Best Experiments in Opera Podcasts (2025)

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Abruzzese is a language not a dialect with Prof. Roberta D'Alessandro 59:17

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22h ago59:17

59:17

This week on The Italian Radio Hour: ABRUZZESE is a language, not a dialect What if you could finally say that what your grandparents from Abruzzo spoke wasn’t a dialect, but a language? How did the Abruzzese language develop, and what makes it unique?In this episode, I chat with Prof. Roberta D'Alessandro, Chair of Linguistics, Syntax and Language…

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A Podcast You Should Check Out - Spirits 49:37

4d ago49:37

49:37

If you're a fan of Archive 81, we think you'll really like Spirits! Spirits is a history and comedy podcast focused on everything folklore, mythology, and the occult, told through the lens of feminism, queerness, and modern adulthood. Every week mythology buff Julia and her childhood best friend Amanda get together to learn about a different story …

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Composer and author Robin Holloway on celebrating 900 years of classical music 37:00

7d ago37:00

37:00

The composer, academic and writer Robin Holloway has just published a new book, Music's Odyssey, An Invitation to Western Classical Music (Allen Lane). He's Emeritus Professor of Music at the University of Cambridge, where James Jolly went to visit him a couple of weeks ago to talk about the book's genesis and aims. The podcast features an excerpt …

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I Borghi piu' belli d'Italia with Dr. Fiorello Primi 58:41

11d ago58:41

58:41

Did you know that Triora is the village of witches? That Pacentro is the birthplace of Madonna's grandparents? That Spello hosts a yearly "infiorata"? This week on The Italian Radio Hour - 🎙️ Join us for an enchanting journey through Italy’s hidden gems with Fiorello Primi, President of I Borghi più Belli d’Italia. From mountain hamlets to coastal …

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Countertenor Philippe Jaroussky on his new album 'Gelosia!' 34:19

11d ago34:19

34:19

The French countertenor Philippe Jaroussky has just released a new Erato album of cantatas da camera by Alessandro Scarlatti, Porpora, Galuppi, Handel and Vivaldi, 'Gelosia!'. On it he also conducts his ensemble Artaserse, which he founded in 2002, and with which he increasingly appears solely as conductor rather than as singer. Gramophone's James …

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We Made a New Podcast Called Conversations with Ghosts! You Can Listen NOW! 20:39

13d ago20:39

20:39

Yes, you read the title correctly, Dan and Marc made a NEW podcast. It's our first audio drama since Archive 81 and we're SUPER excited about it. It's called Conversations with Ghosts, and it follows mausoleum attendant Mal Fleming as he tries to convince the spirits of Grey Briar Cemetery to pass on. In each episode, Mal sits down with a new ghost…

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The Hermes Experiment on their new album, Tree 34:56

15d ago34:56

34:56

The Hermes Experiment - an ever-innovative, exploratory and imaginative ensemble - have released their new album, Tree, a meditation on nature, memory and change embracing contemporary composers and reimagined music from the past. Two members of the group, soprano Héloïse Werner and clarinetist Oliver Pashley - who also both have compositions on th…

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Gramophone Classical Music Awards 2025: The Winners 56:50

18d ago56:50

56:50

In this special edition of the Gramophone Podcast, we explore the full list of winners from this year's Gramophone Classical Music Awards. Editor Emeritus James Jolly, Editor Martin Cullingford, Deputy Editor Tim Parry and Editor of Opera Now and Choir & Organ Hattie Butterworth talk through the Category Winners, the Special Awards, and of course t…

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The Buried City: Unearthing the real Pompeii with Gabriel Zuchtriegel 53:10

21d ago53:10

53:10

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - I am delighted to welcome Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. Born in Germany, Dr. Zuchtriegel is one of the youngest ever to hold such a prestigious position in the world of archaeology. His work has breathed new life into Pompeii, one of the most extraordinary windows into the…

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Maxim Emelyanychev on Mozart's symphonies 26:20

25d ago26:20

26:20

For this week's Gramophone Podcast, Editor Martin Cullingford travelled to Padua to talk to Maxim Emelyanychev, Chief Conductor of Il Pomo d'Oro, about recording Mozart symphonies - and specially their latest release of Symphonies Nos 35 and 36, and Violin Concerto No 3 - on period instruments for the Aparté label.…

