Following the conversation with Fleisher, his brand new recording of Mozart Concerti receives its Irish radio premiere, with the first movement of Concerto in A Major K488 rouning off part one.

BACK TO KARISHMEH'S WEBSITE

LEON FLEISHER RADIO SPECIAL Part 2

Karishmeh introduces and discusses the great pianist's finest recordings.

Air Date 16 April 2009

PLAYLIST

Ravel - Alborada del Gracioso from Mirroirs
Bach trans. Brahms - Chaconne from Partita for Solo Violin, arranged for Left Hand solo.
Mozart Concerto in A Major K488, Movement 2

JOHN WALSH, Dublin based Flamenco guitarist originally from Longford, talks to Karishmeh on OFFBEAT in advance of his performance at Musicians of the Future (www.musiciansofthefuture.com) at the John Field Room, National Concert Hall, Dublin.

Find out more about John Walsh - http://www.myspace.com/johnwalshguitar

The interview ends with Hilary Hahn's performance of Bach's Prelude from the Partita in E Major