Episodes
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Imogen Whitehead is a true trailblazer in the world of trumpet performance. Currently the principal trumpet of the Britten Sinfonia, Imogen has performed as principal trumpet with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Aurora Orchestra. Alongside her orchestral work, she has also carved out a dynamic solo career, commissioning and premiering new trumpet and flugelhorn music, and championing contemporary compositions.
In this interview, we explore the wide-ranging facets of Imogen's career and the personal and professional steps she's taken to build her impressive path. We begin in Part 1 by talking about her recent experience touring with the London Symphony Orchestra, where she reflects on both her audition and the challenges and rewards of playing with such a renowned ensemble.
We then move on to discuss her time with the Aurora Orchestra, an ensemble that performs much of its repertoire entirely from memory—a fascinating approach that Imogen describes in detail. She also shares insights into her experience premiering Anibal Vidal’s Trumpet Concerto with the Britten Sinfonia, and how this commissioning project came to life.
Throughout our conversation, we explore the career strategies Imogen has employed, including the importance of building personal connections and the role that social media has played in expanding her reach. Imogen also takes us back to her time as a student at the Royal Academy of Music, where she recalls a transformative lesson with the legendary Jim Watson.
In the second part of our conversation [Subscriber Content], Imogen discusses further studies with Norwegian soloist Tine Thing Helseth in Oslo, shedding light on how brief but impactful experiences can shape a musician’s growth. She also provides an inside look at the commissioning process for To Stay Open, a piece by Charlotte Harding inspired by the work of psychologist Pippa Grange.
We end on a fun note, as Imogen shares the unique experience of playing in the recording and filming of Mahler's 2nd Symphony for the 2023 Film "Maestro", an American biographical romantic drama about Leonard Bernstein..
Whether you’re a young player, a seasoned professional, or simply a fan of music, this episode with Imogen Whitehead is sure to inspire you to take chances, put in the work, and grow both as a musician and a person.
Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Few musicians have left as profound a mark on their instrument as Friedemann Immer has on the Baroque trumpet. Renowned for his ability to effortlessly tackle some of the most demanding works in the repertoire, Friedemann has recorded Bach’s iconic Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 an incredible ten times. In 2021, his contributions were recognized with the Christopher Monk Award from the Historic Brass Society. His career includes performances under legendary conductors and collaborations with esteemed ensembles like the Freiburger Baroqueorchester, Concentus Musicus Wien, and the Academy of Ancient Music in London. But his artistry doesn’t stop at the trumpet. Friedemann was the first to record Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto on the keyed trumpet, and as the founder and leader of the Trompeten-Consort Friedemann Immer, he continues to push the boundaries of historical performance practice. With over 200 publications through Editions Immer, he’s also a driving force in preserving and expanding the repertoire.
In Part 1, we begin with a great story about one of his performances of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2. This leads us into a discussion about the challenges of playing high notes and how the text of a piece informs his interpretation, using the bass aria from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio as an example. We then dive into how Friedemann discovers “new” Baroque music, before moving to the topic of the keyed trumpet and his interpretive ideas regarding Haydn’s and Hummel’s trumpet concertos. The segment concludes with Friedemann sharing his deep admiration for conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt and what it meant to perform under his baton.
Part 2 [Subscriber Content] continues with an exploration of the differences between the Baroque trumpet and the piccolo trumpet, followed by a look at the Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, including stories and concepts that bring the music to life. We then ask Friedemann to reflect on the similarities and differences among some of the legendary conductors he has worked with throughout his career. Finally, we discuss his Editions Immer series, delving into his invaluable contributions to the Baroque repertoire and its performance.
Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Jennifer Hamady is a remarkable blend of singer, teacher, writer, and psychologist. As an author, she has penned three insightful books: The Art of Singing: Discovering and Developing Your True Voice, The Art of Singing Onstage and in the Studio, and Learning to Sing. She is also a regular contributor to Psychology Today, where she shares her expertise on the psychological and emotional aspects of singing. As a performer, Jennifer has graced the stage alongside iconic artists like Stevie Wonder and Def Leppard. In this conversation, we dive into the many facets of her career and how she helps singers develop their voices by addressing both technical and psychological aspects of their artistry.
