Wolf-Dieter Seiffert
May 2022
"The Henle Company was formed in 1948 with the permission of the
American military government."
Ever wonder what goes into your musical score, from deciding which notes the composer actually meant to indicate, to deciding ways to increase readability? What does "Urtext" mean, and why should we care? Does Marc-André Hamelin put in the fingerings for Rachmaninoff, when he doesn't perform any of his music? Dr. Wolf-Dieter Seiffert, born in Frankfurt, studied musicology, modern German literature, and philosophy. In 1990 Seiffert started work at G. Henle Publishers as an editor, where he became managing director of G. Henle Verlag in 2000.
Emmanuel Pahud
May 2022
"Music is greater than us--it plays us."
Emmanuel Pahud, principal flute of the Berlin Philharmonic, joins Living the Classical Life in Berlin for a conversation about his life and work, and how he prepares for concerts and zeroes in on his musical voice. With anecdotes and reflections about the late violinist Ivry Gitlis, he shares advice for young performers.
Zlata Chochieva
May 2022
"Music is born from silence."
PIanist Zlata Chochieva, of Ossetian descent, is winner of numerous awards, over a dozen competitions and has five highly-praised albums to her name. She appeared at the Miami International Piano Festival, the Gilmore Keyboard Festival, the festival «Progetto Martha Argerich» in Lugano, the Lucerne Festival, and the Berliner Klavierfestival.
Alena Baeva
May 2022
"Beauty is everywhere around you."
Violinist Alena Baeva joins Living the Classical Life in Tokyo, where she performed the Schumann Concerto, after which she invited the audience to join a prayer for peace. Winner of the Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition, the Sendai Competition, the Moscow Paganini Competition, and the International T. Wronski Competition, she reflects on the artist's role in the changeable world today, and examines the obligations that may come with the spotlight. With discussions about competitions and the fostering of vulnerability for artistic growth, this conversation is a deeply introspective look at the musician's world.
Andrea Cicalese
August 2023
Living the Classical Life welcomes back its youngest guest, violinist Andrea Cicalese, to follow the development and mindset of aspiring performers, to discuss stage fright, pressure and expectations, growth, and authenticity. Filmed in beautiful Porto, Portugal, this episode highlights a range of subjects from music to life path.
Lucy Dhegrae
February 2023
"I wanted to reconnect with meaningful singing."
"Struggle is real. Healing is real."
Vocalist Lucy Dhegrae discusses mind and body and how they are connected to the voice, discussing how she overcame trauma that nearly ruined her ability to sing. Ultimately, it is a story of hope, finding meaning, and joy. The conversation may not be suitable for all viewers.
Kent Nagano
July 2023
"For a moment, we are allowed to see what is beyond the stars."
One of the pre-eminent musical voices of his generation, conductor Kent Nagano draws into the essence of an artist's mission. In his prolific career, he was music director of the Opéra National de Lyon, principal conductor of the Hallé Orchestra in Manchester, principal conductor and artistic director of the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, principal conductor and first music director of the Los Angeles Opera, music director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and GMD of the Bavarian State Opera, and at the Hamburg State Opera. His reflections on his life, existential goals, and his mentors are sure to resonate long after viewing.
Alexandre Kantorow
May 2021
“There's no such thing as an unimportant concert."
Living the Classical Life makes a special visit to the western suburbs of Paris, France, to catch up with Alexandre Kantorow, who recently won the prestigious Gilmore Artist Award, a unique global competition for pianists decided by a secret traveling jury, and whose participants never know they even entered. Alexandre shares his thoughts and experiences on competitions, his creative process, being yourself, as well as preparation for a life of artistic growth.
Ross Karre
August 2022
Filmed at the Oberlin Conservatory in 2022; "Classical percussionist" Ross Karre--he explains what this means today--explains the creative world and craft of his many instruments. Sound associations, playing unlikely objects, programming for unusual repertoire.
Julia Fischer
May 2021
"If you want to see perfection, you should go to the circus."
One of the world's leading violinists, Julia Fischer is a versatile musician known for her extraordinary abilities as a concert pianist. She joins Living the Classical Life in Munich to discuss what it takes to juggle both instruments at the performance level and work as a chamber musician and a violin teacher. Here's how she finds meaning in music - and the role of perfection in all of it.
Michelle Cann, Part 1
September 2022
"The most important battle in your life is the one within yourself."
