Music Monday

My two favorite things are art and music. For ‘Music Monday’ I thought I might explore the great music that comes from the Cincinnati area. A lot of different types of music found its start in Cincinnati. From soul to jazz to rock to classical there are many artists who have ties to Cincinnati area.

As we all head back to work after the 4th of July holiday, I think of all the fireworks and concerts I have watched on TV over the years. This year there was a special Cincinnati connection on the shows that were broadcasted. The conductors of all three orchestras featured on those shows have ties to the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

First: A Capital Fourth with National Symphony Orchestra, Erich Kunzel, conductor. Mr. Kunzel has been the conductor for A Capital Fourth since 1991. Mr. Kunzel was named Conductor of the Cincinnati Pops in 1977. The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performs at Riverbend Music Center in the summer months and historic Music Hall during the winter.

Second: The Boston Pops 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, conducted by Keith Lockhart. Keith Lockhart was an associate conductor herein Cincinnati before took over the Boston Pops. During his tenure here Cincinnati kindly referred to him as “Conductor Boy” because he looked so young and was studying under Maestro Erich Kunzel. Here we have another link to Cincinnati's rich musical history. But the best in Boston was the fireworks provide by the Famous Rozzi Family from Cincinnati. The Rozzi’s have been a fireworks icon in Cincinnati for four generations.

Third: Macy's 4th of July Fireworks featuring the legendary New York Pops under the direction of Steve Reineke provided the music. Mr. Reinke is also a current associate conductor for the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, under the Maestro Erich Kunzel.

This is just a short introduction to music in Cincinnati. I will try to fill ‘Music Monday’ with some of Cincinnati’s musical history.