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In this episode, Christoph Wichert shares his journey from classical beginnings to a professional career in music, offering valuable insights into orchestra life, practicing, and performance etiquette. Discover practical tips for musicians and get a glimpse of upcoming concerts and tours with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Christoph shares insights on contemporary music, the importance of cultural diversity in composition, and practical advice for young musicians navigating their careers. Discover how to foster creativity, build networks, and embrace experimentation in the world of classical and contemporary music. Biography: Austrian bassoonist and artistic researcher Christoph Karl Wichert has been a member of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra since 2008. He graduated from the Conservatory of Vienna, where he studied Bassoon Performance under Michael Werba (Principal Bassoon, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra) and Music Education, further enhancing his training through masterclasses with leading musicians. In Vienna, Christoph was regularly invited to work with prominent Viennese ensembles such as the Wiener Kammerorchester. He also worked as a substitute musician for the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, collaborating with renowned conductors like Zubin Mehta, Seiji Ozawa, Mariss Jansons, Riccardo Muti, and Nikolaus Harnoncourt.  An active soloist, Christoph has performed in various recitals and with orchestras, showcasing concertos by Mozart, Weber, Pauer, and Hartl, among others. Before relocating to Singapore, he served as Principal Bassoonist with the Orchester der Vereinigten Bühnen Wien for their productions and taught bassoon, music theory, and symphonic wind band at the music school in Tulln. There, he successfully prepared students for admission to prestigious music universities and co-founded a composition workshop with his colleague Cordula Bösze. Beyond his role with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Christoph teaches at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore Contemporary and Experimental Music and is a guest artist at the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music in Bangkok. In 2015, Christoph co-founded SETTS, Singapore’s first fully professional contemporary music ensemble, alongside other dedicated musicians. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Christoph Wichert's Musical Journey 02:19 Starting with Classical Music and Early Influences 04:16 The Sound That Inspired a Career in Bassoon 05:00 Moving to Vienna and Studying the Bassoon 07:00 Transition from Austria to Southeast Asia 08:50 Balancing Freelance Work and Orchestra Positions 11:44 Auditioning in Frankfurt and Singapore 12:43 The Singapore Symphony Orchestra Opportunity 14:22 Deciding to Stay in Singapore 15:04 Memorable Concerts with the Singapore Symphony 16:55 Upcoming Tours and Concerts 20:52 Working with the New Chief Conductor, Hannu Lintu 23:06 Tips for Second Bassoon Players 37:26 Encouraging Students and Practice Mindset 39:01 Handling Mistakes and Performance Anxiety 40:24 The Power of Frustration and Growth Mindset 41:18 The Joy of Improvisation and Experimental Music

In this conversation, Aisling Casey shares her journey as a professional oboist, discussing her early beginnings in Ireland, her studies in Germany, and her experiences in the Netherlands' vibrant music scene. She emphasizes the importance of community in music, as demonstrated through her work with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, the Splendor Concert Hall and the Ludwig Orchestra. Aisling also highlights the significance of body mapping for musicians and the initiatives she has taken to encourage young oboists through the Oboe Platform. Throughout the discussion, she inspires listeners to follow their passions and remain curious in their musical journeys. Find out more about Aisling here: https://www.aislingcasey.com/me/