Part 1We begin with Jennifer's early journey as a singing student, exploring the lessons she took from both challenging and positive experiences. She reflects on how these formative experiences shaped her understanding of the voice and her approach to teaching. From there, we trace the beginnings of her singing career, starting with her first years after college and leading up to her breakthrough moment—when she joined the ranks of backup singers for top pop artists. We conclude Part 1 with a deep dive into her philosophies on vocal technique, artistry, and teaching.
Part 2 [Subscriber Content]
In addition to performing, Jennifer is a highly sought-after teacher who works with students in person and online. She explains how her career evolved by her willingness to embrace new opportunities and “say yes to everything.” I ask how she balances this busy schedule, fits in her writing, and manages her ongoing creative projects. Jennifer also shares her plans for future books, giving us a glimpse into what’s next for her as a writer.
Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Mark Scatterday is the Professor of Conducting at the Eastman School of Music and the esteemed conductor of the legendary Eastman Wind Ensemble. Since taking the baton in 2002 as only the fourth conductor in the ensemble’s storied history, Mark has continued the rich legacy of his predecessors, especially Frederick Fennell and Donald Hunsberger. Under his direction, the ensemble has toured the world, performing in Japan, China, Taiwan, Europe, Canada, and across the United States. As a passionate advocate for contemporary music, Mark has premiered numerous works, making his mark as a visionary leader. It was a real pleasure to sit down with Mark to talk about his unique approach to conducting, his philosophy on teaching, and how he keeps the Eastman tradition alive.
We start by diving into Mark's early training as a trombonist, where he studied under the great Ed Anderson and Dennis Smith. He shares how studying scores during rehearsal breaks helped shape his understanding of music. Mark also talks about his early steps into conducting and how a fateful meeting with Donald Hunsberger led him to pursue his doctorate at Eastman. As we wrap up Part 1, we explore his "three-pronged recipe for success" and the role of fate in his career.
In Part 2 (Exclusive Subscriber Content), we get into Mark's approach to rehearsals and auditions, especially for the Eastman Wind Ensemble’s tours and recordings. We also delve into the fascinating history of the ensemble, starting with its founder, Frederick Fennell, and continuing through the influence of Mark’s mentor, Donald Hunsberger. Finally, Mark reflects on his close friendship with renowned composer Karel Husa and their creative collaborations.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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On June 9, 1974, the legendary singer Frederica von Stade and the brilliant pianist Martin Katz performed their first concert together—a partnership that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Few musical collaborations have endured for so many years or produced such iconic work. It was an incredible honor to sit down with both of them to discuss their journey, their deep insights on music-making, and their lasting bond as friends and colleagues. Their love and affection for each other shine through every moment of this conversation, offering a window into the human side of their remarkable relationship. I personally learned so much from this discussion, and I hope you will too. And yes, we shared plenty of laughs along the way!
In Part 1 of our conversation, Frederica von Stade and Martin Katz share the story of how they first met and began their extraordinary musical partnership. They talk about how they choose repertoire, with "Jenny Rebecca" serving as a perfect example of a song that has matured and evolved over the years. We also explore the differences between recording and live performances, the importance of staying loyal to the text, and the fascinating contrast between how singers and instrumentalists approach breathing. To top it off, we discuss their experiences working with modern composers, offering insights into both collaboration and creativity.
In Part 2 (for Subscribers), we dive into more personal and professional aspects of their careers, including the role of agents and how those relationships have shaped their journeys. Martin shares his thoughts on the differences between working with instrumentalists and singers, and both of them reflect on the various stages of talent development. We also talk about their favorite composers, and Martin offers a thoughtful perspective on teaching, explaining that it's less about providing answers and more about asking the right questions. Throughout, Frederica and Martin’s deep connection shines through, with plenty of laughter sprinkled along the way.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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In this deeply insightful interview, host Tony Plog chats with Wes Nance, trumpet with the Rochester Philharmonic, about the often-overlooked artistry behind Sleigh Ride's iconic horse whinny. Wes reflects on his time at the Eastman School of Music, his unconventional teaching methods, and the annual Horse Whinny Challenge — a competition as fun as it is fierce. Along the way, they explore what really resonates with audiences, proving that a well-timed whinny can steal the show!
Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Jeffrey Biegel is a pianist who has dazzled audiences across the globe, performing with major orchestras from a young age. But his contributions go far beyond the concert stage — He's commissioned over 25 new works from living composers, leaving a lasting mark on contemporary piano music. Always pushing the boundaries, Jeffrey has performed weekly online concerts during the Covid pandemic and even pioneered the first-ever live audio/visual recital on the internet in 1997, broadcasting from Steinway Hall in New York. We explore Jeffrey’s extraordinary journey—from his early challenges with being unable to hear to his studies at Juilliard, and his deep passion for bringing new music into the world. Along the way, we discuss his creative process, his experiences as a performer and teacher, and even a futuristic story he’s written, which you can find on his website.
Part 1 dives into Jeffrey’s early life, starting with the incredible story of overcoming hearing issues before discovering his musical gift. By age 10, he was already performing concerti! We talk about his time at Juilliard and the lessons he learned from that transformative period. Since Jeffrey has brought so many new works into the piano repertoire, I ask him to walk me through the fascinating process of commissioning new music. We wrap up with a fun, hypothetical set of questions based on one of his creative stories.
Part 2 [Subscriber Content] turns to another key part of Jeffrey’s career — teaching. We also dig into a question that musicians often grapple with: how much freedom should a performer take when interpreting a composer’s work? Finally, we end on a high note, discussing two unique pieces Jeffrey has been closely involved with: Leroy Anderson’s Concerto in C and Peter Schickele’s Concerto for Very Grand Piano (you might know him as Mr. PDQ Bach).Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Ed's career in music has been nothing short of remarkable, spanning multiple roles including trumpeter, teacher, conductor, and entrepreneur. His deep involvement in so many facets of the musical world has made him a leading voice not just in the trumpet community, but in the broader world of music.
In Part 1 of our conversation, Ed takes us back to his early days, sharing stories from his time studying with two of the most iconic trumpet teachers of his era—Vincent Cichowitz and William Vacchiano. We’ll dive into his experiences at Juilliard and hear about his early days in New York, including what it was like to work with legendary conductors like Leonard Bernstein and Pierre Boulez. Ed also shares fascinating anecdotes about some of the great orchestral trumpet players he’s encountered, such as Tom Stevens, Morris Murphy, and John Wilbraham, and their unique approaches to working with conductors. Plus, he’ll give us an inside look at his teaching philosophy, particularly his thoughts on preparation methodology.
[Subscriber Content] In Part 2, I ask Ed a thought-provoking question: if he were a student today, knowing what he knows now, what would he do differently? His answer leads us into a rich discussion about music and interpretation that goes beyond the trumpet. We wrap up our conversation by delving into Ed’s significant contribution to the trumpet community—Chosen Vale, a project that has left a lasting impact on musicians everywhere.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Clayton Haslop's journey as a violinist has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 18, he joined the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and rose to become its concertmaster. Over the years, he also served as concertmaster for the Los Angeles Opera Orchestra and contributed his talents to numerous iconic film scores, including Titanic, The Matrix, and many others. But Clayton's path wasn't always smooth. In his forties, he faced a daunting challenge when he was diagnosed with Focal Dystonia in his left hand. Despite years of struggle and bouts of depression, Clayton made a remarkable comeback by relearning to play the violin using only two fingers on his left hand. I'm especially honored to have this conversation with Clayton, as we were roommates in Santa Monica in the early 1980s. Although I was ten years his senior, I learned so much from him during those years. Speaking with him on this podcast is truly a privilege.
In Part 1 of our conversation, we delve into what it’s like to be a concertmaster for some of the top studio orchestras, the experience of working on blockbuster films like Titanic and The Matrix, and collaborating with renowned film composers, each with their unique personalities and approaches to recording sessions. We also explore Clayton’s early years, including his studies with the legendary violinist Nathan Milstein, and discuss the beginnings of his career along with some key concepts from his Violin Mastery Course.
