The 35-year-old Amit Peled is an Israel-born cellist who now lives in the United States and teaches at the Peabody Institute. In his interview with Jon Tolansky, Amit talks about his childhood in a kibbutz in northern Israel and his first teacher Uri Vardi, a pupil of János Starker. Amit talks about several remarkable musicians with whom he studied after moving to the US, among them Bernard Greenhouse and Laurence Lesser. He also fondly recalls his studies in Berlin with the late Boris Pergamenschikov and the amazing atmosphere of his studio. Having worked with Isaac Stern, Amit discusses the great violinist’s unusual perspective on cello playing.
Hailed by The Washington Post as "an uncommonly fine young violinist," Joanna Marie Frankel is a recipient of the 2007 Career Grant from the Rachel Elizabeth Barton Foundation and The Juilliard School's 2007 William Schuman Prize for outstanding artistic excellence and leadership. In her conversation with Jon Tolansky, Joanna recalls her infatuation with the violin at the age of two and a half (she started her studies one year later); and her teacher, the famous violinist and pedagogue Jascha Brodski, who deeply influenced her playing. They also discuss several of Joanna’s recordings of Beethoven, and her perspective on the technical and musical aspects of performing works of great composer.
Joe Hallman is a young Philadelphia-based composer who, as he acknowledges, has had the opportunity to work with some of today's most talented musicians. He has been a longtime collaborator with the cellist Alisa Weilerstein (they just returned from a successful premiere of his newest Cello Concerto with the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic). His recently-written series of chamber concerti, composed for members of the Philadelphia Orchestra and New York Philharmonic, have garnered acclaim for their wit and strength. In his interview, Joe recalls an unusual incident with his music teacher, discusses his String Quartet Complements, recalls his trip to Russia and the idiosyncrasies of Russian orchestras, and much more.
Alon Goldstein is a pianist with a powerful gift for communication whose artistry has touched audiences and critics alike throughout Europe, Israel and the United States. Admired for his musical intelligence and warmth of personality, Alon's artistic vision and innovative programming have brought him to the forefront of his generation. Alon Goldstein's podcast includes his recollections of studying with the legendary Leon Fleisher, who was so impressed with him that he invited him to become his assistant.
Concert saxophonist Ashu has defied conventions, winning major international and national competitions traditionally won by pianists and violinists. He made his recital debut at Carnegie Hall's Weill Hall in New York, and his concerto debut at the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. He was just 16 at the time. Since then, performances have taken him throughout Europe and the United States. In his podcast, Ashu includes a look at some rarely performed music of strong and evocative character that ranges from the mid-19th century to today.
Composer-conductor Leanna Primiani is a native of California. She has studied with such noted musicians as Leonard Slatkin, Peter Eötvös, and Steven Stucky. Her work, Sirens for Orchestra, was premiered by Leonard Slatkin and the Nashville Symphony in February 2009. Leanna Primiani's podcast includes her description of her ambitious new opera Truman, which sets the life of former US President Harry Truman.
Jon Tolansky interviews Amit Peled
The 35-year-old Amit Peled is an Israel-born cellist who now lives in the United States and teaches at the Peabody Institute. In his interview with Jon Tolansky, Amit talks about his childhood in a kibbutz in northern Israel and his first teacher Uri Vardi, a pupil of János Starker. Amit talks about several remarkable musicians with whom he studied after moving to the US, among them Bernard Greenhouse and Laurence Lesser. He also fondly recalls his studies in Berlin with the late Boris Pergamenschikov and the amazing atmosphere of his studio. Having worked with Isaac Stern, Amit discusses the great violinist’s unusual perspective on cello playing.
Jon Tolansky interviews Joanna Marie Frankel
Hailed by The Washington Post as "an uncommonly fine young violinist," Joanna Marie Frankel is a recipient of the 2007 Career Grant from the Rachel Elizabeth Barton Foundation and The Juilliard School's 2007 William Schuman Prize for outstanding artistic excellence and leadership. In her conversation with Jon Tolansky, Joanna recalls her infatuation with the violin at the age of two and a half (she started her studies one year later); and her teacher, the famous violinist and pedagogue Jascha Brodski, who deeply influenced her playing. They also discuss several of Joanna’s recordings of Beethoven, and her perspective on the technical and musical aspects of performing works of great composer.
Jon Tolansky interviews Joe Hallman
Joe Hallman is a young Philadelphia-based composer who, as he acknowledges, has had the opportunity to work with some of today's most talented musicians. He has been a longtime collaborator with the cellist Alisa Weilerstein (they just returned from a successful premiere of his newest Cello Concerto with the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic). His recently-written series of chamber concerti, composed for members of the Philadelphia Orchestra and New York Philharmonic, have garnered acclaim for their wit and strength. In his interview, Joe recalls an unusual incident with his music teacher, discusses his String Quartet Complements, recalls his trip to Russia and the idiosyncrasies of Russian orchestras, and much more.Jon Tolansky interviews Alon Goldstein
Alon Goldstein is a pianist with a powerful gift for communication whose artistry has touched audiences and critics alike throughout Europe, Israel and the United States. Admired for his musical intelligence and warmth of personality, Alon's artistic vision and innovative programming have brought him to the forefront of his generation. Alon Goldstein's podcast includes his recollections of studying with the legendary Leon Fleisher, who was so impressed with him that he invited him to become his assistant.Jon Tolansky interviews Ashu
Concert saxophonist Ashu has defied conventions, winning major international and national competitions traditionally won by pianists and violinists. He made his recital debut at Carnegie Hall's Weill Hall in New York, and his concerto debut at the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. He was just 16 at the time. Since then, performances have taken him throughout Europe and the United States. In his podcast, Ashu includes a look at some rarely performed music of strong and evocative character that ranges from the mid-19th century to today.Jon Tolansky interviews Leanna Primiani
Composer-conductor Leanna Primiani is a native of California. She has studied with such noted musicians as Leonard Slatkin, Peter Eötvös, and Steven Stucky. Her work, Sirens for Orchestra, was premiered by Leonard Slatkin and the Nashville Symphony in February 2009. Leanna Primiani's podcast includes her description of her ambitious new opera Truman, which sets the life of former US President Harry Truman.Jon Tolansky interviews Sergey Zaks
The founder of Classical Connect talks about some of the ideas behind the site.