Dani Meier & Serena Reuten

OSA Backstage

Arts EN ↓ 54 episodes

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 guests who love the Omaha Symphony, on-stage and off. danimeier.substack.com

Author

Dani Meier & Serena Reuten

Episodes

Chamber Music Edition: The Roadmap is Just the Start 24.06.2026 55:08

Dani & Serena talk with Sarah Cranor and Alejandro Gómez Guillén about the final program of the OCMS Summer Concert Series, rabbit-holes that lead to infinite other rabbit-holes, perfectly good uses for donkey jaws, and why this glimpse of the Baroque music of Latin America is a drop in the ocean of possibility. Prefer video? Go here ! Have a question? Email osabackstage@gmail.com ! This is a publ...

Chamber Music Edition: My, How the Turn Tables... 19.06.2026 49:03

Dani and Serena talk about meddling teacher up to only good, letting the 12-year-old do their thing, and mixed metaphors about chamber music programs that are going to require copious amounts of electrolytes. Prefer video? Go here ! Have a question? Email osabackstage@gmail.com ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, vis...

S2, Chamber Music Edition: Duolingo Could Never 09.06.2026 36:02

Dani & Serena talk with Dr. Federico Montes (Associate Principal Trumpet) about taking chances, why orchestral trumpet in the States is a whole different animal, and making music with friends on June 14 for the Omaha Chamber Music Society. Prefer video? Go here ! Have a question? Email osabackstage@gmail.com ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or ge...

S2: Chamber Music Edition 01.06.2026 27:01

Dani and Serena talk with Brett Hodge, who needs no introduction, about starting off the 2026 Summer Concert Series with a well-deserved laugh. Video on Tuesday on all the channels! Have a question? Email osabackstage@gmail.com ! 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

S2, Ep. 28: Good Baggage 29.05.2026 47:33

Dani & Serena talk with Anthony McGill (Principal Clarinet, New York Philharmonic, +++) about impromptu jam sessions, trusting our teachers with our sound, and the good baggage of an old friend. Video link to come soon on the OSA Backstage Youtube Channel! Have a question? Email osabackstage@gmail.com ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get acces...

S2, Ep. 27: Wabi-sabi 10.05.2026 1:09:06

Dani & Serena talk with Jeff Koterba about embracing life’s unexpected rabbit holes, napuccinos, and the lasting impact of something started with kindness in mind. Have a question? Email osabackstage@gmail.com ! 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

S2, Ep. 26: Opera in Conversation 20.04.2026 57:13

Dani & Serena talk to Lauren Medici & Josh Quinn (Opera Omaha) about all things Beethoven Five and Bluebeard's Castle. Have a question? Email osabackstage@gmail.com ! 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

S2, Ep. 25: Needle-drop Your Bartók 18.04.2026 48:36

Dani & Serena talk with Lidiya Yankovskaya (conductor) about fan-girling for famous pianists, (politely) ignoring your advisors, and authenticity in interpretations. Have a question? Email osabackstage@gmail.com! 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

S2, Ep. 24: Symphonic Deep-Dive 15.04.2026 57:58

Dani & Serena talk with Nicole Cowan (Assistant Librarian) and Mathew Fuerst (composer, program notes annotator) about Béla Bartók’s psychological masterpiece: Bluebeard’s Castle. Prefer video? Go here ! Have a question? Email osabackstage@gmail.com 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

S2, Ep. 23: Jump the Abyss 13.04.2026 56:33

Dani & Serena talk with Lina González-Granados (conductor) about making your own decisions, pharmaceutical reps gifting busts of Beethoven, and the importance of jumping in without fear of consequences. Prefer video? Go here ! Have a question? Email osabackstage@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danim...

S2, Ep. 22: This Sounds like a Trombone, Right? 06.04.2026 58:05

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

Season 2, Ep. 21: It Began with Logic Pro 20.03.2026 58:05

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 osabackstage@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus e...

S2, Ep. 20: It's All a Blur 16.03.2026 53:47

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 osabackstage@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscr...

S2, Ep. 19: Trust the Process 09.03.2026 1:00:21

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 osabackstage@gmail.com ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus e...

S2, Ep. 18: A Music-Memory Rolodex 13.02.2026 54:37

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 osabackstage@gmail.com ! 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

S2, Ep. 17: Let's Make it a Group Effort 11.02.2026 1:07:06

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 osabackstage@gmail.com ! 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

S2, Ep. 16: This Sounds Like a Trap 30.01.2026 1:05:48

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 osabackstage@gmail.com ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit...

S2, Ep 15: A Privilege and a Responsibility 19.01.2026 1:01:02

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 osabackstage@gmail.com ! Prefer video? Go here ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus...

S2, Ep. 14: A Saxophone Rabbit-Hole 05.01.2026 57:49

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 osabackstage@gmail.com ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dan...

S2, Ep. 13: Well, First I'd Want the Mahler Hammer 29.12.2025 43:07

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 osabackstage@gmail.com ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get acces...

S2, Ep. 12: The Most Stressful Job in Music 15.12.2025 1:08:20

Dani & Serena talk to Omaha Symphony fans (and all-around awesome people) Angie & Bella Earl about the questions they have when they get to see their hometown orchestra in action. Prefer video? Go here ! Have a question? Email osabackstage@gmail.com! 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

S2, Ep. 11: Brahms & the Schumanns 03.12.2025 1:05:47

Dani & Serena talk to Nicole Cowan (Assistant Librarian) and Mathew Fuerst (composer) about the 19th century’s greatest trio: Johannes Brahms, and Robert & Clara Schumann. Prefer video? Go here ! Have questions? Email osabackstage@gmail.com! 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

S2, Ep. 10: Never Not Solfege-ing 21.11.2025 42:06

If we need a flexible singing crew up for shenanigans - whether that’s Home Alone , Scary Movie Music Latin nonsense, or Christmas Cheer… Résonance is on call. Dani & Serena talk to Tara and Lauren about solfege, choral pedagogy, and taking the reins on your own musical career. Have a question? Email osabackstage@gmail.com ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other su...

S2, Ep. 9: The Fun is in the Flexibility 15.11.2025 40:52

Dani & Serena talk to Henry Jenkins (Second Associate Concertmaster) about looking forward to being in the moment, reading music (or not!) and why bassoons are (still) the best. You can catch Henry performing the Piazzolla on Sunday, November 23rd at the Joslyn! Have a question? Email osabackstage@gmail.com ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get...

Season 2, Episode 8: My Origin Story is Mahler's Eighth 05.11.2025 56:37

Dani & Serena talk to Ernest Richardson (Principal Pops & Resident Conductor) & Barron Breland (occasional chorusmaster!) about Choral Collaborative, the Omaha Symphony’s one-of-a-kind choral masterworks program that brings together a veritable horde of enthusiastic high schoolers and the OSA. Prefer video? Go here ! Have a question? Email osabackstage@gmail.com ! This is a public episode. If you...