In this episode of Legends of Reed, host Jo Anne Sukumaran delves into the crucial topic of musicians' health and injury prevention. Featuring insights from Dr. Matthew Winter, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Dr. June Tan Sheren, a family medicine physician specializing in performing arts medicine, the discussion explores the physical and mental challenges musicians face. The experts share advice on injury prevention, the importance of early medical consultation, and holistic approaches to maintaining longevity and well-being in musical careers. Practical tips, personal anecdotes, and enlightening takes on comparing musicians to athletes make this a must-listen for any performing artist.     Dr June Tan Sheren MBBS (Singapore), MMed Family Medicine (Singapore), MSc Performing Arts Medicine (UK) Consultant Family Physician Tucker Medical https://tuckermedical.com/teams/dr-june-tan-sheren/  Dr June Sheren is a primary care physician with a specialization in Performing Arts Medicine (PAM). She holds a Masters in PAM from University College London (UCL) and is known for her expertise in caring for performing artists. She serves as Medical Advisor to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and physician to students of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore. She guest lectures at UCL and actively contributes to the field through talks and written content for leading PAM organizations and arts institutions. In her spare time, she plays the piano and cello.   Find out more about Dr. Sheren here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/june-tan-sheren https://www.instagram.com/junetansheren/    Dr. Matthew Winter DPT (USA), Bsc (Hons) Physiotherapy (UK), CFMP, MAHPC Doctor of Physical TherapyDirector, Integrative Physio Pte LtdMedical Trainer (World Rugby/RFU) Dr Matthew Winter completed his undergraduate degree at Nottingham University before completing his clinical doctorate from the USA. He has spent the past 15 years working in Singapore spanning acute hospital care, prehospital immediate care in sport and outpatient musculoskeletal care managing patients with pain and injuries back to health. Aside from his clinic work he has managed immediate care teams in international sports competitions. He has been the Singapore Rugby physiotherapist and has sat on medical committees steering athletes' welfare. He is an enthusiastic educator on the topics of immediate care and has presented in medical forums on topics ranging from pain management to shoulder instability and of course managing pain in musicians! Matthew also has his own podcast “The Best of Both Worlds Health and Performance Podcast”.   Find out more about his practice at https://www.iphysio.sg https://www.instagram.com/integrativephysio/ https://www.instagram.com/thebobwpodcast/   Hosted by Jo Anne Sukumaran Find out more: https://www.joannesukumaran.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/jewelair2.0/   00:00 Introduction to Musicians' Health 01:14 Welcome to Legends of Reed 01:35 Meet the Experts: Dr. Matthew Winter and Dr. June Tan Sheren 05:25 Dr. June's Journey into Performing Arts Medicine 08:22 Common Health Issues Among Musicians 10:14 Beyond Overuse: Understanding Musicians' Injuries 16:36 The Impact of Hormonal Changes on Musicians 20:41 Drawing Parallels: Musicians and Athletes 26:16 Optimal Practice and Rest Strategies 30:18 The Importance of Mental and Physical Health  36:04 Debunking Stretching Myths 38:03 When Stretching is Beneficial 38:16 Strengthening Over Stretching 39:42 Simple Mobility Exercises 41:53 Seeking Professional Help Early 42:58 Choosing the Right Healthcare Professional 45:36 Rebounding from Injury 54:35 Mental Health and Recovery 58:42 Health Education in Music 01:03:59 Favorite Cello Pieces 01:07:48 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of 'Legends of Reed,' Jo Anne Sukumaran interviews accomplished bassoonist Rie Koyama. Rie shares her early beginnings in music, influenced by her father, a bassoon player. She discusses her significant musical influences, the pressures of following in her father's footsteps, and her meticulous preparation strategies for major competitions. Rie also reflects on her experiences studying under Dag Jensen in Munich and her active roles in chamber music ensembles like the Veits Quintet and Franz Ensemble. She delves into her transition to the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra and the unique sound of the ensemble. Additionally, Rie talks about her approach to maintaining her powerful sound and everyday routines before concerts. She concludes by sharing her future projects and her admiration for working with renowned conductors and musicians. Tune in for an insightful conversation about Rie's vibrant musical journey and her dedication to the bassoon.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:21 Early Beginnings with the Bassoon 03:37 Musical Influences and Inspirations 04:31 Handling Expectations and Pressure 06:12 Competition Preparation Strategies 07:44 Learning from Dag Jensen 09:46 Chamber Music with Veits Quintet 14:31 Franz Ensemble and Unique Projects 18:49 Joining the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra 23:43 Tips for Powerful Sound and Practice 27:12 Concert Day Routines and Rituals 33:45 Future Projects and Exciting Tours 36:51 Final Thoughts and Farewell Find out more about Rie: https://www.rie-koyama.com Artist photo (c) Marco Borggreve Opening music credits: Rie Koyama, bassoon Sinfonia Concertante Rodrigo Blumenstock, conductorGotthard Odermatt: Réminiscences, Op. 25b (excerpts)Basson concerto Premiere (Version with orchestra) Church: Kirche Unser Lieben Frauen, Bremen, Germany11. June 2019 Hosted by Jo Anne Sukumaran https://www.joannesukumaran.com Support the LOR podcast here: https://shorturl.at/5UO3N

