“There is something about the sound of a symphony orchestra that speaks to people universally.”
In the first episode of the second season, I am thrilled to talk with composer, Grammy-nominated conductor, and guitarist Christophe Chagnard. In our conversation, I enjoyed learning about his pivotal project, Terra Nostra (see below), and the ways he believes art can impact climate change and education.
Christophe is the founder of Earth Creative, which he describes as a legacy project that has a mission to use the power of the arts to raise awareness about climate change to advance climate justice for all. I appreciate Christophe’s passion for education and his deep sense of responsibility to address the climate crisis through creative and interdisciplinary means. As a member of Earth Creative, I have enjoyed getting to know Christophe over the past year. Beyond his incredible musical talent, I value his inclusive nature and verve for organizing and inspiring people to take action. Enjoy our conversation!
Christophe’s Bio:
Engagement through creativity has been at the core of Christophe Chagnard’s philosophy throughout his distinguished career. As a composer, his music addressed pressing global issues such as systemic racism, climate change, intolerance, and social injustice. His latest works “Gaman” (2017) and “Terra Nostra” (2019) address systemic racism and climate change respectively. As a Grammy-nominated conductor, Christophe Chagnard has led a vast repertoire of symphonic, operatic, and ballet works of all styles and periods. He has also spent three decades making the concert hall accessible to all, addressing the elitist stereotype that plagues this art form. As a guitarist, he explores a wide array of styles and traditions together in genre-defying creations intended to present an open and inclusive voice that transcends labels.
Terra Nostra
Terra Nostra shows the beauty of the natural world and the threats faced by it. No previous experience with or knowledge of classical music is needed to be touched by Terra Nostra. It makes climate change urgent and visceral through music and photographs, stimulates people to challenge themselves to learn more about the issues, and motivates them to see what practical steps they can take in their own lives and communities.
Her Deepest Ecologies is recorded at Jack Straw Cultural Center in Seattle, WA. Thanks to their Artist Support Program and studio engineer Ayesha Ubayatilaka. All episodes are available on Substack, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. For more information or to be considered for a future episode, reach out via email at jessicagigot@gmail.com.
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