Legends of Reed

In this conversation, Aisling Casey shares her journey as a professional oboist, discussing her early beginnings in Ireland, her studies in Germany, and her experiences in the Netherlands' vibrant music scene. She emphasizes the importance of community in music, as demonstrated through her work with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, the Splendor Concert Hall and the Ludwig Orchestr...

In this episode of Legends of Reed , host Jo Anne Sukumaran delves into the crucial topic of musicians' health and injury prevention. Featuring insights from Dr. Matthew Winter, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Dr. June Tan Sheren, a family medicine physician specializing in performing arts medicine, the discussion explores the physical and mental challenges musicians face. The experts share...

In this episode of 'Legends of Reed,' Jo Anne Sukumaran interviews accomplished bassoonist Rie Koyama. Rie shares her early beginnings in music, influenced by her father, a bassoon player. She discusses her significant musical influences, the pressures of following in her father's footsteps, and her meticulous preparation strategies for major competitions. Rie also reflects on her expe...

A Deep Dive with Nicholas Daniel: From Oboe Beginnings to Musical Leadership   In this episode of  Legends of Reed , host Jo Anne Sukumaran, has an engaging and heartfelt conversation with acclaimed oboist Nicholas Daniel. Nicholas shares his journey from his surprising introduction to the oboe, influenced by his grandmother, to achieving critical acclaim with his latest album “Schumann Works for...

In this episode of Legends of Reed, Fei Xie shares his unique journey as a bassoonist with host Jo Anne Sukumaran, from his early beginnings in China to becoming a principal bassoonist in the Minnesota Orchestra. He discusses the influence of his musical family, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and the importance of mentorship in his development. Fei also offers insights into his teach...

In this episode of Legends of Reed, host Jo Anne Sukumaran interviews French oboist Armand Djikoloum, who shares his journey from early musical beginnings to becoming a professional musician. He discusses the challenges of being an oboist, the importance of physical fitness through running, and the impact of social media on musicians. Armand emphasizes the need for self-care, mental resilience, an...

Summary   In this conversation, José Javier Romero, a bassoonist and reed specialist, discusses his journey in music and his work with the Swiss Orchestra and Georg Rieger GmbH. He shares how he started playing the bassoon and the important lessons he learned from his mentors. José also talks about his favorite concert halls, the bassoon and reeds he plays on, and the common questions and problems...

Fredrik Ekdahl is leader of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra’s bassoon section and held the same position in the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. He performs regularly with orchestras including London Symphony Orchestra, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and Australian Chamber Orchestra. He has appeared as soloist with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, the Swedish Radio Symphony Or...

In 2019 Theo was appointed principal of the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra and he won 3rd Prize at the ARD Competition in Munich. As a soloist Theo has appeared with the Munich Chamber, Dortmunder Philharmoniker, the Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz and Beethoven Orchester Bonn. Recent highlights include recitals at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Tonhalle Düsseldorf, Beethoven-Haus in Bonn,...

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.  Age...

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 Woodwi...

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 sh...

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 an...

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 Belgr...

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...

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 Stepp...

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,...

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, t...

I recently interviewed the fabulous bassoon soloist and conductor Peter Whelan. Peter is not only a concerto soloist, he is in constant demand as a soloist and chamber musician. He has performed in many prestigious venues around the world, and he is also the founder and Artistic Director of Ensemble Marsyas, and the Artistic Director of the Irish Baroque Orchestra. He is also an Artistic Partner o...

Daniel Matsukawa has been the principal bassoon of The Philadelphia Orchestra since 2000. He studied at the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music. His teachers include Harold Goltzer, Alan Futterman, and Bernard Garfield. Mr. Matsukawa made his solo concerto debut in Carnegie Hall at the age of 18 and was featured in a Young Artist’s Showcase on New York’s WQXR classical radio station...

On this episode I am very pleased to share my interview with one of most renowned American bassoonists, Mr. Frank Morelli.  He is the first bassoonist awarded a Juilliard doctorate, and has been a Carnegie Hall soloist nine times. He performed at the last White House State Dinner for President Clinton and is Co-principal bassoon of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Faculty positions include Juil...

On this episode, I am pleased to have bassoonist, Judith Farmer on the show. We had an interesting chat about interesting topics such as her teaching philosophy, how she stayed productive during the pandemic, what working in film recording and session work is like, what are the differences between American and European bassoon playing styles and more. 2016 GRAMMY® Award nominee Judith Farmer’s pla...

Martin Kuuskmann is a multiple Grammy-nominated Estonian-born bassoon virtuoso, Moosmann artist, and the Professor of Bassoon and Chamber Music at the University of Denver. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music and the Yale School of Music, his mentors include Stephen Maxym, Frank Morelli, Rufus Olivier and Ilmar Aasmets. On this episode, we talk about his recent and upcoming projects, some...

Welcome back to a brand new season of LOR. In this episode (recorded in summer 2020) I interview Alban Wesly, a musician based in Amsterdam. He is proud to be the bassoonist/founding member of Calefax (Amsterdam) and to have been the bassoonist of Ensemble Musikfabrik (Cologne) for 22 years. Since September 2018 Alban teaches bassoon at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. As the bassoonist of th...

Joost Flach’s long and fruitful musical journey as an oboist began in the Netherlands. During 1984, following the completion of his studies, he began a global search for work opportunities. This planted his migration and  current residency to Singapore. Over the years this initial venture has blossomed, and developed into many opportunities throughout South-East Asia.  He has been a regu...