My guest this week is performer, educator, and arts administrator, Joseph H. Conyers. Conyers was appointed assistant principal bassist of the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2010 and has been acting associate principal since 2017. Described by the Grand Rapids Press as “a lyrical musician who plays with authenticity that transcends mere technique,” Conyers has performed with numerous orchestras as soloist including the Alabama, Flagstaff, & Richmond Symphonies, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, and the Sphinx Symphony. As a chamber musician, Conyers is an artist of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Centerand has collaborated with artists that include James Ehnes, Daniel Hope, and members of the Emerson String Quartet.
Conyers is committed to education and community engagement through music. He is currently on the faculty of the Juilliard School (NY) and Temple University (PA). Conyers has taught at numerous summer music festivals and has given masterclasses and lectures across the country including Colburn School, Curtis Institute of Music, New England Conservatory, Yale University, and the Peabody Conservatory. Mr. Conyers is also the Founder and Executive Director of Project 440, an organization that uses music as a tool to engage, educate, and inspire young musicians – providing them with career and life skills to become tomorrow’s civic-minded, entrepreneurial leaders. Partners have included Carnegie Hall, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Curtis Institute of Music, the New York State Summer School of the Arts, and The Settlement Music School (PA).
The Question of the Week is, "How can classical musicians keep their passion alive?" Mr. Conyers and I discuss how he believes classical musicians can keep their passion going, if he ever gets burnt out, how he sees music affecting his students through his non-profit Project 440, why classical music belongs to everyone, and why it is important for classical musicians to use social media.
You can find out more about Joseph Conyers on Instagram @weatherclef