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

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.

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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.

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.

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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

In this episode, I catch up with the inspiring and creative jazz bassoonist Michael Rabinowitz over his illustrious jazz career and we chat about topics such as his early days of studying at SUNY Purchase, how he amplifies the bassoon for the jazz stand, a life in jazz and improvisation, moving to NYC, making a living while balancing family life, his latest album "Next Chapter", and his recent activities. 

Find out more about Michael here, and

listen/stream & purchase his album "New Chapter" on his website:

⁠https://www.jazzbassoonist.com/⁠

LOR Podcast is sponsored by Barton Cane, to enjoy free shipping on orders, use coupon code, "legendsofreed" for free shipping:

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