A Deep Dive with Nicholas Daniel: From Oboe Beginnings to Musical Leadership   In this episode of Legends of Reed, host Jo Anne Sukumaran, has an engaging and heartfelt conversation with acclaimed oboist Nicholas Daniel. Nicholas shares his journey from his surprising introduction to the oboe, influenced by his grandmother, to achieving critical acclaim with his latest album “Schumann Works for Oboe and Piano.”    They delve into his practice routines, the importance of calm environments for recording, and his thoughts on working with producers like Jonathan Cooper and longtime collaborator Julius Drake. Nicholas recounts his experiences interacting with composers, shedding light on his approach to learning new concertos and the influence of contemporary thinkers like Molly Gabrien. The conversation also touches on broader themes such as teaching practices, the tradition of the British oboe school, his involvement with various musical organizations, and memorable encounters with Queen Elizabeth II. Nicholas's stories and insights reveal his passion for music, teaching, and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in life.   Find out more about Nicholas: https://nicholasdaniel.co.uk   Vote for the Schumann album (until end Feb 2025):   https://www.classical-music.com/awards/2025-awards/bbc-music-magazine-chamber-award-2025   00:00 Introduction and Greetings 02:47 Discussing the Latest Album 05:20 Journey into Music and the Oboe 10:47 Influential Teachers and Early Training 16:47 The British Oboe Tradition 19:17 Goossens's Oboe and Historical Instruments 27:35 Women in Music and Gender Equality 33:06 Impact of COVID-19 on Musicians 35:51 The Path to Becoming a Concert Oboe Soloist 43:00 Meditation and Mindfulness in Practice 48:30 Preparing for Performances and Learning New Music 01:03:17 Using Gymnastic Balls for Breathing Exercises 01:04:10 The Impact of Musculature on Breathing 01:06:00 The Partnership Between Body and Breath 01:06:44 The Emotional Connection to Musical Instruments 01:08:13 The Importance of Flexibility in Musicians 01:09:46 Hydration and Its Effects on Musicians 01:10:58 Favorite Composers and Their Influence 01:21:29 Collaborating with Composers 01:28:47 Balancing Leadership and Collaboration in Orchestras 01:36:06 Rapid Fire Questions 01:41:57 The Future of Classical Music 01:54:11 Meeting Queen Elizabeth II

In this episode of Legends of Reed, Fei Xie shares his unique journey as a bassoonist with host Jo Anne Sukumaran, from his early beginnings in China to becoming a principal bassoonist in the Minnesota Orchestra. He discusses the influence of his musical family, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and the importance of mentorship in his development. Fei also offers insights into his teaching philosophy, the significance of diversity in the music profession, and how he navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic. The conversation concludes with a look at his upcoming projects and personal interests.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:31 Musical Journey and Influences08:17 Cultural Transition and Mentorship10:23 Professional Aspirations and Achievements12:50 Favorite Repertoire and Performance Tips15:19 Teaching Philosophy and Student Development17:58 Challenges in the Music Profession20:37 Experiences with the Minnesota Orchestra23:07 Staying Positive During the Pandemic25:43 Personal Life and Hobbies28:24 Upcoming Projects and Final ThoughtsFind out more about Fei Xie:https://cla.umn.edu/about/directory/profile/xie00292Host: Jo Anne SukumaranSubscribe to "Legends of Reed" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46fKYJX5g0Ak2entBcSZJU?si=8f67ef4dba98475bBeginning music credit (c) courtesy of Minnesota Orchestra,Fei Xie performs Mozart's Bassoon Concerto | Minnesota Orchestra | Osmo Vänskä