In our first of TWO conversations with pianist Michelle Cann in Cleveland, she focuses on finding a path and the strength to overcome self-doubts. From navigating auditions at conservatories and wondering if music has a path and is affordable, she sheds plenty of light on how we define a sense of worth in an intimidating musical world.
Lawrence Brownlee
April 2016
"I saw that music could take me anywhere."
From smalltown Ohio to the world's biggest stages: This candid conversation with Lawrence Brownlee in New York spans his life from a childhood - playing trumpet, guitar, and drums, and singing Gospel music in church - to his first encounter with opera, winning the Richard Tucker and the Marian Anderson Awards, and his experiences on stage, and his advice to young performers.
William Youn
May 2021
"For me, it wasn't easy to say I'm a Korean pianist and I think I play Mozart quite well."
William Youn has established an international reputation as “a true poet of the piano”, particularly for his Schubert recordings. He joins Living the Classical Life in Munich for a discussion about stage, concentration, expectations, and a balanced life based on acceptance.
Mischa Maisky
May 2022
"Rostropovich said: you are like a son to me.”
A living legend, cellist Mischa Maisky shares his many stories and perspectives from a rich musical life, told with great humor and humility. He recalls his friends and teachers, from Radu Lupu to Piatigorsky and Rostropovich, to his half-a-century with Martha Argerich. Filmed in Tokyo.
Mari Kodama
February 2023
A zone of ease by being yourself: pianist Mari Kodama describes her life on stage and her studies with her legendary mentors Alfred Brendel and Tatyana Nikolayeva, as well as finding balance in life and on stage.
Eckart Runge
July 2023
"If I get goosebumps, it's not important. It's important in an audience."
In this wide-ranging conversation about an active concertizing life, cellist Eckart Runge returns to Living the Classical Life--this time as soloist and recitalist--having completed three decades of work with the distinguished Artemis Quartet, where he was a founding member. He discusses his passion for specific and diverse repertoire that activates the emotions as well as the imagination, and sourcing energy for a sustainable life.
Victoria Randem
July 2023
“Comparison is the thief of joy! I find the zone through gratitude."
Equally adept as Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Musetta in La Boheme, Alida in Sleepless, and Rachel in La piccola Cubana, Norwegian-Nicaraguan singer Victoria Randem is a fast-rising presence in the musical world, based in Berlin . She gives a lively account of her start as musician, discusses preparing a role and finding confidence and growth.
Jukka-Pekka Saraste
May 2021
“The art of being on stage is that you’re taking the audience to you."
Helsinki’s next chief conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste reveals with subtle humor that his conducting career started at 8. He discusses the role of objectivity in Romantic repertoire, the dynamics of working with guest orchestras, and his philosophy of drawing his listeners into the performance. The sincerity and thoughtfulness of his advice to aspiring conductors is a gift to all music lovers.
Bejun Mehta
May 2021
"If you can be that vulnerable to a scary moment, then you are exactly where you're supposed to be."
Filmed in Berlin at the height of the pandemic and shortly after Christa Ludwig's passing, decorated countertenor Bejun Mehta shares his life story, influences, and anecdotes about his musical collaborations. We examine what it means to discover who we truly are and how to be ourselves on stage.
Michelle Cann, Part 2
September 2022
"I am inspired by her strength because in the face of so much rejection, she kept writing."
Our second episode with Michelle Cann focuses on the life and works of pianist-composer Florence Price. An inspired evaluation of a life and work that was mostly rejected and of the sudden spotlight on pieces that Michelle Cann passionately loves and believes in. Her reflections on life circumstances, sincerity, and mission are as pertinent for today's world as they were for Florence Price's.
David Orlowsky
May 2021
"I completely fxcked up."
Clarinetist David Orlowsky keeps it real in his assessment of what it means to be a musician today and how to be yourself. From the incident wherein a standout mistake gave him freedom and ultimately success to his love of klezmer music and surfing: Refreshing and candid, this conversation filmed in Berlin is not to be missed.
Marcus Felsner
May 2021
"A manager is not important--the artist is."
Artist manager Marcus Felsner has represented some of the most major figures in classical music as well as upcoming performers. What does it mean to have management today, and is it important in today's world? What did old-world impresarios in the age of the musical legends, and why is this neither possible today nor desirable? Marcus Felsner's insights are illuminating and surprising--we hope you enjoy!
