OSA Backstage

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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

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...

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...

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...

Dani & Serena talk to Nate Olson (principal bass) and Bobby Scharmann (associate principal bass) about why bass is... [gestures vaguely]. This episode comes complete with show and tell, Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar Strawberry & Cream, and an extension demonstration! Prefer video? Go here ! Have a question? Email Osabackstage@gmail.com! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with othe...

Dani & Serena talk to José Luis Gomez about unexpected paths to conducting, saying “why not” instead of “why,” and the incredible importance of a single up-beat. Prefer video? See below, or 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

Dani & Serena talk to Gary Thor Wedow, conductor of Opera Omaha’s “The Barber of Seville,” about great teachers, getting Boulanger’ed, and why the Rossini contagion is the best contagion. Have a question? Email Osabackstage@gmail.com! Prefer video? It’s embedded in this message, or go here ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus e...

Dani & Serena talk to Brett Hodge (Principal French Horn) about being your own prima-donna hype-man, how the French horn works (Dani still doesn’t know), and dreaded first pages. Prefer video? It’s now in this app, or 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 da...

Dani & Serena talk to Tracy Bass & Nick Buonanni (Music Librarians) about being the Hobbits of the Orchestra, being so nosy it becomes a career, and the art of prioritization. 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

Dani & Serena talk to pianist George Li about growing up as a pianist, why it helps to stretch your brain, and 13-year-olds playing Rachmaninoff. 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

Dani & Serena talk with JoAnn Falletta about building relationships with orchestras, music as service, and what you gain when you lead from the podium. 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

Dani & Serena close out Season 1 of OSA Backstage with a record-busting finale! References: 7’35”: Jean-Marie Leclair 15’: Tonos del sur 16’55” Netherlands Bach Society; Rudolf Lutz; Pygmalion; Ludwig Güttler 18’55” Jan Dismas Zelenka 22’35”: Heifetz, Rubinstein, Wayne Gretzky and Michael Scott all said it. 27’: Indianapolis Baroque, concertmastered by Adrian Post 29’10": Jeannette Sorrell of Apol...

Dani & Serena talk to Henry Jenkins (violin) and Sara Magill (harp) about finding pieces to be obsessed about, Debussy versus Ravel, and schmalzing it up in the best possible way for the Summer Concert Series. 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

Dani & Serena talk to Brett Hodge about building a brass quintet program, why it helps to be on a text-message level relationship with a composer, and a crucial first: Brett’s favorite dinosaur. 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.s...

Dani & Serena talk with Maria Harding (flute) about the Omaha Chamber Music Society’s Summer Concert Series, which culminates with a 360-degree tribute to Willa Cather. This concert has everything: dance, extraordinary music, spoken word, live art… and birds. So many birds.

Dani & Serena talk to Ankush Kumar Bahl (Music Director) about finding what fits, being willing to be uncomfortable, and why you should listen when your violist friend invites you to a Symphony concert. Prefer video? Go here ! The 24.25 season is almost over! What questions didn’t we answer? Anything you desperately need to know going into 25.26? Email osabackstage@gmail.com! This is a public epis...

What could it cost? $10? Dani & Serena talk to KVNO's Ben Rasmussen about what weddings and programming have in common, 3 a.m. Harp Concertos, and why peer pressure tuba might be the best thing that could happen to someone. 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

Dani & Serena talk to Susanna Perry Gilmore (concertmaster), Maria Harding (principal flute) and Christi Zuniga (principal keyboard) about historically informed performance, margarita mix, and keeping out of trouble at the National Music History Museum in Vermillion. Prefer video? Go here ! Have a question? Recommendation? General chaos? Email osabackstage@gmail.com This is a public episode. If yo...

Dani & Serena talk to Judy Divis (viola) about creating opportunities for the next generation, faking it ‘til you make it, and having the best seat in the house for 38 years. Prefer video? Go here ! Have a question? Want to request a musician interview? 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,...

Dani talks to Sarah Cranor (violin) and Pat Pfister about running long distance as professional musicians - and why pickles, above all else, are key. 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