Andy Smith is so much more than just a timpanist. I loved our chat here about his decades with the great Philharmonia Orchestra in London, how he got there, what some of the glory times were and, what he thinks of the current state of affairs!

Orli Shaham is one of the brightest stars on the musical stage today. Not only a wonderful pianist and expressive performer, she is one of the sharpest music minds I know. I always learn from talking with her, and it's always fun!

With tales of George Szell, Oscar Shumsky and over fifty years as a violinist in the revered Emerson Quartet, Philip Setzer is full of tales, reminiscences and boundless energy and ideas for his new role as Artistic Director of Vermont's Manchester Music Festival.

Moray Welsh is one of the UK's most distinguished musicians. In this podcast he describes his musical life's journey, how he came to meet and be championed by Benjamin Britten, studies with Rostropovich in Moscow and his time as Principal cellist of the London Symphony Orchestra.

The wonderful Italian conductor, Carlo Rizzi shares memories, ideas and experiences about music making in general and, about conducting in some of the world's great opera houses in particular!

Following stints in a similar role at the Houston and San Francisco Symphony orchestras, Mark Hanson is the recently appointed President and CEO of the Baltimore Symphony.

In this podcast he articulates a passionately held vision for the future not only of the BSO, but orchestras throughout the US.

JoAnn is one of the most beloved and enterprising of all conductors working today. She's enjoyed spectacular success during her tenures as music director at a number of orchestras, and is just a delight to be around!

Paul Meecham, one of the industry's most distinguished leaders reflects on a lifetime managing orchestras in both the USA and UK.

Jeremy Rothman, Chief Programming Officer for The Philadelphia Orchestra and The Kimmel Center, guides us through his role in the orchestra's new "Golden Age'.

Let’s hear it from conductors! 

In an occasional departure from the usual A Stick with a Point format I’ve been interviewing a few of my conductor friends and getting their thoughts on the state of the business and what the future might hold, as well as a few more practical matters; “What is the role of an orchestra in a community? How do orchestras in different parts of the world survive and get their funding? Will there be an audience for symphonic music in the future and how do we nurture it? Is the notion of ‘relevance’ a transitory red herring?

My first guest is the wonderful James Judd whose views are not only well considered but inspiring and, well full of that much-overlooked attribute, “common sense”. 

I thoroughly enjoyed it and I hope you do too!