Mike Rinzel

Mike Rinzel is WQXR's Senior Director of Digital Content and oversees digital content for wqxr.org, mobile app and social media.

Prior to joining WQXR in 2011, he served as Senior Director of Digital Programming and Production at MTV Networks where he  developed the digital strategy for VH1’s slate of TV series programming. Prior to VH1, Rinzel directed the digital team at Fuse, a music TV cable channel. Outside of the cable TV business, Rinzel was Senior Account Manager at interactive agency Sudden Industries, and was also a pioneer in streaming media at Pseudo.com in downtown New York City where he produced and hosted several internet radio and TV shows during the explosion of New York’s “Silicon Alley” in the 1990s.

Rinzel holds a BA in History from the University of Rochester where he was also able to study symphonic percussion at the Eastman School of Music. He is a songwriter in his spare time and performs occasionally in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Mike Rinzel appears in the following:

Recap: The 'Game of Thrones' Live Concert Experience

Thursday, March 09, 2017

The ‘Game of Thrones’ television show on HBO has no shortage of epic moments. So it was to be expected that the live concert experience would be epic, too. 
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'Genius' Superbowl Ad Features Einstein and Classical Lady Gaga

Sunday, February 05, 2017

We waited for it like we do every year, wondering if the creative agencies behind the Superbowl ads will find a way to reference classical music. We were not left waiting.
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Watch: Yuja Wang's Mozart Encore That Everyone Is Sharing

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Yuja Wang just took apart and rebuilt Mozart's Rondo alla Turca in a truly unusual way and so we had to share it with you.
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Watch: Child Prodigy's Delightful 'Night Before Christmas' Composition

Monday, November 28, 2016

Watch this Christmas composition performed by child prodigy Alma Deutscher, whose original opera Cinderella debuts in December.
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This Choral Rendition of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' is What We Need Right Now

Friday, November 11, 2016

Leonard Cohen, the Canadian singer-songwriter has died at age 82. See his most famous song, "Hallelujah," performed by Rufus Wainwright and a choir of 1,500 people.
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Classical Music Can De-Stress Your Life (and Your Horse)

Wednesday, November 09, 2016

Studies show that classical music can be good for your health. And if you are a horse owner, your steed could benefit from listening to classical music as much as you do. 
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When Donald Trump Analyzed Composer Steve Reich (And Failed)

Monday, November 07, 2016

It appears that at least one of the two candidates has waded into the history of contemporary classical music without the proper facts on hand.
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Cleveland Orchestra Strings Play Anthem at Series Finale

Thursday, November 03, 2016

While the Cleveland Indians did not prevail over the Cubs in the World Series finale, the city pulled out all the stops to make the contest a classy one. Watch the video.
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Met Cancels Performances After Someone Sprinkles Suspicious Powder on Orchestra

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Police say that the powder substance spread into the Met's orchestra pit Saturday, which halted "Guillaume Tell," may have been the ashes of an opera lover.
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4 Classically Creepy Covers of the 'Halloween' Movie Theme

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

John Carpenter's classic horror film "Halloween" and its soundtrack, which he composed, might be the scariest of all time. Here are some fun covers of the main theme. Boo!
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Watch the 'Lord' of Classical Piano Mash-ups and Video Game Renditions

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

You have to watch the ambidextrous piano skills of Lord Vinheteiro as he mashes up the classical greats and chases that fun with a some real-time Mario Bros. musical accompaniment. 
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Watch: Chicago Cubs Get Symphonic Level Support

Monday, October 17, 2016

Watch the Chicago Symphony play a special symphonic rendition of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" to support the Cubs in their World Series quest.
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Gabriel Kahane and The Knights Perform Dylan's 'The Times They Are A-Changin'

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday. Hear The Knights and Gabe Kahane perform a classical arrangement of one his songs in Central Park.
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R.E.M.'s Mike Mills Drops 'Joyful' Rock & Classical Concerto

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Former R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills was asked by his childhood friend and classical violinist Robert McDuffie to compose a concerto for classical and rock musicians. He did just that.
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Hear Peter Allen's Historic 1958 Broadcast of Van Cliburn from Carnegie Hall

Monday, October 10, 2016

Former WQXR and Met Opera radio announcer Peter Allen died on Saturday. He was 96. We remember him with his famous broadcast of Van Cliburn's 1958 radio debut from Carnegie Hall.
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Preview: The 'Game of Thrones' Live Concert is Coming

Sunday, October 09, 2016

For fans of "Game of Thrones," this live concert experience is looking as epic as the show. The multimedia concert tour, led by the show's composer Ramin Djawadi, begins in February.
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Watch: Young Classical Pianist Performs Epic Drake Medley

Thursday, September 22, 2016

YouTuber Young Piano transposes 25 songs from hip-hop artist Drake into one epic 18-minute single take medley video.
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Top 10 Bach Guitar Shreds: 2014 Edition

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Bachstock would not be complete without a list of the ten best Bach guitar shreds. The world's most prolific composer lives through the fingers of electric guitar aficionados.

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Beethoven Goes To Hollywood

Friday, November 02, 2012

It's easy to imagine that, had he been alive in contemporary times, Beethoven's greatness might have transcended the musical score and onto the big screen. Enter our giveaway.

Glenn Gould's Five Most-Watched YouTube Videos

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Glenn Gould, with his longstanding relationship with the Canadian Broadcasting Company and interest in recording technology, is well-represented on YouTube today.

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