The past few weeks have brought some major life changes, a great deal of travel, and some very exciting news that I hope to share with you soon. Tomorrow I’m travelling to the U.S. for a conference, and I know some of you will be there—I hope I’ll get to meet you.
In the meantime, I want to share something rather special.
I recently had the privilege of meeting Lucas Cuadra, a remarkably talented young Argentine composer, conductor, and oboist, who plays with an orchestra in Argentina. I had the chance to hear some of his fascinating ideas about music theory, as well as several of his own compositions, beautiful, unapologetically Romantic music.
One piece in particular struck me: Jean Valjean’s Ransom, Symphonic Poem No. 1, a new, 20-minute symphonic poem inspired by the emotions Lucas experienced while reading a passage from Les Misérables.
A new symphonic poem in 2026! And a gorgeous one.
I highly encourage you to listen to it here:
And do follow Lucas’s work. I intend to interview him for the channel as well, so stay tuned for that.
I also have some substantial writing on politics underway, which I hope to share in the coming weeks.
For now, enjoy the music, and to those celebrating, Shana Tova Umetuka. This has certainly been a year of change for me: of new growth, new beginnings, and reaching places I never imagined I would reach.
I’m very fortunate to have this audience with whom I can share so much of my thinking, my ideas, my passions, and, above all, my love of art.
Shana Tova, and a wonderful weekend to everyone.