OSA Backstage

Dani & Serena talk to violinist Amaryn Olmeda and Maestro Ken-David Masur about Mozart in 2025, being the interpretation, and why it's kenough to just be yourself. Prefer Video? Go here ! Have a question? You know the drill: 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 speaks with composer and OSA program notes writer Mathew Fuerst about listening to music on its own terms, what “sonata form” actually is, and how the answer to “Why?!” is, more often than not… “It depends.” Prefer video? Go here ! Have a question for Matt, Serena, or myself? Osabackstage@gmail.com ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get acc...

Dani & Serena talk to Assistant Principal Bassoon Nick Nelson about trying not to do podcasts, the Texas band tradition, making reeds, and the 2nd Bassoon's role in building up a wind section. Have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover? 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 b...

Dani & Serena talk to Greg Clinton (Associate Principal Cello) and Mary Perkinson (Section Violin) about when you know you’ve found the right instrument, the importance of teachers’ words to their students… and why troubadours probably had it pretty easy. Prefer video? Go here ! Have a question that you’d like your favorite musician to answer? Email osabackstage@gmail.com ! This is a public episod...

Dani & Serena talk to Erik Thorstensen (Director of Digital Initiatives & Production) and Jamie Pham (Artistic Manager) about discovering what you do well, skipping class to get rid of your flute, and when you’re mentally allowed to move on to the next project. Have a question? Send it to osabackstage@gmail.com ! Prefer video? Go here ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this w...

Dani & Serena talk to Kevin Tompkins (Assistant Principal Second Violin) and Juliet Yoshida (Section Violin) about faking it, bowings, and why personal space is worth its weight in gold in an opera pit. 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...

Dani & Serena sit down with Principal Percussion Paul Matthews and Principal Harp Janna Young to discuss why chimes are the worst, the instrument that’s harder than harp, and a Sleigh Ride gatekeeping story for the ages. You might need to watch the video for this one - which can be found here ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonu...

Dani & Serena talk to West Virginia Symphony Music Director - and OSA guest - Maurice Cohn about cat opinions, treating every rehearsal like it’s the only rehearsal, and composers on the beach. You can see Maurice and the Omaha Symphony at the Joslyn on Sunday, March 2nd, with soloist Lisa Meyerhofer! Prefer video? Go here ! Have a question? Email osabackstage@gmail.com ! This is a public episode....

Dani & Serena talk to Omaha Symphony 3rd Flute & Piccolo Lisa Meyerhofer about all things auxiliary instruments, bad air, and why piccolo triggers your fight-or-flight response. 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 and Serena talk to Principal Tuba Craig Fuller about bringing your symphony to you, Darlene Love, and what it means to gel with your colleagues on stage. 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

Principal Tuba Craig Fuller gives a rundown of his favorite guest artists over the years - including one surprise piccolo player. What is this, a piccolo channel?! 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 Masterworks 4 guests Alasdair Neale and Oliver Herbert about growing up surrounded by music, 700 page biographies on French composers, having time to create, and open communication on stage. They also discuss 3 year-olds on their best behavior. Enjoy! Want to watch the video instead? Go here ! PS: If you can read in French and adore French composers, Alasdair recommends “Maur...

Get in the car, kids, we’re making a podcast! Episode 0 features Omaha Symphony musicians Principal Trombone Patrick Pfister and Assistant Principal Flute & Piccolo Nick Fitton - as well as Serena Reuten and myself. We’re learning about flute ergonomics, mouth pieces, and why you should also ask questions more directly in an audio medium. Join us! This is a public episode. If you would like to dis...