OSA Backstage

Dani & Serena talk to Lauren Medici & Josh Quinn (Opera Omaha) about all things Beethoven Five and Bluebeard's Castle.Have a question? Email [email protected] !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 with Lidiya Yankovskaya (conductor) about fan-girling for famous pianists, (politely) ignoring your advisors, and authenticity in interpretations.Have a question? Email [email protected]!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 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 [email protected] 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 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 [email protected] 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 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 [email protected] 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 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 [email protected] 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 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 [email protected] 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 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 [email protected] ! 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 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 [email protected] ! 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 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 [email protected] ! 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 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 [email protected] ! 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 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 [email protected] !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 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 [email protected] ! 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 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 [email protected] ! 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 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 [email protected]! 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 [email protected]! 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 [email protected] ! 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 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 [email protected] ! 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 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 [email protected] ! 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 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 [email protected]! 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 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 [email protected] ! 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 [email protected]!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 episodes, visit danimeier.substack.com

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 [email protected] ! 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 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 [email protected] ! 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 [email protected]! 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 [email protected] ! 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 Leclair15’: Tonos del sur16’55” Netherlands Bach Society; Rudolf Lutz; Pygmalion; Ludwig Güttler18’55” Jan Dismas Zelenka22’35”: Heifetz, Rubinstein, Wayne Gretzky and Michael Scott all said it.27’: Indianapolis Baroque, concertmastered by Adrian Post29’10": Jeannette Sorrell of Apollo’s Fire39’40”: Santiago Billoni46’40”: Mary Perkinson47’40”: Jean-Philippe Rameau48’05”: Dietrich Buxtehude; “Membra Jesu Nostri”48’40”: Heinrich Schutz & Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber48’55”: Rolf Lislevand50’35”: Punch Brothers do Brandenburg 3! 51’: Metal Bach!52’25”: Ironwood Chamber Ensemble53’25” Adams Fischer; 2022; Charles McHarris & Scottish Chamber Orchestra1 hr, 1’45”: Rameau: Les indes galantesPrefer 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 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 [email protected] ! 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 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. For tickets and more info, go here!Prefer video? Go here!Have ideas? Feedback? Get ‘em in before Season 2 and email [email protected] ! 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 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 [email protected]! 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

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 [email protected] 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 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 [email protected] ! 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 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

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: [email protected] ! 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? [email protected] ! 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 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 [email protected] !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 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 [email protected] ! 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 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 [email protected] !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 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 [email protected] 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 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 bonus episodes, visit danimeier.substack.com

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 [email protected] ! 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 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 [email protected] ! 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 “Maurice Ravel” by Marcel Marnat, published by Fayard. And - check out Oliver Herbert’s stop-motion work here! This one is set to Couperin’s “Les Barricades Mystérieuses” and absolutely delightful!Felt and FauréDebussy and “The Snow is Dancing”Have a question? Send them in to [email protected]! 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

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 discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit danimeier.substack.com