OSA Backstage

By Dani Meier & Serena Reuten

A podcast about the bits and pieces that make up a symphony orchestra, from the perspective of a very nerdy VP of Artistic/Bassist, my partner in crime, conductor Serena Reuten, and a variety of guest... more

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FAQs about OSA Backstage:

How many episodes does OSA Backstage have?

The podcast currently has 44 episodes available.

OSA Backstage episodes:

April 06, 2026 S2, Ep. 22: This Sounds like a Trombone, Right?
Dani & Serena talk to Jay Wise (bass trombone) about impossible Bartok glissandos, Mozart using the trombone as the best back-up vocalist ever, and why it's important to troll German e-bay.
Prefer video? Go here!
Have a question? Email [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danimeier.substack.com
...more
59min
March 20, 2026 Season 2, Ep. 21: It Began with Logic Pro
Dani & Serena talk to François López-Ferrer, guest conductor, about breaking things apart and putting them back together, the benefits of a MacBook on a young musician, and the honesty of music at different stages in life.
Prefer video? Go here!
Have a question: Email [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danimeier.substack.com
...more
59min
March 16, 2026 S2, Ep. 20: It's All a Blur
Dani & Serena talk to Ricardo Amador (section violin) about 35 years (!!) with the Omaha Symphony, studio sessions with the man, the myth, the legend John Williams, having baby violin traps for your kids, and why nothing beats the sound of a great car.
Prefer video? Go here!
Have a question? Email [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danimeier.substack.com
...more
54min
March 09, 2026 S2, Ep. 19: Trust the Process
Dani & Serena talk to Jim Compton (Principal Bassoon) about living legends, the lack of magic beans in bassoon reeds, and why taking things apart and putting them back together again can be the best part of making music.
Prefer video? Go here!
Have a question? Email [email protected] !

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danimeier.substack.com
...more
1h 1min
February 13, 2026 S2, Ep. 18: A Music-Memory Rolodex
Dani & Serena talk to Francisco Fullana (violin) about embracing what you need work on, the joy of rabbit-holes, and the joy of returning to familiar pieces like they're old friends.
Prefer video? Go here!
Have a question? Email [email protected] !

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danimeier.substack.com
...more
55min
February 11, 2026 S2, Ep. 17: Let's Make it a Group Effort
Dani & Serena talk to Christopher Allen (conductor, pianist) about returning to making music, a Bluebeard’s Castle approach to seizing opportunity, and progressively tinier cups.
Prefer video? Go here!
Have a question? Email [email protected] !

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danimeier.substack.com
...more
1h 8min
January 30, 2026 S2, Ep. 16: This Sounds Like a Trap
Dani & Serena talk to Paul Ledwon (Principal Cello) about when music runs in the family, the long-term impact of our mentors, the benefits of rehearsing in a castle, and Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1.
Prefer video? Go here!Have a question? Email [email protected] !

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danimeier.substack.com
...more
1h 6min
January 19, 2026 S2, Ep 15: A Privilege and a Responsibility
Dani & Serena talk to Opera Omaha Principal Guest Conductor, Steven White, about Carlisle Floyd's "Susannah", finding joy in the moment, and living vicariously through the entire ensemble - no matter what's on the podium.Have a question? Email [email protected] !
Prefer video? Go here!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danimeier.substack.com
...more
1h 2min
January 05, 2026 S2, Ep. 14: A Saxophone Rabbit-Hole
Dani & Serena talk to concert saxophonist Robert Young ahead of his performance this January about mentors, being the cool guy with the shades, and finding the things that make you explode with purpose.
Prefer Video? Go here!
Have a question? Email [email protected] !

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danimeier.substack.com
...more
58min
December 29, 2025 S2, Ep. 13: Well, First I'd Want the Mahler Hammer
Dani & Serena speak with Joseph Young ahead of his return to Omaha about conducting Debussy’s iconic Prelude to Afternoon of a Faun, the importance of having - and being! - an elder statesman, and seizing opportunity when it arises.
Prefer video? Go here!
Have a question? Email [email protected] !

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danimeier.substack.com
...more
44min

FAQs about OSA Backstage:

How many episodes does OSA Backstage have?

The podcast currently has 44 episodes available.