T H I S I S
P H I L L I P G A I N S L E Y
Follow for insightful content on all subjects related to Opera, Chamber and Orchestral Music, Broadway Theater, Ballet, and more.
W W W. G A I N S L E Y M U S I C. C O M
Phillip with Stephen Sondheim for the Lyric Opera of Chicago
Biography
Phillip has been sharing his love for opera, classical music, and music theater for more than 40 years. For over 30 years he was a regular panelist on the Metropolitan Opera’s Texaco Opera Quiz, where an international audience was able to observe his extraordinary mastery of opera.
Currently he is a content contributor to many leading performing arts organizations, through his extensive written program notes, pre-concert interviews, panels, and by offering his skills and passion in ways that help expand patronage of the arts.
His wide-ranging interviews and panel discussions with a variety of personalities offer compelling conversations about the intricacies of music and the performing arts.
He enjoys sharing with audiences his love for music, looking to explore the wonderful world of opera, classical music, and Broadway.
Phillip is also a practicing attorney in Minneapolis.
The Work
PROGRAM NOTES, SYNOPSES, AND ANNOTATIONS
PANEL MODERATOR
LIVE AND RECORDED INTERVIEWS
PRE-CONCERT AND PRE-CURTAIN DISCUSSIONS
ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVIST
PODCASTER
REVIEWER - OPERA NEWS
Phillip has been an invited speaker or program notes contributor at these notable music and performing arts institutions:
THE METROPOLITAN OPERA GUILD
NEW YORK CITY OPERA
LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO
MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA
SARASOTA ORCHESTRA
LOS ANGELES OPERA
ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL
WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
SAN DIEGO OPERA
SANTA FE OPERA
SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
THEATER LATTE DA
VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Phillip moderating a panel for Theater Latte Da in 2022.
Lecturing / Program Notes / Hosting / Moderating
· Offers hundreds of interviews with conductors, music directors, and featured artists
· Evokes fascinating stories and insights
· Gives audiences an educational preview of what they will be experiencing in the music hall or theater
· Fosters an appreciation of the origin / era of the musical selections discussed
P R E - C O N C E R T T A L K S Educating and preparing performance attendees
· Inspires music theater-goers, young and old
· Teaches in a way that makes the performing arts approachable to all levels of audience experience
· Speaks to audiences in relatable terms, helping them discover their own appreciation for the arts
L E C T U R E S Phillip speaks with ease to audiences, connecting history, production and performance
· Extracts important stories that need to be preserved, and lessons to be learned
· Asks poignant and often unexpected questions
· Brings unique perspectives and insights to audiences
P A N E L M O D E R A T I O N Sparks insightful conversations with composers, librettists, conductors, and performers
Passion for Music: 100 Episodes and Counting!
Over the past several years, I've enjoyed the opportunity to host pre-curtain and pre-concert discussions with conductors and vocal and instrumental soloists in classical music and the performing arts generally.
There was never a session where I didn’t walk away feeling enriched by the conversations with people who devote their lives to music. Hearing their inspiring stories is something I look forward to sharing with others. Everyone I interview seems to enjoy our discussions. “You make it so easy” is a compliment I love hearing.
I’ve kept in touch with some of my guests, and I’d like to continue the conversation with them, and others, in the podcast format, featuring deeper discussions and learning opportunities.
I hope this offering appeals to a music-and theater-loving audiences, and even inspires a broader audience who might tune in. Now, with 125 episodes behind me, and more planned, I look back with gratitude to all my guests who have made this podcast succeed. Many have e-mailed me after our conversations with sentiments like, “I had a blast!” and “This was so much fun!” and “Your questions are so good!” Most have linked our conversations to their own websites.
And, I have never learned so much!
I look forward to more episodes in this adventure in the world of music and theater, and hope you’ll continue to join me. Also, go to my “contact” page and let me hear from you with suggestions and comments. Thank you!