This is the full transcript of my episode with Margaret Maria, who is a wonderful cellist who’s a unique composer. The episode in podcast and video format is linked here as well. Margaret’s compositions are all written by layering cello lines in some gorgeous and emotive aural tapestries. Her personal story is interesting and moving: she started the cello as a teenager, was admitted to the University of Toronto at age 16 without graduating from high school, and was then admitted to the prestigious Curtis Institute. She went on to have a successful career as a member of the Vancouver Symphony and then Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, which is how I came to know her. She gave up her job with the NAC after a few years, and embarked on a new life as a composer, meanwhile continuing to teach. Some of her work as an educator has been with the Orkidstra program, which she has been involved with since it’s inception in 2007. It’s a social development program that serves over 650 youth from over 62 linguistic and cultural backgrounds by building community through free music programs. This episode has a lot of powerful music, and the complete track of Blessing of Awakening is available as a bonus episode.

Complete transcript of wide-ranging interview with oud and guitar player and teacher Ali Omar El-Farouk.

Full transcript of interview with the inspiring trumpet player and educator Karen Donnelly. Links for full and bonus episodes both podcast and video.