In Part 2 [Subscriber Content], Clayton delves into the profound challenges he faced after being diagnosed with Focal Dystonia. Drawing inspiration from the legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt, who famously played with only two fingers on his left hand, Clayton reimagined his own technique to continue playing the violin at an exceptional level. He shares the physical and mental strategies that enabled him to overcome this seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Beyond the technical adjustments, Clayton talks about his deep musical connection with the members of an assisted living community.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Pianist Claar ter Horst is a renowned expert on German Lieder, with a special focus on the music of Robert Schumann and Hugo Wolf. Her impressive career includes collaborations with legendary German singers like Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Who better to delve into the rich tradition of German Lieder than Claar ter Horst?
In Part 1, we explore what sets the German singing tradition apart from those of other countries, using France as a point of comparison. Claar shares her experiences working with Fischer-Dieskau and Schwarzkopf, discussing their unique perspectives on music, singing, and their work ethic. She highlights both the similarities and differences between these iconic artists, offering insights into what it was like to collaborate with them. We also dive into Claar's deep passion for the songs of Robert Schumann, a composer whose work she holds dear. Finally, we unpack a profound quote from Claar's website: “In my view, the creative process is essential: working diligently, refining like a diamond, achieving freedom like a bird, listening with all your senses, and, above all, being amazed like a child.”
[For Subscribers] Part 2 opens with a fascinating family anecdote: Claar's grandfather attended the premiere of Mahler’s 5th Symphony, where conductor Willem Mengelberg asked him to delay the train to allow the Concertgebouw Orchestra to play an encore. What a remarkable family legacy! We then continue our discussion on teaching and learning, with Claar emphasizing her belief that dedication and hard work can help students overcome any lack of innate talent or instinct for phrasing.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Described by Broadway World as a "richly powerful singing actress," Nina is redefining what it means to be an opera singer. Beyond her international singing career, she is the Artistic Director at the Boston Lyric Opera and the co-founder and President of the Asian Opera Alliance. Nina is someone who not only talks the talk but walks the walk, using her career to expand the boundaries of the opera world. It was a true pleasure and honor to speak with Nina about her journey as an artist, administrator, and advocate.
Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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In Part 1, Maestro Slatkin shares stories from his musical upbringing in Los Angeles, enriched by his family's deep musical roots. He reflects on his formative years studying under renowned mentors Jean Morel and Walter Susskind. We explore his process for learning new pieces and his insights on the unique approaches and sounds of various orchestras. The episode concludes with a poignant recollection of a moving performance of Barber's Adagio for Strings at the BBC Proms on September 15, 2001, just days after the tragic events of 9/11 (see links below).
In Part 2 (Subscriber Content), we highlight a significant aspect of Leonard Slatkin's legacy: his dedication to promoting and premiering contemporary composers. His extensive contributions to the discovery and revival of earlier American music are equally impressive. We wrap up our conversation with delightful anecdotes about his love for baseball and his friendship with trumpet legend Bud Herseth, complete with a tale of how they pranked each other!Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Imagine being a multi-talented artist, a composer who has crafted scores for TV and iconic films like Jeremiah Johnson and The Candidate. Now, imagine you're also an acclaimed actor, having graced countless movies and winning a Tony Award for Children of a Lesser God Picture collaborating with legendary directors such as Bob Fosse, Mike Nichols, and Stephen Sondheim. Oh, and did I mention your father was the renowned pianist Artur Rubinstein? Growing up, you played for distinguished guests like Stravinsky, Milhaud, and Lawrence Olivier. With that incredible background, you can only imagine how thrilling it was for me to chat with the extraordinary John Rubenstein!
In Part 1, we delve into John's fascinating childhood and his initial steps into the world of composing. He began by writing for school projects and eventually transitioned into film scoring. John shares how the movie Chinatown influenced him and his special connection with trumpeter Uan Rasey, whose haunting solos left a lasting impact. We also explore the art of writing scores in Hollywood, discussing the nuances between composing for TV series and films. Then, we shift to John's acting career, highlighting his lead role in Pippin under the direction of the legendary Bob Fosse. We wrap up this segment by discussing the challenges of dealing with nerves and taking auditions.
