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Thomas Hagen

BSR Contributor Since October 24, 2023

Thomas Hagen (he/him) grew up in Pennsylvania and studied music at Settlement Music School, the Kimmel Center and Yale University. He currently contributes for BSR and WXPN Local.

Thomas Hagen grew up in Pennsylvania attending jazz programs at Settlement Music School and the Kimmel Center. He graduated from Lower Merion High School and Yale University, where he studied writing, music, and audio technology. Thomas has worked at Philly schools, Play On Philly, UArts, and ACLU PA in addition to contributing for BSR and WXPN Local.

By this Author

5 results
Page 1
17 orchestra musicians surround Holloway, a Black woman, singing at center stage in a black skirt and top.

Talking with Matthew Koveal and Marjorie Goldberg of the No Name Pops about their October 28 debut, Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown and the Philly Sound

“We want to be led by musicians”
The No Name Pops, a new nonprofit orchestra featuring musicians formerly of the Philly POPS, gets its debut with some special guests in a Saturday, October 28, concert at the Kimmel Cultural Campus’s Verizon Hall. Leaders speak with Thomas Hagen.
Thomas Hagen

Thomas Hagen

Previews 5 minute read
Black & white outdoor photo of the black-hatted musicians playing, bending over keyboard, drums, and upright bass.

Philly jazz album double review: THE UNIVERSE IS WITHIN WHO by Spectral Forces, and The Lighthouse by Jamaaladeen Tacuma and Odean Pope

Heroic jazz legacies looking to the future
January boasted two adventurous new albums from Philly jazz groups: THE UNIVERSE IS WITHIN WHO by Spectral Forces and The Lighthouse by Jamaaladeen Tacuma and Odean Pope, offering contrasting views into jazz past and future. Thomas Hagen reviews.
Thomas Hagen

Thomas Hagen

Reviews 5 minute read
Three performers on stage—two on saxophone, one on drums—white muslin wall behind them, audience in front

Vox Populi Gallery presents Victor Vieira-Branco’s World Again

Curating surprise with improvised music
In 2023, Victor Vieira-Branco began presenting World Again, a monthly series for improvised music in the black box at Vox Populi Gallery. The music sounds a bit like jazz, a bit classical, but with more surprises. Thomas Hagen profiles.
Thomas Hagen

Thomas Hagen

Profiles 3 minute read
Three people playing wind instruments stand next to each other in an indoor area

Inviting improvisation for everyone, every week at the Rotunda

Medicinal, positive anarchy
Every Wednesday, Philadelphia residents convene at the Rotunda for two hours of musical improvisation, free and open to all, with no leader, no instructions, and no repeating. Thomas Hagen previews.
Thomas Hagen

Thomas Hagen

Previews 3 minute read
Four grade-schoolers, two boys and two girls, smile in a hallway and hold their instruments: a cello, violins, and clarinet.

Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth opens doors to classical music careers

Diversifying the orchestra starts with the students
The Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth is celebrating eight years of its Artists’ Initiative, a program supporting young musicians whose communities need better access and representation in classical music. Thomas Hagen visits.
Thomas Hagen

Thomas Hagen

Features 4 minute read