app01 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 08:49:05 +0000 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Ethics and Culture Cast - Episodes Tagged with “Music” https://ndcec.fireside.fm/tags/music Thu, 08 Oct 2026 13:30:00 -0400 Lively conversations with professors, fellows, scholars, and friends of the University of Notre Dame's de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture. The Center is committed to sharing the richness of the Catholic moral and intellectual tradition through teaching, research, and public engagement, at the highest level and across a range of disciplines. For more information visit http://ethicscenter.nd.edu en-us episodic From the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture Notre Dame de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture Lively conversations with professors, fellows, scholars, and friends of the University of Notre Dame's de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture. The Center is committed to sharing the richness of the Catholic moral and intellectual tradition through teaching, research, and public engagement, at the highest level and across a range of disciplines. For more information visit http://ethicscenter.nd.edu no catholic, academics, university, notre dame, prolife, pro-life, ethics, bioethics, philosophy, political science, theology Notre Dame de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture khallenius@nd.edu Episode 94: Rev. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. https://ndcec.fireside.fm/94 7314642f-2d0f-46d8-b520-eb3230b5bd39 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 13:30:00 -0400 Notre Dame de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture full Notre Dame de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture Rev. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. is a Dominican priest who serves as the Rector Magnificus of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He is a founding member of the bestelling bluegrass band, The Hillbilly Thomists. 48:40 no <p>Rev. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. is the author of several works of theology and specializes in topics related to Trinitarian theology and Christology, as well as grace and nature. He is the co-editor of the English-speaking journal <em>Nova et Vetera</em>, a member of the Pontifcal Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas, and a McDonald Agape Scholar. He plays the banjo and is a founding member of the chart-topping bluegrass band, The Hillbilly Thomists.</p><p>Special Guest: Rev. Thomas Joseph White, O.P..</p> theology, philosophy, aquinas, bluegrass, hillbilly thomists, angelicum Rev. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. is the author of several works of theology and specializes in topics related to Trinitarian theology and Christology, as well as grace and nature. He is the co-editor of the English-speaking journal Nova et Vetera, a member of the Pontifcal Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas, and a McDonald Agape Scholar. He plays the banjo and is a founding member of the chart-topping bluegrass band, The Hillbilly Thomists.

Special Guest: Rev. Thomas Joseph White, O.P..

Links:

  • The Hillbilly Thomists — The Hillbilly Thomists are a band of friars of the Order of Preachers. Throughout the year they serve the Church in different ministries (as college chaplains, parish priests, theology professors…), but for a few weeks every summer they meet to make music together.
  • “Beauty, Wisdom, and Christ” Keynote Lecture by Rev. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. - Fall Conference 2026 — “Beauty, Wisdom, and Christ: A Trinitarian Perspective on the Human Vocation” by Rev. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., Rector of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Rome). The Josef Pieper Keynote Lecture at the Notre Dame de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture's 26th annual Fall Conference.
  • Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) — The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, commonly known as the Angelicum, is a Dominican university with more than 800 years of history dedicated to studying, teaching, and preaching the truth revealed in Christ in the Catholic and Thomistic intellectual traditions.
  • Aquinas 101 — Are you asking questions like: Who am I? Does God exist? What is happiness? Who is Jesus Christ — and how is He present in the world today? St. Thomas Aquinas did, too. In seeking these answers, this saint and scholar not only transformed the Catholic intellectual tradition and Western civilization, but also illuminated fundamental truths that impact our lives to this day. With Aquinas 101, we bring St. Thomas's wisdom directly to you through short, engaging videos created by Dominican friars and professors from leading universities, including Harvard and Cornell. Whether you are a Catholic, a Protestant, or simply looking for meaning and truth, our team will walk you through Aquinas's timeless insights and help you find the answers you seek.
  • Theme Music: "I Dunno" by Grapes — I dunno by grapes (c) copyright 2008 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. Ft: J Lang, Morusque
  • The Thomistic Institute — The Thomistic Institute helps students and faculty engage with the Catholic intellectual tradition—drawing especially from the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas—so they can build a life rooted in enduring truth and share in that life with others.
]]> Rev. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. is the author of several works of theology and specializes in topics related to Trinitarian theology and Christology, as well as grace and nature. He is the co-editor of the English-speaking journal Nova et Vetera, a member of the Pontifcal Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas, and a McDonald Agape Scholar. He plays the banjo and is a founding member of the chart-topping bluegrass band, The Hillbilly Thomists.