Samuel Hasselhorn
May 2022
"Singing is like a dance with the voice."
In a wide-ranging candid conversation filmed in Munich, fast-rising baritone Samuel Hasselhorn addresses many of the issues musicians face today. Winner of the 2018 Queen Elisabeth Competition and equally at home in the genres of opera, Lied, and oratorio, he shares his insights into performance mindset, vocal wellness, and how to deal with setbacks. This episode is sure to give hope for anybody pursuing a passion.
Noah Bendix-Balgley
May 2022
"To be able to teach yourself, that's what practicing is about.”
Violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley, First Concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic and previously Concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, offers his insights into the world of orchestral playing, rehearsing, auditions, and expectations. He generously shares how he practices, fosters his artistic growth, and finds inspiration.
Wolf-Dieter Seiffert
May 2022
"We can't ask Beethoven is this an F sharp?"
Ever wonder what goes into your musical score? Who decides whether Beethoven wanted an F or an F sharp? What does "Urtext" mean, and why should we care? How come Marc-André Hamelin puts in the fingerings for Rachmaninoff when he doesn't perform any of his music? Dr. Wolf-Dieter Seiffert, managing director of G. Henle Publishers and its famous "blue books" has the answers to all these questions and many more.
Emmanuel Pahud
May 2022
"Music is greater than us - it plays us."
Emmanuel Pahud, principal flute of the Berlin Philharmonic, joins Living the Classical Life in Berlin for a conversation about his life and work. An invaluable source of advice for young performers, he explains how he prepares for concerts and zeroes in on his musical voice, and shares anecdotes and reflections about the late, larger-than-life violinist Ivry Gitlis.
Zlata Chochieva
May 2022
"Music is born from silence."
Pianist Zlata Chochieva, of Ossetian descent, touchingly and thoughtfully speaks about her experience as a student of Mikhail Pletnev, her "personal" relationship with the composers she plays - particularly, her "life with Rach 1", and her development toward trusting herself.
Alena Baeva
May 2022
"Beauty is everywhere around you."
Violinist Alena Baeva joins Living the Classical Life in Tokyo, where she performed the Schumann Concerto, after which she invited the audience to join a prayer for peace. This episode is a deeply introspective look at the musician's world -- the value of vulnerability for artistic growth, the artist's role in the changeable world today, and the obligations that may come with the spotlight.
Stefan Dohr
July 2022
"I definitely don't overthink things--I'm a horn player."
Stefan Dohr reflects on his stellar career and its challenges -- the audition process for the Berlin Philharmonic at 19 and his first season as principal horn sight-reading 25 operas. The "king of his instrument" (NY Chronicle) reminisces about Claudio Abbado and explains why he decided to use the pandemic hiatus to take conducting classes with Paavo Järvi.
Neeme Järvi
July 2022
"We're a family of fanatics."
This compelling conversation with legendary conductor Neeme Järvi is a no-nonsense assessment of what it takes to build an orchestra and a community and why being an Estonian musician is a patriotic endeavour. His recollections include studies with Mravinsky and Rabinovich, glimpses of old Detroit, and a look at his extensive, multi-generational family of musicians. For 85-year-old Neeme Järvi it is all part of the "job of having fun".
Kristjan Järvi
July 2022
"All of us are trying to reach the heart-mind balance."
Conductor, composer, and recording artist Kristjan Järvi has more than 60 albums to his credit. He how his immersive experiential musical events foster unity between audience and performers alike and speaks about his reluctant musical beginnings within the prominent Järvi dynasty. Full of meta-discussions about life, performance philosophy and the heart-mind balance, this episode highlights a truly unique musical personality.
Paavo Järvi
"If you have a father as a conductor, you are closer to insider information."
Prolific conductor and recording artist Paavo Järvi joins Living the Classical Life for an exclusive discussion about his musical family and their Estonian roots, and the Pärnu Music Festival, which he founded. He shares his musical beginnings, the role and influence of his father, conductor Neeme Järvi, the story of his early meeting with composer Dmitri Shostakovich and a glowing remembrance of the late piano legend Radu Lupu.
Marius Neset
July 2022
“Jazz musicians today are using some of the same harmonies that Grieg did in his time.”
