Soundcheck

Still from "West Side Story"

Real Jets and Sharks

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

The musical "West Side Story" is turning 50 this year. Today on Soundcheck, find out how this stage and screen classic is finding new life in gang outreach projects and even a production at Sing Sing maximum security prison. Plus: The members of The Parker String Quartet feel equally at home playing to plush concert halls or dive bars. They find some middle ground inside our studio. And, learn more about the New York Philharmonic's next music director.

Listen to the whole show

Philharmonic Picks New Music Director

Alan Gilbert will be the next music director of the New York Philharmonic. The 40-year-old son of two Philharmonic musicians, Gilbert is a native New Yorker, a rarity in the position during the orchestra's 165-year history. We talk about the decision with Justin Davidson, classical music and architecture critic for Newsday.

New York Philharmonic website

Another Side of 'West Side Story'

We debate the use of music and the arts as a tool for social change with Katherine Vockins of Rehabilitation Through the Arts; Elizabeth Wollman, professor of musical theater and popular music at Baruch College; and Roxie Torres, a 16-year-old who participated in a youth-violence prevention project.

Rehabilitation Through the Arts

Classical ... Yet Flexible

The Parker String Quartet performs classical works in some unexpected places. This summer the group begins a residency at Park Slope club Barbès, and they join us before an appearance at the Caramoor Festival in Upstate New York.

The Parker String Quartet website