In this episode of Legends of Reed, host Jo Anne Sukumaran interviews French oboist Armand Djikoloum, who shares his journey from early musical beginnings to becoming a professional musician. He discusses the challenges of being an oboist, the importance of physical fitness through running, and the impact of social media on musicians. Armand emphasizes the need for self-care, mental resilience, and creating positive environments in music. He also reflects on the recording process and the significance of staying true to oneself in the competitive world of classical music.   French born oboist Armand Djikoloum enjoys a varied and highly successful career as both a soloist and chamber musician, featuring frequently as a guest with some of Europe’s finest orchestras and ensembles. Armand will be joining a star-studded group of YCAT artists in February 2025, as they celebrate YCAT’s 40 year anniversary, performing at venues such as BoulezSaal Berlin, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Philharmonie Cologne, Tauberphilharmonie Weikersheim and Wigmore Hall.  Armand Djikoloum, is a multi prize winning soloist and chamber musician and, in 2022, was recognised as one of Classic FM’s Rising Stars. Find out more about Armand here: https://www.ycat.co.uk/armand-djikoloum Listen to the latest chamber music album "Zelenka: Trio Sonatas Zwv 181 & Ghosts" :https://open.spotify.com/album/0FlcdMG3wFLoFJkE0udTPF?si=5xFDJfG_Sl-UkpitZr2VMw Photo credit (c) Kaupo Kikkas IG: https://www.instagram.com/armandjikoloum/ Hosted by Jo Anne Sukumaran https://www.joannesukumaran.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/jewelair2.0/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Armand  03:08 Early Musical Beginnings 07:03 Recording Process and Collaboration 11:41 Running as a Complement to Music 16:26 Injury and Recovery in Music 24:20 Creating Positive Musical Environments 30:25 Challenges of the Oboe as a Solo Instrument 37:46 Social Media and the Musician's Image 42:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Summary   In this conversation, José Javier Romero, a bassoonist and reed specialist, discusses his journey in music and his work with the Swiss Orchestra and Georg Rieger GmbH. He shares how he started playing the bassoon and the important lessons he learned from his mentors. José also talks about his favorite concert halls, the bassoon and reeds he plays on, and the common questions and problems people bring to him in his workshops. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the instrument and finding the right balance between the reed and the bassoon. In this conversation, José Javier Romero discusses his approach to reed making and shares insights on various aspects of the process. He provides tips for adjusting reeds to improve their performance in the low register and offers advice on finding the right balance between flexibility and stability. José emphasizes the importance of having an open mind and learning from others in order to grow as a musician. He also discusses his motivation to keep going and shares his upcoming projects and plans.   Takeaways:   ·      Understanding the instrument and finding the right balance between the reed and the bassoon is crucial for a musician. ·      The choice of concert halls can greatly impact the performance experience. ·      The process of making and selecting reeds is highly individual and requires experimentation and understanding of the instrument. ·      Working with a mentor can provide valuable guidance and inspiration in a musician's career. ·      Common questions and problems in reed making include finding the right material, achieving stability and flexibility, and improving articulation and intonation. ·      The reed is a vital component of a musician's sound and can greatly impact the performance. Adjusting the tip of the reed can improve its performance in the low register ·      Finding the right balance between flexibility and stability is crucial for a good reed ·      Having an open mind and learning from others is essential for growth as a musician ·      Finding motivation in the process and striving to be the best version of oneself is key ·      José has upcoming projects with his orchestra and chamber music performances     To find out more about Javier, please visit: https://www.instagram.com/kunfubassoon   Swiss Orchestra: https://swissorchestra.ch/en/musicians   To sign up for the exclusive online reed-making webinar With Javier: https://forms.gle/RqGiupJpE8V3x9uc9  Host: Jo Anne Sukumaran https://www.instagram.com/jewelair2.0/

