SLSO Principal Percussionist Will James joins Assistant Conductor Sam Hollister to unpack a program that spans the intimate lyricism of Clara Schumann and Joseph Haydn to the sharper edge of Dmitri Shostakovich. James offers a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate planning required for major percussion setups, reflects on the orchestra’s history with Shostakovich’s music, and shares how choices as specific as mallets can shape musical storytelling.