Interview Darol Anger

19/11/2025 16 min
Interview Darol Anger

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Episode Synopsis

Legendary violinist, composer, and educator Darol Anger joins KGNU’s Joanne Cole to discuss his long, genre-spanning career—from co-founding the David Grisman Quintet to his work with Turtle Island String Quartet and his current ensemble, Mr. Sun. Anger shares the inspiration behind the group’s newest project, a bold and joyful re-imagining of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s 1960 jazz-big-band adaptation of The Nutcracker Suite. He talks about arranging Ellington’s masterpiece for an acoustic string band, the deep jazz–R&B roots within American string music, and the band’s upcoming Colorado performance. Anger also highlights the importance of community radio, reflecting on the unique role stations like KGNU play in sustaining music culture, discovery, and artist community (11/12/25).