In this episode of MFM Speaks Out, Adam Reifsteck interviews Broadway music director Keith Levenson about the evolution of his music career over the years, how the pandemic has affected the livelihood of professional musicians, and the importance of coming together as a community to be advocates for change. "85% of people are more scared of financial ruin than dying of COVID." - Keith Levenson
In this episode of the MFM Speaks Out, Adam Reifsteck interviews Keith Levenson. Keith's career has run the gamut from Broadway's Annie to Meatloaf, from the London Symphony Orchestra to The Who. He is equally at home in a regional shed, Broadway theatre or a large arena. In 2018 Keith helmed a very successful tour of the rock opera "Tommy", with band and symphony orchestras across the country. It resulted in the 2019 release of "Tommy Orchestral" album produced by Keith and Roger Daltrey. The album went straight to the top of Billboard magazine's classical crossover chart.
"The (my) rage turned into knowledge." - Keith Levenson
The pandemic, however, has affected the livelihood of all professional musicians. Keith explains the challenges of going from mounting another tour with The Who early this year to fighting for unemployment assistance from the Department of Labor. This gave rise to his new venture Fustercluck Music Productions to produce parody music videos calling out the U.S. Government's lack of support for the freelancer workforce.
Visit Keith at https://www.keithlevenson.net/
The following music featured in this episode is provided courtesy of Keith Levenson
"It Would Have Been Wonderful" from the Broadway Musical Annie Warbucks, featuring Marguerite Macintyre. Arranged and conducted by Keith Levenson
"Gra Can Chrioch" and "After the Rain", from India, composed and produced by Keith Levinson