Sascha Groschang
HostSascha Groschang, cellist, has performed extensively across the United States and Asia. She has appeared at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall numerous times, and gave her solo debut recital at Carnegie Hall in 2009. She has been a soloist and lecturer at the Thailand International Composition Festival, performed for the King of Malaysia with the Kuala Lumpur International Festival Orchestra, and traveled all across China on two tours with the Mantovani Pops Orchestra. She has shared the stage with artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, The Eagles, Vince Gill, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Michael Bublé, Peter Gabriel, Josh Groban, Sarah Mclachlan, Idina Menzel, Amy Grant and her recording credits include NBC, Atlantic, and Rhino Records. Sascha is the cellist and co-composer of the alternative string duo, "The Wires", which explores a variety of non-traditional string techniques and styles through original compositions. The Wires have released three full length albums and their music is published by Mel Bay Publishing Co. In addition to co-hosting and curating "Sound Currents" on 91.9 ClassicalKC, Sascha is principal cellist of NewEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, dedicated to playing the works of living composers. In 2022, she joined the St. Petersburg String Quartet. Their accolades include a Grammy nomination, "Best Record" honors in both Stereo Review and Gramophone, a five-year residency at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and hundreds of concerts on many of North America, Europe and Asia's most prestigious series and festivals. Sascha lives in midtown Kansas City with her husband, four Persian cats and two daughters.
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Leandro Espinosa joins us on Sound Currents to talk about composing music for the Vatican, cultivating a sense for composition through different instruments and the significance of pursuing classical music in Mexico. -
newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. To honor this milestone, explore music from Kansas City composers — like guest AJ Harbson — in another episode of a series of shows highlighting artists with local connections. -
In commemoration of Earth Day, hear music inspired by trees, leaves, the beauty of nature, and the Greek Goddess of the Earth herself: Gaia. Plus, hear music that explores humans' impact on our planet. -
Explore the concept of new life and blooming on Sound Currents, as we explore music about flowers and plants with guest Keith Kirchoff. -
Not only is Stefan Freund's father a composer, but his daughter has also started writing music. Hear a piece of his featuring his daughter's poetry alongside music fit for spring on Sound Currents. -
Sascha and Laurel continue their Women's History Month celebration and go in depth with composer and librettist, Susan Kander. We'll explore the music and stories of this New York-based composer with Kansas City roots. -
We're continuing our ode to women and celebrating Women's History Month on Sound Currents with an episode about music and motherhood. Hear music and conversation with this week's guest: Stacey Barelos. -
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the most fiddle-y of holidays, hear music from the Fretless, a supergroup fiddle quartet. Hear fiddle tunes and folk melodies turned into intricate, beautiful, high-energy arrangements that have quickly gained a dedicated following and accolades from around the world. -
March is Women's History Month. Celebrate with Sound Currents, as we explore music by and inspired by women. -
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Eleanor Alberga is a highly-regarded mainstream British composer with commissions from the BBC Proms and The Royal Opera, Covent Garden. Her music reflects not only the human experience, but also particular milestones in her life. Listen to it on this week's Sound Currents.
