I was honoured to record this interview with Boman Desai, whose wonderful recent novel “Brahms Comes to Dinner” I highly recommend. You’ll hear how this work came out of Boman’s larger novel “Trio” and he shared stories about several of his other acclaimed novels including “The Memory of Elephants”,  “Portrait of a Woman Madly in Love” and his book about the Lennon-McCartney Beatles songs “Dancing About Architecture”. Some of Boman’s writing comes from his Parsi family history and the life of his grandmother, and you’ll hear about several life-changing moments including with the legendary editor and writer Diana Athill. This transcript is linked to the podcast and video versions, with full show notes.

Violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen discusses her sister Freya’s new concerto, "Permutations," and the "Reflection" album with Huw Watkins. She opened up  about postpartum anxiety, depression,and also the creativity parenting requires, and her role as Artistic Director of the Two Moors Festival, and “Dreamscapes and Lullabies” with Cordelia Williams. Available via podcast, video, and transcript.

 Mary Beth Orr is a wonderful award-winning horn player and folk vocal artist. Throughout this moving episode you’ll be hearing short excerpts from her album “The Singing Horn” which celebrates traditional Appalachian songs with Mahler and contemporary works composed for Mary Beth through Vox Novus’ Fifteen Minutes of Fame Project. Mary Beth is currently 3rd Horn of the Grand Rapids Symphony, and she shares the best advice I’ve heard about succeeding at orchestral auditions. Mary Beth also experienced a serious accident that threatened her life and then her ability to play the horn and she shares many other difficult personal challenges.  I was so moved to hear her story and wisdom and I encourage you to come back and listen to the end. This transcript is linked to the podcast, video and show notes.

This interview features British Ivor-nominated composer, violinist, and sound artist Ruby Colley. Discover her beautiful album Hello Halo, with the Exaudi vocal ensemble, created alongside her non-speaking brother, Paul. Explore her use of field recordings, Bach, folk music, and art collaborations. This transcript is linked to the podcast and video versions of this episode, with complete show notes.

Duo FAE violinist Charlene Kluegel and pianist Katherine Petersen join me with a focus on their album Dissidents of the Gilded Age with music of Dame Ethel Smyth, Cécile Chaminade and Amy Beach. We got into conversations around education, what a path to a career in classical music can look like, and how they have dealt with challenges including becoming mothers. This interview transcript is linked to the podcast and video versions.

I was so honoured and delighted to have this opportunity to have this conversation with Nancy Shear, whose diverse career in classical music will fascinate you. I loved reading her memoir “I knew a man who knew Brahms” which is very much a book about appreciation for great music making as well as the importance of reflecting on the legacies our elders. You’ll hear about insights gleaned from her close releationships with many luminaries including Leopold Stokowski and Mstislav Rostropovich. Nancy was a troubled teenager when she began working as part of the Philadelphia orchestra library staff, and her brave determination, sensitivity and brilliance have led her to many unexpected opportunities. Whether or not you are currently a fan of classical music, I’m sure Nancy’s wisdom and storytelling will inspire you. We’re also including Nancy’s suggested listening links in the show notes, as well as other episodes you’ll enjoy. 

This transcript is linked to both the podcast and video versions of this interview, along with show notes.