KCRW Berlin Amplified: Leitmotifs

In this episode of Leitmotifs, host Fredrika Brillembourg reconnects with her old friend, Pulitzer Prize winner and music critic Tim Page.

He has worn many hats over the years as an author, editor, radio host and professor of journalism and music at the University of Southern California. (Originally aired Oct. 3, 2020)

Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll 

In this episode of Leitmotifs, host Fredrika Brillembourg talks with pianist and conductor Benjamin Hochman. He has performed in major cities and festivals around the world, both as a soloist and chamber musician. Currently, Hochman is a research associate with Bard College Berlin and concert curator for the American Academy. Fredrika spoke with him about Mozart and Hochman's approach to music.

In this episode of Leitmotifs, host Fredrika Brillembourg reconnects with her old friend, Pulitzer Prize winner and music critic Tim Page. He has worn many hats over the years as an author, editor, radio host and professor of journalism and music at the University of Southern California.

Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll 

Opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg is back with another episode of Leitmotifs, this time with Michael Naumann.

He served as commissioner for cultural affairs in the German federal government from 1998 to 2001 and since 2012, Naumann has been the director of the Barenboim-Said Academy, offering bachelor degrees and arts diploma certificates in music.

Fredrika talks with the 79-year-old about culture in times of crisis, his work for the academy, and how he got hooked on classical music.

Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll 

Every month, opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg hosts “Leitmotifs,” our series on classical music. In this episode Fredrika talks with cellist Eckart Runge, who played in the world renowned Artemis Quartet for 30 years.

In 2019, Runge left the Berlin-based string quartet to explore solo projects that combine various musical genres, including classical, jazz and rock. He tells Fredrika about his life-long love for the cello and return to the stage.

Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll 

Host Fredrika Brillembourg talks with German conductor Marc Albrecht, who was named ‘Conductor of the Year’ at last year’s International Opera Awards.

Albrecht just finished his tenure as music director of Dutch National Opera in Amsterdam. Fredrika talks with him about his special connection to Berlin and a new passion he discovered during the pandemic.

Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll 

Host and opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg talks with conductor Donald Runnicles. He is the general music director of the Deutsche Oper Berlin and music director of the Grand Teton Music Festival in Jackson, Wyoming.

Fredrika talks to him about his lifelong passion for music and concerts canceled by the pandemic.

Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll 

Opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg talks with Dietmar Schwarz, Intendant of the Deutsche Oper Berlin since 2012. They look back on his career in the world of opera and discuss the challenges ahead.

Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll

Every month, opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg hosts “Leitmotifs”, but this month is different: all three opera houses in Berlin are closed and productions are on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. Producer Monika Mueller-Kroll checked in with Fredrika on how she is spending her time during the outbreak without her colleagues and curtain calls.

Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll 

In the latest edition of our series on classical music, “Leitmotifs,” opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg speaks with Dominic Seldis.

He is the principal double bass player in the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam. Seldis is also a teacher, a conductor, a TV personality and, most recently, the star of the stage show “Music, Maestro!” 

Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll