Sounds Classical - PAD Showcase SESSION

Welcome to Week Ten (10) of the PAD Showcase SESSIONS! This week we hear how these Sounds Classical artists are revolutionizing the classical music landscape.

In America, classical music is not confined by the past—it thrives on diversity, reinvention, and risk-taking. It is shaped by a fusion of cultures, histories, and new ideas, making it uniquely reflective of the American experience.

—Leah Rosenthal

Meet the host: Leah Rosenthal

Photo credit: Cedric Arnold

Leah Rosenthal, Artistic Director, of La Jolla Music Society/The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center has held positions with some of the most prestigious non-profit organizations in the country, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Ravinia Festival, The Recording Academy, and PBS (WTTW). Rosenthal studied voice performance at Boston University and Northeastern Illinois in addition to receiving a master’s degree in arts management at Columbia College of Chicago. For the past 16 years, Rosenthal has overseen artistic programming at LJMS and was promoted to the role of Artistic Director in 2019. Under her leadership, LJMS has programmatically diversified and grown its presentations from 30 performances to over 70+ concerts during the Winter Season. In addition, she has the great privilege of collaborating with SummerFest Music Director, Inon Barnatan, on the planning and execution of La Jolla Music Society’s acclaimed month-long chamber music festival, SummerFest, which takes place annually in late July/August.

Meet the Artists

Catalyst Quartet

Photo credit: Ricardo Quiñones

​The Grammy Award-winning Catalyst Quartet, founded by the Sphinx Organization in 2010, has been acclaimed for its energetic and finely burnished performances. Comprising Karla Donehew Perez and Abi Fayette on violins, Paul Laraia on viola, and Karlos Rodriguez on cello, the ensemble believes in the unity achievable through music, aiming to redefine and reimagine the classical music experience. They have toured extensively across the United States and internationally, performing at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Harris Theater. The quartet has collaborated with orchestras including the Cincinnati Symphony and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and participated in renowned festivals like the Vail Dance Festival and Chamber Music Northwest. Their ongoing "Uncovered" project highlights works by historically overlooked composers of color, underscoring their commitment to diversity and innovation in classical music.

Quinteto Latino

Photo credit: Julie Salas Rodriguez

​Quinteto Latino, founded in 2004 by French horn player Armando Castellano, is a San Francisco Bay Area wind quintet dedicated to showcasing compositions by Latinx composers and engaging diverse communities through music. The ensemble comprises Diane Grubbe (flute), Kyle Bruckmann (oboe), Leslie Tagorda (clarinet), and Jamael Smith (bassoon). Their mission encompasses performing culturally relevant classical works, advocating for Latinx composers through commissioning and performances, and providing educational programs and community outreach. They have premiered works by composers such as Gabriela Lena Frank and Carla Lucero. Their interactive performances aim to bridge cultures, making classical music accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.

Barron Ryan

Photo: Andrew Saliga

​Barron Ryan, a Tulsa-born pianist and composer, fuses classical and contemporary styles, drawing inspiration from artists like Mozart and Motown. Beginning piano lessons at age four with his father, he excelled in music through his studies at the University of Oklahoma. Despite initial setbacks with conservatory admissions, a pivotal international concert tour reignited his passion, leading to albums such as Classical with Attitude and The Masters’ Apprentice. In 2021, Ryan composed My Soul Is Full of Troubles, a piano trio commemorating the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, earning him recognition as one of Smithsonian Magazine's "Ten Innovators to Watch." His commitment to blending genres and honoring diverse musical traditions continues to define his evolving career.

Yang and Olivia

Photo credit: Yang Liu

​Yang and Olivia, a dynamic violin-piano duo, have garnered accolades including the 2023 American Prize and the 2022 Medici International Competition. Their performances blend classical and contemporary works from around the world, captivating audiences across the United States and internationally at venues such as the Kennedy Center and Ravinia Festival. Violinist Yang Liu, a prizewinner at the 12th International Tchaikovsky Competition, and pianist Olivia Tsai, a Fulbright Scholar, co-founded the Yang and Olivia Foundation to promote diversity and inclusion through music. Their programs often highlight works by Taiwanese women composers, Brazilian artists, and emerging American talents, aiming to bridge cultures and share messages of faith, love, and joy.

Third Coast Percussion

Photo credit: Saverio Truglia

​Third Coast Percussion, a Chicago-based quartet founded in 2005, has redefined classical music with its dynamic performances and innovative collaborations. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, the ensemble has commissioned over 100 new works from composers such as Philip Glass, Augusta Read Thomas, and Devonté Hynes. Their extensive touring history includes performances across 41 U.S. states and 13 countries, engaging over 300,000 audience members. The group has received multiple GRAMMY® nominations and won the award for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance for their recording of Steve Reich’s works. Beyond the concert hall, they are dedicated educators, offering workshops and residencies to inspire creativity and curiosity through percussion.