Deutsche Grammophon Podcast

Podcast host and Berlin Philharmonic horn player Sarah Willis admires violinist Hilary Hahn for her fantastic playing and the way she communicates her passion for what she does. In this Deutsche Grammophon podcast episode Hilary explains why her upcoming album is called “Paris”, why she initiated her #100daysofpractice challenge and how to hulahoop while playing the violin.

“Keep calm and play the oboe” – having heard the motto of the new Deutsche Grammophon podcast episode, it comes as no surprise that Sarah Willis welcomes her colleague from the Berlin Philharmonic: Albrecht Mayer. He is not only the principal oboe player of one of the best orchestras of the world but also appears as a renowned soloist and conductor, such as on his new “Mozart” album. Sarah and Albrecht have known each other for years so the episode is filled with anecdotes about life as a musician.

This episode’s guest needs no introduction. Deutsche Grammophon Podcast host Sarah Willis is convinced that one recognizes him by his voice instantly. Sarah is of course referring to Rolando Villazón. The Mexican singer gives surprising insights about his new album “Serenata Latina” for which he joined forces with the French harpist Xavier de Maistre. With a special musical recommendation Sarah and Rolando wish you a merry Christmas.

How do you become a world-class mandolin player? Avi Avital introduces both the listeners and Deutsche Grammophon podcast host and French horn player Sarah Willis to the world of the mandolin. The Israeli musician presents his recent album “Art of the Mandolin”, offering a guided tour of the instrument’s rich history and a star performer’s personal selection of some of its greatest compositions. The podcast episode ends with a charming duet by Avi and Sarah.

Which mentors, idols, visions and goals does a young cellist have? Kian Soltani, a rising star of the cello, is this episode’s guest of the Deutsche Grammophon podcast series hosted by horn player Sarah Willis. They talk about his recent recordings for Deutsche Grammophon with works from Dvořák and Beethoven and how he connects with the audience during these unprecedented times. Tune in and listen to the genuine and joyful chat between the two musicians.

Daniel Hope is violinist, artistic director, president of the Beethoven-Haus Bonn, TV and radio presenter, book author and initiator of a live series “Hope@Home” broadcast from his very own living room. To Sarah Willis – Deutsche Grammophon podcast host and horn player of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra – it seems miraculous how Daniel Hope manages all those wonderful projects and still finds the time to sit down for a relaxed podcast episode with her.

The 26-year-old pianist Seong-Jin Cho had two dreams: To play with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and to play at Carnegie Hall. Both dreams have already come true. In this episode of the Deutsche Grammophon podcast series hosted by Berlin Philharmonic horn player Sarah Willis you can find out more about the young pianist, his lifestyle and his new album “The Wanderer” with music by Schubert, Liszt and Berg.

This episode’s guest of the Deutsche Grammophon podcast series is Lisa Batiashvili. She is one of the most renowned violinists in the world and has played many times with host and Berlin Philharmonic french horn player Sarah Willis. They met at the former silent movie theater “Delphi” in Berlin which plays a significant role in Lisa’s new album “City Lights”.

After the successful launch of the international podcast series by Deutsche Grammophon hosted by Berlin Philharmonic horn player Sarah Willis, Sarah welcomes the French cellist Camille Thomas. They talk about their experiences as classical musicians – laughing about anecdotes and discussing Camille Thomas’ exciting and very personal new album production “Voice of Hope”. Sarah’s charming nature lets you get to know Camille Thomas not only as a fabulous musician but as a person.

The new podcast series by Deutsche Grammophon and hosted by Berlin Philharmonic horn player Sarah Willis gets off to a great start with Icelandic rising star of the piano, Víkingur Ólafsson as her first guest. Neither had met before but Sarah had been looking forward to meeting Vikingur ever since she first saw a video of him playing Bach in a fish factory! The episode gives unique insights into Vikingur's new album Rameau/Debussy for DG - and ends with a surprise, tune in!