Legends of Reed

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 Therapy
Director, Integrative Physio Pte Ltd
Medical 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"

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

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,

Beginning video courtesy Theo Plath:

Niccolò Paganini: Caprice Op.1 No.5