Legends of Reed

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

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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!

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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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After a long absence, LOR returns with the wonderful bassoonist, Lola Descours.

Lola is currently the principal bassoon in the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, under chief conductor, L. Shani.

In this episode, Lola speaks to me about topics such as her concert and touring with the Rotterdam Philharmonic, her tips for auditions and competitions, her inspiration behind her album "Bassoon Steppes" and the charming video series "Bassoon in the Wind" with filmmaker, Pierre Dugowson. And she also shares with me her definition of success.

A very inspiring interview and the musical extract is from the First Movement of the Rachmaninoff Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 19 from her album, with pianist Paloma Kouider. Her debut album was released in 2022 on Orchid Music and received critical acclaim in multiple countries.

Follow Lola on:

www.loladescours.com

IG: @loladescours

https://orchid-music.lnk.to/loladescours

A dynamic and expressive bassoonist, Benjamin Coelho, born in Brazil, is a sought-after musician, teacher, and recording artist performing in many countries on five continents. Currently, he is the principal bassoon with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and is a member of the Voxman Reed Trio. He has been a professor of bassoon at the University of Iowa since 1998.

Benjamin started his musical studies at the Tatuí Conservatory of Music in Brazil. He came to the U.S.A. to study at Purchase College, where he received his BFA. He received his Master of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music and did additional graduate work at Indiana University.

Benjamin has commissioned, performed, and recorded many works by Latin American, American, and European composers, and has released seven critically acclaimed CDs garnering praise from national and international publications.

Benjamin finds great joy and fulfillment as a teacher and pedagogue. During the pandemic, he gave over thirty master classes and lives to students in the United States and Latin America. He has been honored to be on faculty at the Festival de Música de Santa Catarina, Brazil, and has taught at bassoon festivals worldwide.

Benjamin has dedicated himself to service. At the University of Iowa, he has served in four different associate director positions and his greatest honor was becoming the interim director of the School of Music from 2018-2019. He is currently serving a three-year term as the vice-president of the International Double Reed Society.

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In this episode, I speak to Benjamin about many interesting topics such as his musical upbringing, his influences, and musical journey, his views about the Brazilian bassoon school versus the American school, his practicing method, his teaching philosophy, and his bassoon studio at the University of Iowa, and why diversity, belonging and equality are so important to him. We also spoke about the recent "movement" in classical music (especially in North America) in addressing racial inequalities and providing more opportunities to musicians from minority backgrounds. He also shared about his recording projects and gives some words of encouragement to young musicians. 

Like, subscribe, and share/rate the podcast.

Find out more about Benjamin here:

https://www.benjamincoelho.com/

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The Wire places Sara Schoenbeck in the "tiny club of bassoon pioneers" at work in contemporary music today, while the New York Times has called her performances "galvanizing" and "riveting.” She has performed with or been a member of Anthony Braxton’s 12+1(tet) and Tri-Centric Orchestra, Wayne Horvitz’s Gravitas Quartet, Harris Eisenstadt’s Golden State, Wavefield Ensemble, SEM Ensemble, Wet Ink, Marty Ehrlich’s Duende Winds, Nels Cline's Lovers, Adam Rudolph's Organic Orchestra, and the Michael Leonhart Orchestra. She has worked with many of creative music’s luminaries including Roscoe Mitchell, Henry Threadgill, Butch Morris, Yusef Lateef, Wadada Leo Smith, George Lewis, and Pamela Z.

She can be heard on music and film recordings including Matrix 2 and 3, Spanglish and Dahmer. She has performed at major venues throughout North America and Europe. A partial list includes Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, the Kitchen, Iridium, Disney Hall, Redcat, the Kennedy Center, the Free Music Festival in Antwerp Belgium, Biennale Musica in Venice Italy, the American Festival of Improvised Music, MicroFest, SXSW, New Orleans, Newport, Berlin, Victoriaville and Ottawa Jazz Festivals; the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Angel City Jazz Festival in Los Angeles; San Francisco, Saalfelden and Tempere Jazz festivals.

In this episode, I speak to Sara about her musical journey, how her career developed and took off, and the inspiration behind her recent self-titled album release, she gives me some practical tips on how to become a better improviser and how to approach free improvisation, tips on creativity, her main musical influences, the challenges of working as a female musician, tips for young musicians and she fills me in on the jazz/music scene in New York, and which jazz clubs I should visit in New York. 

Listen to her album here:

https://open.spotify.com/album/6SMnwqkm8odd2KXNaUqku9?si=3JzotXziSY6u_InOokxYfA

Find out more about Sara: https://www.saraschoenbeck.com

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French oboist Philippe Tondre has secured a place among the finest musicians of his generation. «Master of the oboe » (Bonner General Anzeiger), his music-making is packed with emotional sensitivity and stunning virtuosity.

Principal oboe of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, and the SWR Symphony Orchestra, Philippe Tondre is also a member of the Mito Chamber Orchestra, the newly-founded Kammer Ensemble Paris, and Principal Oboe of the Saito Kinen Orchestra Matsumoto. From 2014 until 2020 he was Solo Oboe of the Budapest Festival Orchestra and from 2016 until 2017 Solo Oboe of the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig.

He has worked with eminent conductors, amongst others Seiji Ozawa, Yannick Nezet-Séguin, Sir Simon Rattle, Gustavo Dudamel, Andris Nelsons, Ivan Fischer, Daniele Gatti, Teodor Currentzis, Franz Welser- Möst, Sir Roger Norrington, Fabio Luisi, Herbert Blomstedt, Esa-Pekka Salonen und Daniel Harding.

In November 2015 Philippe Tondre was nominated Professor for Oboe at the Hochschule für Musik Saar. He gives masterclasses in China, Taiwan, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, and Germany.

Philippe Tondre plays a Buffet Crampon « Légende » Oboe.

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In this episode, I speak to Philippe about his early musical journey, the key teachers and mentors that had a great influence on him, what studying with Maurice Bourguewas like; his tips for competitions and peak performance, why having active sports and exercise regime is important for wind players, how he toggles between playing in the US and Europe, his upcoming projects, recordings and concerts, the French school of oboe, and his personal tips for young musicians.

To find out more about him, visit: http://www.philippetondre.com

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