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Tine Thing Helseth on Echoes, her new album of trumpet concertos 31:17

1M ago31:17

31:17

This week's guest on the Gramophone Podcast is trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth, who talks to Editor Martin Cullingford about her new recording on the Lawo label. Called 'Echoes', it features works by Arutiunian, Penderecki and Weinberg - she talks about the album, as well as her wider work championing her instrument and its repertoire.…

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The Italian Dream & The American Dream - Chasing a dream or a leap of faith 1:10:32

1M ago1:10:32

1:10:32

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Today we’re diving into one of my favorite topics: what it really means to pack up your life, cross the ocean, and start fresh in a new country. For some, it’s chasing a dream, for others it’s a leap of faith — but for everyone, it’s life-changing.Joining me today are two wonderful guests whose stories beautifu…

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Ian Page on the music of Gluck 41:39

1M ago41:39

41:39

In this week's Gramophone Podcast, the conductor Ian Page joins Editor Martin Cullingford to talk about the music of the 18th-century composer Gluck, setting him in the context of musical developments of his time. The conversation marks the release of the new album from his ensemble The Mozartists - a recording of arias from Gluck operas, sung by A…

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#194: Ron Von Dreau - The Secret to Growing a 60+ Student Music Studio 1:17:51

1M ago1:17:51

1:17:51

In this episode of That’s Not Spit, It’s Condensation, I sit down with tubist and teacher Ron Von Dreau to talk about what it takes to build and sustain a thriving private teaching studio. Ron has taught in Texas for decades, managing studios of 60–80+ students while also teaching at the university level, directing band programs, and balancing free…

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ROME - An ode to its food and culture with Katie Parla 51:09

1M ago51:09

51:09

Today, I am very excited to welcome back The Italian Radio Hour Katie Parla. Her passport might say “Born in the USA” but her soul belongs to Rome. No one knows Rome better inside and out as a food er, culinary guide, and bestselling author, Katie has spent the last twenty years eating, researching, and, let’s be honest, obsessing over Rome’s food …

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Anastasia Kobekina on Bach's Cello Suites | Gramophone Podcast 38:25

2M ago38:25

38:25

In this week's Gramophone Podcast, cellist Anastasia Kobekina talks about her new recording of one of the most revered series of works for her instrument - Bach's Solo Cello Suites. While the album isn't released by Sony Classical until next Friday (September 26), three movements are already available as singles, and in this side ranging conversati…

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The Bride’s Journey: Hidden Wedding Traditions of Molise 1:20:54

2M ago1:20:54

1:20:54

Today, I have the great pleasure of welcoming AntonioScasserra, Director of the MUVES – Museo delle Vestimenta inCampobasso, Molise. Unlike most museums, MUVES is not housed in an officialinstitution, but rather within the private residence of Antonio and his wife—atrue labor of love and preservation. The museum safeguards an extraordinary collecti…

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#193: 4 Skills That Separate Audition Winners from Everyone Else 54:40

2M ago54:40

54:40

In this episode, I'm going to break down the real reason auditions feel so brutal—and what separates the winners from everyone else. It's not luck. It's not just talent. It's a learnable set of skills that anyone can develop. If you’ve ever walked off stage thinking “I thought I was ready… what happened?”—this is for you. You’ll learn: ✅ The mindse…

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Espresso, drama, and The Italians with Michelle Darren 41:43

2M ago41:43

41:43

Think you know Italians? Michelle Darren—actress, director, acting coach, and the creative force behind The Italians. Born to a Milanese mother and raised between cultures, Michelle has lived in New York and brings a unique lens to stories of identity, family,and what it means to be Italian and Italian American. She not only directed but also starr…

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Composer John Rutter: a birthday conversation 56:00

2M ago56:00

56:00

One of the most-performed composers of our time, Sir John Rutter, celebrates his 80th birthday on September 24. To mark the occasion Harmonia Mundi has released an album of his choral music sung by the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, directed by Graham Ross – 'John Rutter: A Clare College Celebration'. And next week Decca releases an all-orchest…

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From Opera to Coaching: Elena Armijo on Real Voice and Leadership 36:40

