Of the West: Creativity & Sense of Place

Program Synopsis
Of the West is a monthly radio program hosted by composer/pianist Philip Aaberg, focusing on regionalism and creativity. How do one?s surroundings affect the creative process and output? Certainly the high plains of Montana resonate through Philip?s compositions and musical approach. Do others realize place as an integral part of their work? How do the place and people of their childhood inform that work? Influences of the west are not only geographic - events of the time are equally powerful. Listen in as Philip speaks with novelists, ranchers, architects, poets - maybe you?ll hear a piece of music, read a poem, view a building or take in our beautiful landscape in a different way.

Philip Aaberg
Composer Philip Aaberg writes music that connects a global audience to the sweeping landscape of the West. By translating Montana?s farms, ranches, and native cultures into musical concepts, he?s forged a unique keyboard style that paints an audible portrait of his home state.
Although classically trained, Philip celebrates many traditions with his compositions. He weaves strains of blues and bluegrass as well as rock and new music throughout his melodic tapestries.
Besides playing piano with the Boston Pops and participating in the Marlboro Chamber Music Festival, Philip has appeared with Peter Gabriel, Elvin Bishop, and the Doobie Brothers. He has cut eight solo albums, one of which, Live From Montana, received a 2002 Grammy nomination. As a guest artist, Philip has performed on over 200 albums and on PBS?s All-American Jazz, which earned him an Emmy nomination.
?He is a true composer, as well as a great interpreter,? says fellow pianist George Winston. ?His music so deeply captures the essence of Montana and yet it is so universal.?
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Program Synopsis Of the West is a monthly radio program hosted by composer/pianist Philip Aaberg, focusing on regionalism and creativity. How do one?s surroundings affect the creative process and output? Certainly the high plains of Montana resonate through Philip?s compositions and musical approach. Do others realize place as an integral part of their work? How do the place and people of their childhood inform that work? Influences of the west are not only geographic - events of the time are equally powerful. Listen in as Philip speaks with novelists, ranchers, architects, poets - maybe you?ll hear a piece of music, read a poem, view a building or take in our beautiful landscape in a different way. Philip Aaberg Composer Philip Aaberg writes music that connects a global... Show full description