Included on this year’s PSO Holiday Pops program is an arrangement of I Saw Three Ships by West Virginia-based composer and radio host Matthew Jackfert. Matt joined Jim Cunningham live on the QED Morning Show to chat.
Matt talks about his arrangement, teaching composition at Marshall University, and writing music for Sesame Street. His arrangement of I Saw Three Ships draws inspiration from other Christmas carols, as well as music like Ottorino Respighi’s “The Pines of Rome.” Jim also asks about Matt’s work with West Virginia Public Radio.
Jim and Matt also listen to some of Matt’s original compositions during the interview, including music inspired by Qingdao, China and West Virginia’s Appalachian history.
There’s one weekend left to hear Matt’s arrangement of I Saw Three Ships at a Holiday Pops concert! Visit the PSO’s website for concert information and to get tickets.