2M ago36:40

36:40

The best leaders know this. This week on UPBEAT I'm joined by Elena Armijo, a former opera singer turned executive coach, for a conversation about her bold pivot from opera to executive coaching and how to lead with your real voice. A must-listen for anyone craving alignment and purpose. Elena is a Master Certified Coach (MCC), Trauma-Informed Cert…

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Rowan Pierce on recording Bach, Handel and Vivaldi | Gramophone Podcast 28:44

2M ago28:44

28:44

Soprano Rowan Pierce joins Jonathan Whiting to reflect on the intimacy of making chamber-scale Baroque music without a conductor, the challenges of Bach's expansive recitatives, and the almost operatic drama of Handel's 'Tra le fiamme'. She also speaks about her long collaboration with Ashley Solomon, the ensemble's director, and about finding new …

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The Viral Power of Doing Things the Right Way 20:50

2M ago20:50

20:50

What happens when you stop chasing trends and start doing things the right way? In this episode, I share the story of seeing The All-American Rejects live — and how their "house party tour" proves you can go viral while staying authentic. This was a totally unplanned episode, but out of it came 4 main takeaways that can help you in life, business, …

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The "Fruit Detective" Isabella Dalla Ragione 1:15:37

2M ago1:15:37

1:15:37

This week on The Italian Radio Hour: Isabella Dalla Ragione, known as Italy’s “Fruit Detective,” has spent her life uncovering forgotten varieties of pears,apples, figs, and cherries—sometimes by reading the brushstrokes of Renaissance paintings as botanical clues. Through her foundation Archeologia Arborea,she has revived hundreds of ancient fruit…

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Composer Jake Heggie on 25 years of writing operas 33:28

2M ago33:28

33:28

Composer jake Heggie joins Hattie Butterworth to speak about the recording release of 'Intelligence', an opera premiered at Houston Grand Opera in 2023 and out now on the LSO Live label. They also look back on 25 years since Heggie's first opera 'Dead Man Walking' was premiered and ahead to a new production of the work at English National Opera in …

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Shawn Finnegan's $1.5M Setback and How Relationship Building Changed the Game 36:25

2M ago36:25

36:25

What would you do if you lost $1.5 million? In this episode, Shawn Finnegan shares how he turned a $1.5 million setback into a million-dollar opportunity with his 3-step formula for networking and relationship building. As the co-founder of Tax Hive and partner with Kevin O'Leary, Shawn's insights are ones you can't miss. Parker Kane uncovers power…

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Marcella Hazan, the cook, the author, the woman with filmmaker Peter Miller 46:34

2M ago46:34

46:34

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Today, I am joined by award-winning filmmaker Peter Miller, whose work has consistently brought stories of cultural icons, history, and the human spirit to the screen. In his documentaries from Sacco & Vanzetti, to Frank Lloyd Wright to the most recent “Marcella”, Peter often spotlights subjects whose lives res…

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Cellist Alisa Weilerstein on recording new concertos by Gabriela Ortiz and Richard Blackford 23:58

2M ago23:58

23:58

During the 2024-25 season, Alisa Weilerstein premiered three new cello concertos – Richard Blackford's The Recovery of Paradise (which she has recorded for Pentatone with the Czech Philharmonic conducted by Tomáš Netopil), Gabriela Ortiz's Dzonot (recorded for Platoon with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel) and Thomas Larcher's Retur…

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No Empty Trips: How Headkrack Balances Hustle and Purpose 35:56

3M ago35:56

35:56

No empty trips. What does that mean? Every risk, every failure, every late night—adding up to something bigger than you imagined. Nothing you do is a waste of time. In this episode of UPBEAT, rapper and world-class radio/TV host Headkrack shares how he builds success with purpose—without wasting a single trip. We talk about his "No Empty Trips" min…

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The Italian Garden Project & FIG FEST with Mary Menniti 41:41

3M ago41:41

41:41

BUON FERRAGOSTO a tutti from The Italian Radio Hour!In this week's episode, The Italian Garden Project and FIG FEST (Sept 14th) with Mary Menniti.Today, I’m especially excited to welcome someone I not only admire for her work but also know personally — Mary Menniti, the founder of The Italian Garden Project. Mary has made it her mission to celebrat…

