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Singers perform the Olympic Games' theme song. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images)When Music Takes the Olympic Stage
Music has a big role in China's extravagant packaging of the Beijing Olympics. On today's show, China-based music writer Ken Smith talks about the opening ceremony, and about the complex dance between the music industry, the Olympic organizers, and the Chinese government. And composer Zhiyi Wang joins us from Beijing to talk about the music he wrote for the opening ceremony. Later on the show: The East Village Opera Company could best be described as a cross between Freddy Mercury and George Frederic Handel. The rock band/opera troupe has a new album, "Olde School," which we sample today.
Listen to Soundcheck's 2007 interview with soul singer Isaac Hayes, who died Sunday at age 65.
Olympian Musical Feats
The Olympic Games are the biggest sports and entertainment event on the planet and the music industry is eager to capitalize. Today, China-based music writer Ken Smith talks about the secrecy surrounding the opening ceremony, and about the complex dance between the music industry, the Olympic organizers, and the Chinese government.
Our blog: John Schaefer on keeping an open mind for the opening ceremonies
On your marks, get set, compose!
A big public event requires a big fanfare. Composer Zhiyi Wang provided just that for the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics on Friday. Today, the 27-year-old graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and University of Louisville joins us to talk about how he got the gig, and how he wrote music to be played in such a large forum.
From Handel to Headbangers
The East Village Opera Company accomplishes what seems like a really bad idea on paper: taking some of the most recognizable arias by Wagner, Handel, Verdi, Puccini and others and re-imagining them as epic rock songs. But somehow it works. Today, the group’s creators, Peter Kiesewalter and Tyley Ross, share their latest album, "Olde School."
Remembering Isaac Hayes
Songwriter, musician and actor Isaac Hayes died Sunday at age 65. We look back at the man who shaped the Memphis soul sound, gave us the theme to "Shaft," and portrayed a cartoon chef on "South Park." And, listen to Soundcheck's 2007 interview with Hayes.
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See Tori Amos Live!
Join us Tuesday, Dec. 9 at The Greene Space
Singer and pianist Tori Amos joins us to talk about reworking and reinventing seasonal carols on her new holiday album. And, she performs for a live audience in The Greene Space! Click the link for ticket info.
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