Fredrik Ekdahl is leader of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra’s bassoon section and held the same position in the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. He performs regularly with orchestras including London Symphony Orchestra, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and Australian Chamber Orchestra. He has appeared as soloist with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra. New works have also been composed especially for Ekdahl, such as Jesper Nordin’s bassoon concerto, Vicinities. Fredrik Ekdahl is a dedicated chamber musician and regularly performs in festivals all over the world. He has collaborated with world-class musicians such as violinist Janine Jansen and clarinettist Martin Fröst. Ekdahl is a Professor at the Hochschule för Musik Trossingen in Germany.     Summary   Fredrik Ekdahl discusses his journey as a bassoonist, his experiences in orchestras, his love for chamber music, and his passion for contemporary music. He shares insights on his early musical inspirations, working with renowned conductors, being well prepared for performances. He enjoys playing in orchestras and chamber music ensembles, finding joy in the direct communication and collaboration with other musicians. He also shares his passion and approach to contemporary pieces, including performing and recording Jesper Nordin’s bassoon concerto “Vicinities”.    Fredrik also talks about his role as a bassoon professor in Trossingen and his hobbies outside of music. As a bassoon professor, Fredrik emphasizes the importance of a supportive and collaborative learning environment for his students.   Find out more about Fredrik’s bassoon studio here: https://www.hfm-trossingen.de/hochschule/personen/detail/fredrik-ekdahl   Thank you to Tutti Fagotti GmbH for sponsoring this episode. Use discount code “legendsofreed” to enjoy a 10% discount from today until 31.08.2024 for online purchase of bassoon accessories on their website: https://www.tutti-fagotti.com   hosted by Jo Anne Sukumaran     Chapters   00:00 The Beginning of a Musical Journey 08:24 Collaborating with Conductors 15:05 The Importance of Preparation 28:32 Teaching Bassoon and Fostering a Musical Community 31:54 Finding Balance and Looking Ahead Opening credits: Camille Saint-Saëns Bassoon Sonata, courtesy of artist I. Allegretto Moderato, bassoon - Fredrik Ekdahl piano - Stefan Lindgren Recorded in Grünewaldsalen/Stockholms Konserthus in December 2021 as a part of the film series Mankind and Music at Konserthuset Play. Film - David Tarrodi Sound engineer - Håkan Ekman

In 2019 Theo was appointed principal of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra and he won 3rd Prize at the ARD Competition in Munich. As a soloist Theo has appeared with the Munich Chamber, Dortmunder Philharmoniker, the Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz and Beethoven Orchester Bonn. Recent highlights include recitals at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Tonhalle Düsseldorf, Beethoven-Haus in Bonn, Prinzregententheater in Munich and the Heidelberger-Frühling Festival. An avid chamber musician he has taken part in the Schleswig-Holstein, Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Molyvos, Davos and ‘Spannungen’ Heimbach Festivals, collaborating with Lars Vogt, Christian Tetzlaff, Antje Weithaas, Vilde Frang, among many others. He is a member of the prize-winning Monet Wind Quintet, whose first CD in collaboration with Sudwest Rundfunk will be released by AVI later this year. In 2018 Theo was appointed principal of the German Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. He has appeared as guest principal with leading orchestras including the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, the WDR Sinfonieorchester and the Hessiche Rundfunk. Born in Koblenz, Theo completed his Masters at the Hochschule fur Musik Munchen with Professor Dag Jensen. In 2018 he won a prestigious Deutsche Musikwettbewerb prize and in 2019 was selected for representation by Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT). Other awards include 1st Prize in the Munich Gasteig Competition (2014), Aeolus Wind Competition (2012), Crusell Competition in Finland (2011) and the Hummel Competition in Wurzburg (2011). During his studies Theo has participated in masterclasses with Klaus Thunemann and Sergio Azzolini, and been the recipient of numerous scholarships including the Deutsche Stiftung Musikleben and Mozart Gesellschaft Dortmund awards. Since 2016 he has taken part in the Rhapsody in School project, founded by Lars Vogt, bringing classical music to children throughout Germany.   