Soundcheck

Eurovision Song Contest

Pop Contests and European Politics

Thursday, April 19, 2007

The Eurovision Song Contest is like American Idol for Europeans - an annual battle of nations for pop supremacy. Today, we hear how a cheesy pop contest could also shape geopolitics. Also: the WNYC Young People's Radio Chorus joins us to share their latest batch of cutting-edge commissioned works. We talk to two of those composers, Meredith Monk and Michael Gordon. And finally, filmmaker Bill Morrison talks about his work with the New York Filmmakers Collaborative.

Listen to the whole show

Bulgarian Idol

THE Eurovision Song Contest, obscure in the United States but famous around the world for its kitsch nostalgia, flamboyant glamour and garrish costumes, it's the byword for cheesy pop. Find out why millions of Europeans love it, and what it means for politics as culture writer Elisabeth Vincentelli joins us.

Monk, Rorem and Teens

Composers Meredith Monk and Michael Gordon share their new works for the WNYC Young People's Radio Chorus. The chorus presents their work in their annual "Transient Glory" concert, featuring commissions by some of today's leading composers.

More about the Young People's Chorus

Bill Morrison

The Film-Makers' Cooperative is the largest archive and distributor of independent and avant-garde films in the world. It's also developed long-standing relationships with composers like Michael Gordon, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and others. We hear about it's latest activities with filmmaker Bill Morrison.

he Film-Makers' Cooperative Web site