Let's Talk Off The Podium

Ep. 85: Eugene Izotov, oboist

Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan.

Eugene Izotov is one of today's leading wind players, internationally renowned for his “fiery Russian temperament” (Boston Globe), “ravishing playing” (Washington Post), and "luminous beauty of tone” (San Francisco Chronicle). Appointed by Michael Tilson Thomas in 2014, Eugene Izotov is the principal oboist of the San Francisco Symphony. He previously served as the principal oboist of the Metropolitan Opera, appointed by James Levine, and principal oboist of the Chicago Symphony, appointed by Daniel Barenboim. He has appeared as guest principal oboist with Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, and New York Philharmonic.

In this podcast we talk about his musical training, principal positions in major orchestras, and passion for teaching. He also talks about oboe concertos, Russian orchestras, his teaching philosophy, tuning, reeds, inspirational artists and much more!

For more information about Eugene Izotov please visit his official website: https://www.oboesolo.com/

© Off The Podium, 2020

Ep. 84: Roger Bobo, tubist.

Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan.

Roger Bobo was the principal tubist of the LA Phil (25 years) and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. He is the first tubist to perform a solo recital at the Carnegie Hall and make an appearance on the Johnny Carson Show (twice).

In this podcast we talk about his career, collaborations with legendary conductors, his historic Carnegie Hall recital and appearances on the Johnny Carson Show. Bobo tells stories about working with Zubin Mehta and Igor Stravinsky. We also talk about his sabbatical year during his tenure with the LA Phil and his teaching journey in Italy, Japan, Mexico and around the world. Bobo also discusses the importance of self motivation for young musicians and the obsession needed to succeed in the highly competitive field. Bobo is a passionate writer and blogger.

For more information about Roger Bobo please visit his official website: http://www.rogerbobo.com/

© Off The Podium, 2020

Ep. 83: Vijay Iyer, pianist and composer

Off The Podium with Tigran Arakelyan In this podcast.

Vijay talks about his early violin studies, playing in a youth orchestra, composing for classical musicians and his first orchestral work. We also talk about music during Covid-19 and hope for the future.

Vijay also talks about Michael Jackson, Prince, Thelonious Monk, Elvin Jones, Butch Morris and many other inspirational figures and collaborators. Lastly, we talk about career and life balance as well his passion for science fiction.

For more information about Vijay Iyer please visit his official website: https://vijay-iyer.com/

© Off The Podium, 2020

Ep. 82: Yaniv Attar, conductor

Conductor Yaniv Attar works with professional and community orchestras in WA and PA. In this podcast we talk about his early start in guitar, journey to the Juilliard School and passion that led him to a successful conducting career. We also discuss balancing a busy life in music and family, programming for various orchestras, as well as the positive and negative impact that music organizations will face post Covid-19. 

Yaniv also talks about the Harmony from Discord series, which programs powerful music that originated from and flourished in spite of the Holocaust. Lastly, we talk about the meaning of a successful conducting career, advice to young conductors and a special story from a masterclass with Kurt Masur. 

For more information about Yaniv Attar please visit his official website: https://www.yanivattar.com/

Ep. 81: Alexy Shant Yeghikian, guitarist

Guitarist Alexy Shant Yeghikian talks about growing up in Glendale, CA and the transformation that the city went through in the past few decades. He also talks about his studies at Cal Arts and the unusual path to acceptance.

Alexy talks about the formation of Yeghikian, his rock n roll band which will be releasing a second album. The band's music was featured in the American Dad! animated sitcom. Lastly, Alexy talks about his passion for soccer and chess.

Follow Alexy Shant Yeghikian on Facebook and Instagram.

Ep. 80: Abbie Naze, conductor

Conductor Abbie Naze talks about her journey as a young cellist in North Dakota to connecting with her Norwegian heritage in Norway. We also discuss her cello studies and the transition to studying conducting and living in Seattle.  Abbie talks about the differences and similarities in orchestral and choral conducting, passion for Grieg, swimming, the meaning of success, life/work balance, and much more!

For more information about Abbie Naze please visit her official website: https://www.abbienaze.com/

Ep. 79: Vahagni, guitarist and composer

Vahagni talks about his start in music, the encouragement of his father who was a professional guitarist and his passion for Flamenco. We also talk about his numerous multi-genre projects, collaborations, hobbies, and differences in classical and flamenco guitar. Vahagni also discusses his passion for combining Flamenco, Armenian music, jazz and classical to bring forth a new sound to the world of music. Fascinating conversation with an extraordinary artist.

For more information about Vahagni visit his official website:

https://www.vahagni.com/

Ep. 78: Harlan Glotzer, Piano Technician, Luthier and Musician.

Harlan Glotzer talks about his passion for building and repairing instruments, love for the bandoneon, and toy pianos. He talks about his approach to building instruments and his unique perspective on building toy pianos. 

For more information about Harlan Glotzer visit his official website: http://www.harglo.com/

Ep. 77: Myroslava Khomik, violinist

Violinist Myroslava Khomik is an international soloist and is active in the musical scenes of both Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

In this episode we discuss her journey from the Ukraine to Los Angeles, her career, music competitions, and Ukrainian culture. We also talk about her passion for new music, solo career, future projects and much more!

Ep. 76: Mary Lynch, oboist

Mary Lynch is the principal oboist of the Seattle Symphony and a faculty member at the University of Washington.

In this episode we spoke about the motivation to practice, path to success, rituals, Dalbavie oboe concerto and the preparation it took to record the difficult piece. We also discussed hobbies, her middle school obsession with John Williams and the desire to be a composer. Mary also talked about her approach to teaching, upcoming projects, how the youth orchestra inspired her to be a musician, Aretha Franklin and Bach. Lastly, we got to the most important question, why does the oboe tune the orchestra?