In Part 2, we take a detour to discuss a memorable evening when John starred in Children of a Lesser God at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, while his father performed at the Music Center. John reminisces about playing for George Szell and shares insights into his father's experience recording with Fritz Reiner. We conclude with a wide-ranging conversation covering John's favorite books and composers.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Called "one of the biggest talents of his generation," Elias David Moncado, at a very young age, has already had an exceptional career. After winning his first competition at the age of 6, then his first international competition at the age of 8, he went on to win four major competitions after that (the Sendai Violin Competition in 2019, the International Karol Lipinski Violin Competition in 2019 (first grand prize and ten special prizes), the Valesia Musica Competition in 2021, and the Vladimir Spivakov Competition in 2021). His debut album was released in 2022 with works by Hindemith, Poulenc, and Bartok. Equally involved in different types of chamber music, he is a well-established international artist who is still just at the beginning of his career.
We begin with my asking Elias about his very early beginnings as a violinist, his early studies with Professor Latica Honda-Rosenberg, and then his phenomenal success at international competitions. I asked about his mental outlook during those competitions, and his answer was both a surprise and revealing to me. We then speak about interpretation and memorization (and how he is able to memorize so many major concerti), and his thoughts about concentration.
(Part 2 for Subscribers): During Covid, when he had no in-person performance opportunities, Elias learned the fiendishly difficult Bartok solo sonata as a way of using his free time to challenge himself. In 2022 he released his first solo album, and we talk about why he didn't record standard repertoire for his first recording. Because Elias is also deeply involved in playing chamber music, we talk about time management, and managing a career... "you need to create a full package as an artist." I then ask about the two 18th-century violins he plays, and we end with Elias talking about his special musical relationship with Anne Sophie Mutter.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Frederica von Stade has had a fabulous career as an opera singer, recitalist, and concert artist. In her long career, she has performed and recorded internationally, working with major conductors around the world (Karajan, Bernstein, Abbado, to name just a few.) In addition, she has championed the works of many contemporary composers, most notably Jake Heggie, with whom she has a strong friendship. Known as Flicka, she is both unassuming and gracious, and it was a highlight to have the opportunity to speak with her about her life and career.
We begin our conversation by talking about her connection with composer Jake Heggie, how they met, how she was instantly attracted to his music, and how Heggie's first and most popular opera, Dead Man Walking, came into being. Using that as a springboard, I then ask how an opera is put together from a singer's point of view. She then talks about how to maintain a healthy voice, working with nerves, and we end Part 1 discussing two of her favorite composers - Mahler and Debussy.
[Part 2 for Subscribers]: As a young girl, Frederica von Stade was first drawn to musicals and only later became involved in opera, and so she speaks of some of her early experiences with musical theater. I ask if she feels that she has been influenced as a singer by any instrument, and (no spoiler alert) her answer came as a total surprise! We end with a discussion of the charitable work she has done, specifically with the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Dr. Micah Killion is a trumpeter who has devoted the past several years to better understanding what constitutes effective practice and learning. Formerly a member of the Air Force Band, he has also been an arts administrator. In addition to his performing and research, he has also been involved in helping underprivileged populations through the power of music, his latest effort including a journey to Nepal. Currently he is the coordinator for the Center for Music Learning's new "Musical Lives Initiative."
We begin the conversation with Micah talking about his doctoral thesis research, where he studied the practice routines of six high-level trumpet players: Chris Coletti, Louis Hanslick, Justin Emmerich, Amy McCabe, Billy Hunter, and Gareth Flowers. His research aimed to identify commonalities in their practice approaches. We then talk in-depth about several practice concepts discussed on his website: "Give it a rest", "Interleave it", and "Get motivated."
In Part 2, to get Micah's feedback, I gave him an example of how I practiced when I was in college, which led us to more practice talk, and "what's your target." We wrap up the interview with Micah talking about his three week visit to Nepal, and how he used music and the trumpet to work with youth experiencing homelessness.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Miguel Harth Bedoya has been the Music Director of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra for 20 years and is now their Music Director Laureate. In addition to other Music Director positions he has held, he has also guest conducted major orchestras around the world such as the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony - to name only a few. He is currently the Mary Franks Thompson Director of Orchestral Studies at Baylor University.
We begin by asking Miguel about the differences in conducting various levels of orchestras, ranging from student orchestras to the top orchestras in the world... and his main thought is, "The love of music is very important." I also ask him about score study, to which he explains why a piece sounds different to him each time he reads and studies its score. (He also mentions how reading Cervantes' Don Quixote three times over the years gave him a different understanding of the book each time he read it.) Miguel was the conductor for the premiere and recording of Jennifer Higdon’s Cold Mountain, and he talks about the process of bringing a new opera to life. We end with an explanation of why an orchestra is like a research laboratory.