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The Dover Quartet on recording Woodland Songs | Gramophone Podcast 36:06

3M ago36:06

36:06

Joel and Camden from the Dover Quartet meet Hattie Butterworth in Philadelphia to discuss their latest album, Woodland Songs, which places the music of Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate and Pura Fé alongside the Dvorak 'American' String Quartet in F Major. Though vastly different works in style, expression, and historical context, they share the common …

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#192: Doug Lindsey - Master Lip Trills and Unlock Effortless Trumpet Technique 1:31:26

3M ago1:31:26

1:31:26

In this episode, we break down how to master lip trills, develop faster and cleaner technique, and play with more freedom—without adding tension. You’ll learn why “lip trills” aren’t actually about the lips, how to train your air and embouchure for effortless control, and the exact exercises that build dazzling technique you can trust in any perfor…

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From $30 to CEO: Raynei Villarreal on Faith & Creative Entrepreneurship 37:49

3M ago37:49

37:49

What separates dreamers from achievers? Sometimes, it's just $30 and the courage to risk everything. When Raynei Villarreal had only $30 in his pocket, he faced a decision every entrepreneur understands: play it safe or bet on your vision. He chose vision, transforming a passion for wearable art into GMRT Customs, a faith-driven brand now serving c…

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Mandolinist Avi Avital on his new album 'Song of the Birds' | Gramophone Classical Music Podcast 31:03

3M ago31:03

31:03

The mandolin player Avi Avital, with his ensemble Between Worlds, has just released a new DG album 'Song of the Birds' which crosses boundaries to explore the musics of three geographical regions – Iberia, southern Italy (Puglia) and the Black Sea – with vivid results. For this week's Gramophone Podcast, James Jolly caught up Avi Avital while he wa…

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From CIA Officer to award-winning mystery author - Carmen Amato 45:31

3M ago45:31

45:31

This week on The Italian Radio Hour, we welcome Carmen Amato—an award-winning author whose gripping Galliano Club series brings the gritty world of Italian-American life during Prohibition roaring back to life. Carmen grew up in Rome, New York, surrounded by stories—especially those told by her grandfather, a deputy sheriff whose tales could rival …

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Finding Your Real Voice Online: You Don't Have to Be Everywhere 38:57

3M ago38:57

38:57

Overwhelmed by posting on all platforms? Just, stop. In this episode of UPBEAT, Virginia Kerr, a former TV news anchor turned video strategist, shares her journey of reclaiming her authentic voice online and why she chose to stop chasing every platform — ultimately building her business on YouTube. In this episode, Virginia reveals: • How focusing …

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Live from 2025 Three Choirs Festival 36:33

3M ago36:33

36:33

Join Hattie at the 2025 Three Choirs Festival in Hereford as she speaks to performers, composers, clergy and audience members to discover what makes the festival such a place of pilgrimage 300 years since its foundation

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I Almost Didn't Share This: The Power of Trusting Your Story 17:06

3M ago17:06

17:06

What if your breakthrough is on the other side of just showing up? 🤔 I was praying in my car when I felt a strong prompting to hit record—no script, no plan. Just the real story behind what was actually happening during the viral moment that changed everything. I hope this finds who it's meant to—and reminds you to trust your path and own your stor…

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What if learning a new language didn’t have to be a struggle? Tips and myths with Elisabetta Maccani 52:34

3M ago52:34

52:34

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - What if learning a new language didn’t have to be a struggle? What if your brain already knew how to learn—if only someone could show you how to unlock it?Today, I am joined by Elisabetta Maccani, a neurolanguage coach from Trento, Italy, who blends neuroscience, coaching, and education to transform how we lear…

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LivTours: Let your Dreams begin! 40:19

3M ago40:19

40:19

This week on The Italian Radio Hour: LivTours: Let your Dreams begin! Planning a trip to Italy? Travelling with children? Want a memorable trip? Concerned about overturism? This and much more in our conversation with Kristin Karstensdotter, co-founder of Liv Tours, the boutique tour company she launched in Rome with her husband, Angelo Carotenuto. …

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Cellist Guy Johnston on the Bliss Cello Concerto | Gramophone Classical Music Podcast 29:26

