Episode 108 with Tobias Picker - Composer, Pianist, Conductor

We are fortunate to be joined by Tobias Picker, who has drawn commissions from and performances by the world’s leading musicians, orchestras, and opera houses! Tobias, is known for his scores behind many operas, including his most recent adaptation of the iconic non-fiction book, Awakenings, by Oliver Sacks. You may recall the famous movie adaptation from the 90's with Robert De Niro and Robin Williams, which recounts the life histories of those who had been victims of the 1920s encephalitis lethargica epidemic (aka "sleeping sickness") and where Olive Sacks chronicles his efforts in the late 1960s to help these patients.

Tobias opens up about his long-time friendship with Oliver Sacks, as well as  the challenges he faced growing up with Tourette syndrome, sexuality, arts and self expression, while finding his way through his exceptional career. We chat about our common thread of being Jewish and Tobias' interest civil and political rights in the US.

"I live my life controlled by Tourette's... but I use music to control it. I have harnessed its energy—I play with it, manipulate it, trick it, mimic it, taunt it, explore it, exploit it, in every possible way." - Tobias Picker

You can catch the East Coast premiere of Awakenings, on February 25th, 2023 at The Huntington Theatre in Boston, which is the Odyssey Opera in partnership with Boston Modern Orchestra.

Tobias' Links:
Website
Awakenings Tickets

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