Mallory Richards Published

LISTEN: Judy Collins Has The Mountain Stage Song Of The Week

An older woman with white hair in a pixie cut style wears black and stands on stage singing into a microphone.
Judy Collins on Mountain Stage with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
Chris Morris/Mountain Stage
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Join us for this week’s episode of Mountain Stage, as two premier West Virginia arts and culture organizations join forces for an epic combination of orchestral and popular music.

This special episode features the 70 plus member West Virginia Symphony, under the musical direction of Maurice Cohn. We hear two sets from folk music icon Judy Collins along with the symphony, plus featured performances from our host Kathy Mattea, and modern composer and songwriter Gabriel Kahane.

Our own Mountain Stage Band members also enjoy symphonic accompaniment, as pianist Bob Thompson and vocalist Julie Adams perform alongside the symphony as well, with Adams’ featuring principal trumpeter David Porter.

Our Song of the Week is “Michael from Mountains” sung by Judy Collins. The song was written by Joni Mitchell and released on Collins’ 1967 landmark album Wildflowers.

Collins’ remarkable career has spanned more than five decades. The singer-songwriter has released over 50 albums, including Spellbound,  which was released in 2022. As you will see and hear, Judy Collins remains sharp and poignant, professing to the audience that “84 is the new 27!”

On this episode, you’ll also hear songs from the WV Symphony, host Kathy Mattea, Gabriel Kahane, plus Mountain Stage pianist Bob Thompson, and our vocalist Julie Adams.

Join us starting Friday, Dec. 8 on these public radio stations to listen to the entire two-hour episode. Like what you hear? Make sure you are signed up for the Mountain Stage newsletter so you don’t miss a beat!

*This episode will be heard on broadcast only and will not be made available for streaming or download.