[Subscriber content] In Part 2, we begin by talking about Miguel's background. He was born in Peru, and we trace his journey as a student from Peru to Chile to the Curtis Institute and finally to Juilliard. He was an assistant conductor for the New York Philharmonic when Leonard Slatkin was delayed in getting to a concert, and he talks about jumping in at the last moment. He also talks about a later experience conducting Copland’s Appalachian Spring with that great orchestra. We finally turn to his career as a teacher, and his belief that building a foundation is critical to becoming a conductor. We end on a non-musical note... his helping with the disposal of garbage in Fort Worth... known as the "Cowboy Compost"... while he was Music Director of the Fort Worth Symphony.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Kevin Mayse is the wind ensemble conductor, trumpet teacher, and chair of the Department of Music at Riverside City College. Even though RCC is a two year college, what Kevin has been able to accomplish has been exceptional. His wind ensemble not only performs major works but also has a vibrant commissioning program, top flight soloists, and performs to sold out, standing room audiences. So, who better to ask about how to build a strong and thriving college performing program than Kevin?
We begin with a discussion of a concert I was involved in as a composer, where a piece of mine for trumpet and wind ensemble was given its premiere by Tom Hooten (principal trumpet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra) and the RCC Wind Ensemble. We use this concert to discuss in depth how Kevin has been able to create such a strong program. This is followed by Kevin talking about his early trumpet studies, how he gradually got into conducting, being hired at RCC, and eventually becoming department chair (and his take on the role of that position.)
Be sure to join us in Part 2 (Subscribers Only Content) where Kevin discusses some of his inspirations and mentors - Dave Evans, Malcolm McNab, and Bobby Shew for trumpet and Professor Jerry Junkin for conducting (specifically the four straight years that he attended a life-changing conductor's workshop in Texas.) I then ask Kevin a question that is always interesting for me: What makes a great student? We end with a story from a concert where Karel Husa's "Music for Prague 1968" was performed, and the emotional impact that great music can have.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Jon Armstrong is an amazingly versatile performer, composer, educator and thinker. Perhaps that should come as no surprise, since as a young man in his home town in Oregon, Jon not only played in a Buddhist marching band but also worked 12 hour shifts in a diaper factory! After a highly successful career in LA, he now teaches at Idaho State University, where he's established a fantastic commercial music program, while still performing and composing and at an extremely high level.
Dorico
Jon grew up in Corvallis, Oregon, and at a very young age was already deeply involved in music, learning any instrument he could get his hands on and playing in a variety of groups. His studies at the California Institute for the Arts were followed by seven years in Los Angeles, where he worked as a freelancer, band-leader and composer... and also founded three educational jazz programs! He moved to Pocatello to become Director of Jazz Studies at Idaho State University in 2015, which he has evolved into the new Commercial Music Program. Much of our discussion centers around his thoughts on pedagogy and building the commercial music program.
Professional music notation and composition software from Steinberg. Download a free 30-trial today!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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Matilda Lloyd has already had an exceptional career at a very young age. Her first album, Casta Diva, released on Chandos Records, was BBC Music Magazine's Recording of the Month in June of 2023. She will also be a European Concert Hall Organization "Rising Star" for the 2024/2025 season. But in addition to being an international trumpet soloist, she also has her own podcast, Musical Roots, and is an Ambassador for the charity "Brass for Africa."
Dorico
The conversation begins with Matilda tracing her path to where she is now, from when she began playing trumpet, on through her studies with Mark David and Håkan Hardenberger. She talks about the specific teaching styles of these two great players and teachers, and then moves on to the beginning of her solo career. Although it may seem as though she had a smooth path to a successful career, that hasn't always been the case, including a time during the pandemic when she worked a job outside of music in order to put food on the table. Her take on that time shows resilience, strength, and motivation. Part 1 wraps up with Matilda talking about moving forward with her career after the pandemic, and how her practicing has changed over time.
Professional music notation and composition software from Steinberg. Download a free 30-trial today!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!
As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:
Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners. Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students. Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions. The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music! Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely! Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!
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