Special Guest: Rev. Thomas Joseph White, O.P..

Links:

  • The Hillbilly Thomists — The Hillbilly Thomists are a band of friars of the Order of Preachers. Throughout the year they serve the Church in different ministries (as college chaplains, parish priests, theology professors…), but for a few weeks every summer they meet to make music together.
  • “Beauty, Wisdom, and Christ” Keynote Lecture by Rev. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. - Fall Conference 2026 — “Beauty, Wisdom, and Christ: A Trinitarian Perspective on the Human Vocation” by Rev. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., Rector of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Rome). The Josef Pieper Keynote Lecture at the Notre Dame de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture's 26th annual Fall Conference.
  • Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) — The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, commonly known as the Angelicum, is a Dominican university with more than 800 years of history dedicated to studying, teaching, and preaching the truth revealed in Christ in the Catholic and Thomistic intellectual traditions.
  • Aquinas 101 — Are you asking questions like: Who am I? Does God exist? What is happiness? Who is Jesus Christ — and how is He present in the world today? St. Thomas Aquinas did, too. In seeking these answers, this saint and scholar not only transformed the Catholic intellectual tradition and Western civilization, but also illuminated fundamental truths that impact our lives to this day. With Aquinas 101, we bring St. Thomas's wisdom directly to you through short, engaging videos created by Dominican friars and professors from leading universities, including Harvard and Cornell. Whether you are a Catholic, a Protestant, or simply looking for meaning and truth, our team will walk you through Aquinas's timeless insights and help you find the answers you seek.
  • Theme Music: "I Dunno" by Grapes — I dunno by grapes (c) copyright 2008 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. Ft: J Lang, Morusque
  • The Thomistic Institute — The Thomistic Institute helps students and faculty engage with the Catholic intellectual tradition—drawing especially from the wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas—so they can build a life rooted in enduring truth and share in that life with others.
]]> Episode 82: Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy https://ndcec.fireside.fm/82 eed2da2a-d773-47d3-a40b-cd8570bb8908 Fri, 12 Apr 2024 14:00:00 -0400 Notre Dame de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture full Notre Dame de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture The entertainment world is filled with extraordinary stories. But few match the beguiling true-life tale of Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, Canada’s reigning couple of Celtic music, whose dazzling career achievements underpin an incomparable off-stage life. 43:32 no <p>Natalie MacMaster married Donnell Leahy in 2002, who came to prominence as the lead fiddle player for The Leahy Family. Together the pair have released two albums together. The first, <em>One</em>, was released in 2015. The pair released a traditional Christmas album, A Celtic Family Christmas, the year after. Natalie and Donnell have toured the world together and even feature their seven music-loving children in their performances.</p><p>Special Guests: Donnell Leahy and Natalie MacMaster.</p> celtic music, fiddle, canada, music, cape breton, concert Natalie MacMaster married Donnell Leahy in 2002, who came to prominence as the lead fiddle player for The Leahy Family. Together the pair have released two albums together. The first, One, was released in 2015. The pair released a traditional Christmas album, A Celtic Family Christmas, the year after. Natalie and Donnell have toured the world together and even feature their seven music-loving children in their performances.

Special Guests: Donnell Leahy and Natalie MacMaster.

Links:

]]> Natalie MacMaster married Donnell Leahy in 2002, who came to prominence as the lead fiddle player for The Leahy Family. Together the pair have released two albums together. The first, One, was released in 2015. The pair released a traditional Christmas album, A Celtic Family Christmas, the year after. Natalie and Donnell have toured the world together and even feature their seven music-loving children in their performances.

Special Guests: Donnell Leahy and Natalie MacMaster.

Links:

]]> Episode 38: J. J. Wright https://ndcec.fireside.fm/38 7e17a066-3dbe-442f-805e-9d82da90bfec Thu, 31 Oct 2019 09:00:00 -0400 Notre Dame de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture full Notre Dame de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture J. J. Wright is the director of the Notre Dame Folk Choir and the composer of "Vespers for the Immaculate Conception," the follow-up to his bestselling album "O Emmanuel," which topped the Billboard Classical chart for 8 weeks upon its debut in 2016. 23:48 no <p>J. J. Wright is a composer with roots in jazz and sacred music. He is the director of the Notre Dame Folk Choir, and his gig list includes recording and performing with Caribbean Jazz Project: Afro Bop Alliance, featuring vibraphonist Dave Samuels. The album was nominated for a GRAMMY for 'Best Latin Jazz Album' and won the Latin GRAMMY in the same category. In addition to Mr. Samuels, J.J. has had the privilege of performing with Billy Hart, Ike Sturm, Nate Wood, Chris Cheek, Zach Harmon, Mark Ferber, Matt Ulery, and Delfeayo Marsalis. </p><p>Special Guest: J. J. Wright.</p> music, sacred music, chant, jazz, prayer, lectio J. J. Wright is a composer with roots in jazz and sacred music. He is the director of the Notre Dame Folk Choir, and his gig list includes recording and performing with Caribbean Jazz Project: Afro Bop Alliance, featuring vibraphonist Dave Samuels. The album was nominated for a GRAMMY for 'Best Latin Jazz Album' and won the Latin GRAMMY in the same category. In addition to Mr. Samuels, J.J. has had the privilege of performing with Billy Hart, Ike Sturm, Nate Wood, Chris Cheek, Zach Harmon, Mark Ferber, Matt Ulery, and Delfeayo Marsalis.

Special Guest: J. J. Wright.

Links:

  • J. J. Wright Music — Homepage of J. J. Wright
  • Vespers for the Immaculate Conception — Produced by the Grammy-award winning and Billboard Chart topping composer, musician and choir director at the University of Notre Dame, J.J. Wright, this album is a unique, beautiful recording that brings audiences a new vision of sacred music by fusing the rich heritage of Catholic sacred music with the tradition of jazz. It is a concertized vespers service that tells the story of the miraculous origin of Mary. The music takes the listener on a spiritual journey through ancient prayers and psalms that strengthen our relationship with Mary, Mother of God.
  • Notre Dame Magazine: Having Coffee with J. J. Wright — "Class assignments trigger student anxiety all across campus every day, no story there, but what happened to pianist J.J. Wright during his first semester at Notre Dame was more like existential anguish. "Asking her sacred music students to create prayer services within particular musical traditions, Professor Margot Fassler had urged Wright, then a new graduate student, to compose a jazz setting for evening prayer, known by tradition as vespers."
  • Notre Dame Folk Choir YouTube Channel — The Notre Dame Folk Choir is made up of sixty vocalists and musicians from all levels and disciplines at the university. Our ensemble serves the Notre Dame community as one of its principal liturgical choirs, primarily singing at the 11:45 Mass at the Basilica each Sunday.
  • Theme Song: "I Dunno" by grapes — I dunno by grapes (c) copyright 2008 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. Ft: J Lang, Morusque
]]> J. J. Wright is a composer with roots in jazz and sacred music. He is the director of the Notre Dame Folk Choir, and his gig list includes recording and performing with Caribbean Jazz Project: Afro Bop Alliance, featuring vibraphonist Dave Samuels. The album was nominated for a GRAMMY for 'Best Latin Jazz Album' and won the Latin GRAMMY in the same category. In addition to Mr. Samuels, J.J. has had the privilege of performing with Billy Hart, Ike Sturm, Nate Wood, Chris Cheek, Zach Harmon, Mark Ferber, Matt Ulery, and Delfeayo Marsalis.

Special Guest: J. J. Wright.

Links:

  • J. J. Wright Music — Homepage of J. J. Wright
  • Vespers for the Immaculate Conception — Produced by the Grammy-award winning and Billboard Chart topping composer, musician and choir director at the University of Notre Dame, J.J. Wright, this album is a unique, beautiful recording that brings audiences a new vision of sacred music by fusing the rich heritage of Catholic sacred music with the tradition of jazz. It is a concertized vespers service that tells the story of the miraculous origin of Mary. The music takes the listener on a spiritual journey through ancient prayers and psalms that strengthen our relationship with Mary, Mother of God.
  • Notre Dame Magazine: Having Coffee with J. J. Wright — "Class assignments trigger student anxiety all across campus every day, no story there, but what happened to pianist J.J. Wright during his first semester at Notre Dame was more like existential anguish. "Asking her sacred music students to create prayer services within particular musical traditions, Professor Margot Fassler had urged Wright, then a new graduate student, to compose a jazz setting for evening prayer, known by tradition as vespers."
  • Notre Dame Folk Choir YouTube Channel — The Notre Dame Folk Choir is made up of sixty vocalists and musicians from all levels and disciplines at the university. Our ensemble serves the Notre Dame community as one of its principal liturgical choirs, primarily singing at the 11:45 Mass at the Basilica each Sunday.
  • Theme Song: "I Dunno" by grapes — I dunno by grapes (c) copyright 2008 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. Ft: J Lang, Morusque
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