WQXR's Artist Propulsion Lab is the station's program to support emerging and mid-career artists by providing them with opportunities to perform and commission work, and to take advantage of the station's platforms, like this podcast. Starting today, and continuing every other Thursday, join this year's class of artists as they explore a topic important to them. In this episode, violinist and composer Layale Chaker is joined by composer and pianist Fabian Alamazan, and paleobotanist David Lentz, of the University of Cincinnati, for a conversation about music and environmental stewardship, moderated by New Sounds' John Schaefer.  Featured Recordings: "The Songs of the Forgotten" composed and performed by Fabian Almazan. Available at Bandcamp "Le Courlis cendré," from Catalogue d’oiseaux by Olivier Messaien, performed by Pierre-Laurent Aimard. Available at Pentatone "Tingo Maria," from Milagros by Gabriela Lena Frank, performed by the Willamette Valley Chamber Music Festival. Available from Bright Shiny Things