Show Notes: Theo Plath, a bassoonist, shares his journey in music and his passion for playing the bassoon. He discusses how he started playing the instrument and his love for all types of music, including string repertoire. Plath also talks about his albums, including 'Lost Times' and 'Balkan Discoveries,' and the inspiration behind them. He shares his experiences working with renowned musicians and his approach to staying motivated and focused. Plath also provides insights into orchestra etiquette, his reed-making process, and his hobbies outside of music. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:12 Discovering the Bassoon 04:09 Exploring String Repertoire on the Bassoon 08:00 Transcribing and Playing Violin Repertoire 11:30 Staying Motivated and Focused in Music 31:14 Creating Vibrating Reeds for a Dark and Robust Sound 33:13 Sewing Clothes and Reed-Making: Similar Hobbies 34:10 Enjoying the Mountains and Bringing a Bassoon   Find out more about Theo Plath here: https://www.theoplath.de IG: https://www.instagram.com/theoplathbassoon/ Host: Jo Anne Sukumaran, https://www.joannesukumaran.com IG:   / jewelair2.0   Support the show - Buy me a Coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jewelair Beginning video courtesy Theo Plath: Niccolò Paganini: Caprice Op.1 No.5 Transcription for bassoon solo Artist photo (c) Marco Borggreve

A passionate advocate for the bassoon, Amy Harman is much sought after as a soloist, chamber musician, teacher and communicator.   Amy was a professor at the Royal Academy of Music from 2013 to 2024 and gives masterclasses and coaches internationally. She was appointed professor of bassoon at the Robert Schumann Hochshule Düsseldorf in 2024, the first woman to hold such a position in Germany.  Aged 23 Amy was appointed solo bassoon of the Philharmonia Orchestra. Sought after as guest principal with leading orchestras in Europe including Paavo Järvi’s EFO and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, she is currently principal of Aurora Orchestra. She was selected by YCAT in 2014. Solo highlights include premiering Roxanna Panufnik’s concerto for bassoon & string orchestra with the Royal Northern Sinfonia, Strauss's Concertino with the English Chamber Orchestra, Mozart’s Concerto at the Festival Suoni dal Golfo in Lerici and appearing as a flying soloist at the world premiere of Stockhausen’s Mittwoch aus Licht. Amy was the first bassoonist to perform a live broadcast solo recital for BBC radio 3. She performs recitals regularly in UK and Germany with her collaborator Tom Poster. Summary: Amy Harman shares her journey to becoming a bassoonist, including her early musical inspirations and her transition from playing the cello to the bassoon. She discusses her experiences with the Aurora Orchestra and their memorized performances, as shares some practice tips for listeners. Amy also talks about the importance of the Young Classical Artist Trust in shaping her career and the significance of being the first female bassoon professor in Germany, at the Robert Schumann Hochschule in Dusseldörf. In this conversation, Amy discusses the challenges facing the arts industry, particularly in the UK, and offers words of encouragement to young musicians. She emphasizes the importance of creating art and suggests pursuing a portfolio career, and shares her experience of balancing a busy career with being a mother of three. She also mentions upcoming projects she's excited about, including a performance of Elizabeth MacConkey's concertino and various chamber music festivals. Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Amy's Musical Background 07:24 Memorized Performances with the Aurora Orchestra 24:38 The Power of a Portfolio Career 30:35 Finding Inspiration in Different Genres 38:42 The Art of Memorizing Music ************************************ Find out more about Amy here. Amy's Instagram Host: Jo Anne Sukumaran, find out more here. Legends of Reed is sponsored by Barton Cane, enjoy free shipping with coupon code" legendsofreed", on their website. Opening credits: Concert recording of Amy Harman with Castalian Quartet - Cantator and Amanda (2011), by Roxanna Panufnik - courtesy of Young Classical Artist's Trust.Photo credit: Kaupo Kikas

