Dr. Nick Vasallo, composer, sound artist and college professor, has been making waves in the classical music world as both a contemporary composer and beloved teacher. I was introduced to his music and teaching abilities at the Univserity of California at Santa Cruz where I was fortunate to have him as a teaching assistant in one my undergraduate theory courses. Since graduating from UCSC with a Doctorate of Musical Arts, Vasallo has served on the music faculties at California State Polytechnic University and California State University East Bay, and this fall will be taking over as Director of Music Industries at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, CA. In addition to a blossoming career he's also a husband and recent father of one. Visit him on the web and listen to his music at http://nickvasallo.com -J.P. McShane
"The "Stories in Music" series by Maestro Classics are excellent vehicles for instilling new life in old classics. The music is expertly performed and the sound fidelity is excellent. The narration does not impede on the music. Rather, it lets the music breathe and tell a story on its own. Stravinksy's L'Histoire du Soldat has a new extramusical meaning when heard along with the story. The Tortoise and The Hare composed and conducted by Stephen Simon is even more programmatic. Simon's playful score paints the perfect setting for dialogue-rich narration. Dukas' score for The Sorcerer's Apprentice sits nicely underneath the story, like a bed of rich velvet chocolate syrup. All of these excellent records were performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. These are excellent bedtime or driving listenings, sure to bring a new appreciation to younger and new audiences." --Dr. Vasallo