3M ago29:26

29:26

Guy Johnston joins Hattie Butterworth to discuss his latest recording of the Arthur Bliss Cello Concerto with Andrew Manze and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. A technical mine field, the concerto was written for the great cellist Rostropovich and premiered with Benjamin Britten conducting at the 1970 Aldeburgh Festival. Guy also speaks …

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How to Monetize a Podcast Without Selling Out — with Dave Jackson 43:55

4M ago43:55

43:55

Is focusing on monetizing actually costing you? 🤔 Podcast legend Dave Jackson from School of Podcasting shares how you can grow your show, build an audience, and finally monetize without selling out. Dave and I both recommend Podpage. It's the fastest way to build a legit podcast website (in under 5 minutes)! 30K+ podcasters trust it, and it's grow…

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From Under the Tuscan Sun to Honorary Italian Citizenship with Frances Mayes 56:12

4M ago56:12

56:12

This week on The Italian Radio Hour - Few names evoke the enchantment of Italy quite like Frances Mayes. The best-selling author of Under the Tuscan Sun invited us all into her life in Cortona, a town she helped put on the literary map. Through her lyrical prose, we’ve wandered olive groves, savored local feasts, and rediscovered the meaning of hom…

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2025 BBC Proms: Our Top Picks | Gramophone Classical Music Podcast 27:35

4M ago27:35

27:35

As the 2025 BBC Proms season gets underway, Martin Cullingford is joined by Tim Parry and Hattie Butterworth select their top picks. From Rachmaninov with Yunchan Lim and the UK premiere of Anna Thorvaldsdottir's Cello Concerto to a late-night tribute to Arvo Pärt and a rare performance of Delius's A Mass of Life, the team reflects on the Proms's c…

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#191: Victor Djonorh - What Middle School Band Directors Really Do (And Why It Matters) 1:13:50

4M ago1:13:50

1:13:50

In this episode of That's Not Spit, It's Condensation, I sit down with Victor Djonorh, longtime band director at Summit Middle School and assistant director at Edmond Santa Fe, to dive deep into the realities of teaching music at the middle and high school level. We cover: 🎵 How he accidentally became a tuba player 🎓 Lessons from his time at Oklaho…

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I Got Uncomfortable on Purpose (How Kade Peterson Rewired His Brain) 48:04

4M ago48:04

48:04

After dancing in his car for 90 days straight, Kade Peterson went viral and met T-Pain — but the real transformation happened before that. In this episode, we explore how getting uncomfortable on purpose rewired Kade's brain and helped him build a happier, more purpose-driven life. He rebuilt his discipline, learned to trust himself again, and star…

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How to Rebuild After Burnout (A Fresh Start for UPBEAT) 18:08

4M ago18:08

18:08

After an eight-month break from podcasting, I'm back with more clarity, purpose, and a renewed vision for UPBEAT. In this first episode back, I share why I stepped away, what I've been working through in therapy, and what finally pulled me back. If you're a creator, entrepreneur, or podcaster navigating burnout, identity shifts, ADHD, or the pressu…

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Julian Bream: an archive interview from 2013 with the great guitarist 19:23

4M ago19:23

19:23

We're today continuing the theme set by last week's edition, in which we marked the 500th episode of the Gramophone Classical Music podcast by looking back over some of our most memorable interviews and episodes. The interview Editor Martin Cullingford chose to reflect on was a conversation he had with the guitarist Julian Bream all the way back in…

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Music and conversation: 500 episodes of the Gramophone Podcast 38:20

4M ago38:20

38:20

Earlier this year the Gramophone Podcast passed 1 million downloads. Now we've reached another milestone: our 500th episode. Launched before podcasting's current popularity, the series steadily built a following, which grew substantially once we adopted a weekly schedule and set formats. Those formats include: interviews with major artists on new a…

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#190: Johanna Yarbrough - From Orchestral Challenges to Teaching with Impact 1:19:53

4M ago1:19:53

1:19:53

In this episode, I’m joined by Johanna Yarbrough, who recently transitioned from her role as second horn with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to become the Professor of French Horn at Louisiana State University. What begins as a conversation about career trajectory quickly unfolds into a vulnerable and deeply insightful look at the realities of orch…

Experiments In Opera Podcasts