Benjamin Coelho, professor of bassoon, has been at the University of Iowa since 1998. He has appeared as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician, teacher, and clinician in several countries including the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Panama, Portugal, France, Romania, Australia, Canada, and the Czech Republic. An avid chamber musician, he has performed with the Gramado Woodwind Quintet (Brazil), the Alaria Chamber Ensemble (New York), and the Contemporary Music Group of Minas Gerais (Brazil). As a founding member of the Manhattan Wind Quintet, Mr. Coelho performed numerous recitals and concert tours throughout the United States. The group won various chamber music competitions including Artists International, Coleman, and Monterey Peninsula Chamber Music Competition. An enthusiastic proponent of new music, Mr. Coelho has commissioned, performed, and recorded many works by European, American, and Latin American composers. His recordings include Bassoon Images from the Americas (2003), released by Albany Records; Bravura Bassoon (2005), Pas de Trois (2006) released by Crystal Records; and Explorations (2007), Dreaming in Colours (2011) and Agnus Dei (2012) all released by MSR Classics. The specialized media has continuously praised his recordings "...Ben has such a gorgeous sound, such impeccable technique, and such sensitive musicality, that it is a real pleasure to recommend this album very strongly to all of you!" (Ronald Klimko, IDRS Journal), "Coelho's program is an international affair that shows the range of colors and character that the bassoon can explore in tandem with string colleagues. His playing is unfailingly sonorous, expressive, and alert, and he champions the pieces on this recording as if he believed in them without reservation." (Donald Rosenberg, The Gramophone), "Coelho is fantastic. His sound is brilliant, resonant, and strong, and he has a warm tone that blends superbly with the strings." (Schwartz, American Record Guide). As a member of the group Wizards! A Double Reed Consort, Coelho has recorded two CDs released by Crystal and Boston Records in 2000 and 2003 respectively. Mr. Coelho has written articles on bassoon performance and literature. His work has been published in the International Double Reed Society Journal, as well as the British Double Reed Society Journal. His article "Francisco Mignone and the Sixteen Waltzes for Solo Bassoon" has been translated into German, and published in the German double-reed magazine ROHRBLATT. Before his position at the University of Iowa, Mr. Coelho was the vice dean and bassoon professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil). He also worked extensively as a performer in his native Brazil, including principal positions with symphony orchestras in Rio de Janeiro, Campinas, and Belo Horizonte. In the United States, Mr. Coelho has played with the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony (Iowa), The Camerata Chamber Orchestra (Indiana), The Bloomington Pops Orchestra (Indiana), The Bronx Opera Company (New York), and Orchestra Iowa. Currently, he performs as the principal bassoon with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (Iowa/Illinois). Ben attended Indiana University, Manhattan School of Music, S.U.N.Y. at Purchase, and the Tatuí Conservatory in his native Brazil. His major teachers include Clóvis Franco, Donald MacCourt, Arthur Weisberg, and Kim Walker. Ben lives in Iowa City, IA, with his wife Karen and their wonderful daughters Liliana and Julia. legendsofreed" to enjoy free shipping.

In this episode of Legends of Reed, oboist Celia Craig shares her journey of how she accidentally started playing the oboe and fell in love with it. She discusses her experiences as an orchestral player, touring the world and adapting to different cultural expectations. Celia also talks about her memorable concerts, including playing with Leonard Bernstein and the London Symphony Orchestra. She shares her experience of synesthesia, seeing music in colors, and how it enhances her musical performances. Celia explains why she chose to leave the orchestra and start her own recording label, Artaria, and the importance of diversity and mental health in the music industry. In this conversation, Celia discusses her experience with synesthesia and how it influences her music. She shares and describes the colors she sees when playing certain pieces. Celia also talks about her passion for photography and how it helps her relax away from music. She emphasizes the importance of innovation in the classical music industry and breaking barriers between audiences and performers. Celia discusses her efforts to create intimate concert experiences and showcase the skills of musicians in film recordings. She also highlights the need for arts bodies to support independent artists and provide career planning guidance for young musicians. To find out more about Celia, visit her website: https://www.celiacraig.com.au https://www.instagram.com/celiacraigonline/ Legends of Reed is sponsored by Barton Cane, use coupon code, "legendsofreed" for free shipping on https://www.bartoncane.