Meet Gretna Music's new artistic director, who hosts the 'Symphony Hall' radio show on SiriusXM (2024)

Gretna Music’s 2024 season kicks off June 9 – and this year, the organization has more news to celebrate than just a robust lineup.

In March, the organization announced John Nasukaluk Clare as its new artistic director. Clare, of Indiana, has nearly 30 years of experience programming classical music for radio audiences. That includes three years at WITF (2005-2008), where he hosted “Composing Thoughts,” and more recently, SiriusXM, where he hosts the morning show “Symphony Hall” on Channel 76.

Clare knows classical from the inside out; he is a violinist himself. He’s also co-founded a chamber music organization, served as executive director for a chamber ensemble, and has served on boards, as a consultant and as a curator for other musical series.

Clare answered a few questions via email to re-introduce himself to central Pennsylvania music fans ahead of Gretna Music’s season. Find a listing of Gretna Music’s 2024 performances here.

You have a robust career in radio. What experiences from radio have informed your work planning a live concert series?

I think interviewing musicians, listening to LOTS of new releases, and writing for live broadcasts have helped inform my “live concert series” planning. The combination of sharing music on the air, and going to concerts is such a joy. Obviously you can get up and do things while listening to the radio, but I tend to listen quite closely — it’s hard to not pay attention to the music, just like a live concert.

That experience included 3 years with WITF here in central Pennsylvania. What did you remember most about this area and its arts culture?

The people. Warm audiences greet the musicians, and the huge amount of concerts in the midstate. I adore that there are so many educational institutions and arts groups presenting concerts. I fondly remember catching events Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday with awesome classical and jazz music.

Editor’s note: LNP | LancasterOnline is a subsidiary of WITF.

Why was Gretna Music an organization you wanted to get involved with?

I like the variety that Gretna Music provides, and the charming setting. Having given concert talks, and even performing in an opera (a non-singing role!) for Gretna Music, I have fond memories of Gretna. As I recently shared with (Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra) audiences on a Sunday afternoon, chamber music and ice cream! Doesn’t get better than that!

How would you describe the ethos or mission of this year’s Gretna Music lineup?

There’s something everyone will like, and I guess will really love! Diverse composers (several women in the midstate are represented!), fun sounds, and really enjoyable music are featured throughout the summer. I like seeing that no two concerts are the same.

I know this may be like asking a parent to pick a favorite child, but: is there a concert this season you’re particularly excited for?

I have a good history with the Turtle Island Quartet, having hosted them live in the studio at KMFA in Austin about 10 years ago. They are playing a good friend of mine, Jerod Tate’s music who I hope will be able to attend. But the concert I might be looking forward to the most is Concordian Dawn. They’re bringing repertoire that you don’t often get to hear live.

The ‘First Listen’ concerts give students performance opportunities as opening acts before Gretna Music concerts. Why is that an important element of the Gretna Music season?

It gives a chance to have young people perform for others, and for them to hear professional musicians. It’s a win, win for everyone. In many careers, young people are on a track, and are only ready when they have matured or graduated in their field. In music, virtuosos and young musicians have always been an exciting part of the combination. These young folks are ones to watch for!

You’re an accomplished musician yourself. How does that support your work programming concerts?

It’s a joy. I certainly take in account programs that challenge ensembles, knowing that if you are touring, or changing things up, what it involves. So, being able to talk the lingo with managers and musicians, it is satisfying and a challenge to figure out what is possible, and in many cases, what is ideal. So many friends from the radio and musical ensembles feel at ease knowing that I get it. (I hope!)