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:54 Discovering the Oboe 04:16 Career as an Orchestral Player 06:05 Cultural Differences in Orchestras 07:27 Memorable Concerts 08:24 Mentored by Leonard Bernstein 09:47 Leaving the Orchestra and Starting a Recording Label 13:07 Synesthesia and Music 18:43 Discovering Synesthesia 21:02 Promoting Diversity and Mental Health 23:00 The Importance of Music and Color in Modern Life 25:23 The Flow State and Synesthesia 26:18 Associating Colors with Music 26:45 Synesthesia and Mental Health 27:14 Perfect Pitch and Synesthesia 28:09 Challenges of Synesthesia 28:37 Synesthesia in Music 29:34 Describing Colors in Music 30:03 Synesthesia Experience with Elgar's Symphony 31:00 Unexpected Performance Experience 32:46 AI-Generated Art and Chamberworks 33:16 Unwinding and Relaxing with Photography 34:13 Innovating the Classical Music Industry 35:07 Intimate Concert Format 36:30 The Power of Live Music 37:28 Recognizing Performers in Film Music 38:24 Importance of Independent Art Scene 39:23 Supporting Independent Musicians 40:18 Teaching Career Planning and Entrepreneurship 42:06 Breaking Barriers and Unmasking Performers 43:03 Connecting Double Reed Players 43:58 Advice for Young Musicians 45:21 Playing in a Relaxed and Flow State 46:16 Practicing in the Dark 49:04 Upcoming Project: Researching Miriam Hyde

Michaela Špačková is a curious and creative artist who seamlessly integrates her passions for music, humanity and nature into her musical work, lifestyle and intercultural activities – from music education concerts to her development of permaculture gardening. She regularly performs works dedicated to her for solo bassoon by contemporary composers, She began playing the bassoon at the age of 12 and made her debut five years later with the PKF Prague Philharmonia, following appearances with the ORF Vienna, Munich Chamber Orchestra and Czech Philharmonic, receiving more than 20 prizes at various competitions such as the ARD Music Competition and Prague Spring Competition, and performing worldwide in the most prestigious halls such as the Berlin Philharmonie, Philharmonie de Paris, Suntory Hall Tokyo, etc. She was solo bassoonist in the Konzerthausorchester Berlin with Christoph Eschenbach and Academist with the Staatskapelle Berlin under Daniel Barenboim, played with conductors such as Sir S. Rattle, Z. Mehta, I. Fischer, W. Jurowski and others. In this episode, we speak about her start on the bassoon, her experiences and insights on taking part and winning numerous competitions, some of her favorite contemporary composers, educational music concerts, her passion for permaculture gardening, how she overcome a challenging moment in her career and we are joined by a super-cute guest right at the end! Legends of Reed is sponsored by Barton Cane. Use coupon code "legendsofreed" for free shipping. https://www.bartoncane.com Find out more about Michaela here: https://www.michaelaspackova.com

Since 2022, Sanja is artist of the French instrument maker Buffet Crampon Paris, playing oboe model „Légende”. With their support,  she is bringing to life new Oboe Concerto composed by Nimrod Borenstein. World premiere will happen on March 8, 2024 with Beograde Philharmonic Orchestra, as part of 100 Years Anniversary celebration of the orchestra. Highly active as soloist, she performed with Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, Al Bustan Festival Orchestra, Macedonia Philharmonic Orchestra, Salzburg Kammerphilharmone, Vojvodina Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble Metamorphosis, Zagreb Soloists, Slovene Army Band, Erdödy Chamber Orchestra from Hungary and traditional tamboura orchestra from Slovenia. Sanja is associate professor for orchestral studies for woodwind instruments at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad. Until 2024 she was solo oboist of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra for 12 years. In this episode, I interview the inspiring oboist, Sanja Romić. We speak about topics such as how she started playing the oboe, her collaboration with Buffet Crampon and the oboe model Légende, her upcoming premiere of a oboe concerto by Nimrod Borenstein, to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of her orchestra, her podcast on playing and living with ease, her future plans after leaving an orchestral career, and more. Legends of Reed is sponsored by Barton Cane, for free shipping on any order, use coupon code "legendsofreed". To find out about Sanja Romić visit: https://sanjaromic.com