How does a saxophone quartet premiere fit into a Norwegian Beethoven chamber music festival? Discover and experience Marius Neset's magical midnight solo high above a fjord. This conversation focuses on the language of improvisation, the harmonic confluence of jazz and classical music, and the challenges of being in the moment.
Leif Ove Andsnes
July 2022
“I was just a shy boy from rural Norway.”
Internationally celebrated pianist and recording artist Leif Ove Andsnes welcomes Living the Classical Life at his chamber music festival in Rosendal, Norway. He discusses his life in music, from early influences to his quick meteoric rise to the world's stages, and how he overcame his insecurities. Reflective on the value of nature and balance, this conversation will give hope to aspiring performers.
Jan Swafford
July 2022
“People don’t live their lives in order to be interpreted by others for money.”
His Brahms and Ives biographies were NYT's end-of-year Critics' Choices, and his Beethoven: Anguish and Triumph was a NYT bestseller. American composer, author, and commentator Jan Swafford relives in a dynamic, fun conversation what it was like to dive into the humor and charm of Beethoven, into the esoteric depth and touching love letters of Ives, and almost to feel their presence. Filmed in Norway, this episode is the first to feature the expanded cinematography of Living the Classical Life.
Lars Vogt
July 2022
“In music, you get transported and you forget everything.”
At age 52 distinguished pianist Lars Vogt has been fighting aggressive cancer. He shares how he continues to play with limited strength, finding courage in the face of an uncertain future and solace in the music of Johannes Brahms. This conversation about the gift of life is full of lively and even humorous anecdotes, a contemplation of what is truly important. Lars Vogt's is an episode unlike any we have had.
Rest In Peace Lars—this was his final interview.
Karen Gomyo
May 2021
“What we feed our mind with is what it becomes.”
Violinist Karen Gomyo gives a heartfelt account of growing up with a single mother and dividing her energies between violin, karate, and ballet until a performance by Midori transformed her life trajectory and led her to legendary teacher Dorothy DeLay. Gomyo examines what it means to express musical artistry in the larger world, find an authentic voice, and find a zone on stage as an introvert.
Tobias Truniger and Magdalena König
May 2021
"You need a strong vision, and then life will show you where to go."
Studio director and vocal coach Tobias Truniger and managing director Magdalena König run Munich's "Lindemann " - the highly competitive State Opera's training program for young singers. They discuss how to detect a promising artist among talents worldwide, how to bring out the best in each student, and how to guide them toward a trajectory for lifelong growth in today's world.
Johannes Moser
May 2021
"As musicians, we are just lonesome riders. We need to create a team."
Cellist Johannes Moser shares his insights into his musical beginnings and how he has mentally prepared for a debut with the Berlin Philharmonic. He describes his work with a sports psychologist and the musical momentum that came from auditioning for conductors.
Lisa Batiashvili
May 2021
"Time is an important teacher."
Georgian violinist Lisa Batiashvili opens up about her musical world, describing her support of young musicians and what it takes to provide for their future. She shares thoughts on motivation, practice, confidence, and focus on stage—and what it means to feel ready.
Christian Gerhaher
May 2021
"We don't always have to convince the audience - we make an offer."
Baritone Christian Gerhaher describes what the NYT called “the world’s greatest song partnership” with pianist Gerold Huber. He also talks about his encounters with legendary singers Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and Elizabeth Schwarzkopf, and why he spearheaded the German artists’ fight against a pandemic lockdown all the way to the Supreme Court.
Nicholas Canellakis
October 2019
"Acting and music should be similar: You listen, and you react"
Cellist Nick Canellakis wears many classical hats. A “superb soloist" (The New Yorker), he has hosted a comedy web series of satirical interviews with stars of the classical music world and produced and directed several music videos and fictional shorts, among them Thin Walls (2019) about an obsessive cellist who practices all day long.
Nicholas Canellakis
October 2019
"Acting and music should be similar: You listen, and you react"
Hailed by The New Yorker as a “superb soloist,” Mr. Canellakis made his Carnegie Hall concerto debut with the American Symphony Orchestra and is a regular guest artist at many of the world’s leading music festivals. Also a filmmaker and actor, he has hosted a comedy web series in which he conducts satirical interviews with stars of the classical music world and has produced and directed several music videos and fictional shorts, among them Thin Walls (2019) about an obsessive cellist who practices all day long. Filmed in October 2019, Mr. Canellakis joined us in New York City between performances to tell about his unusual musical life.
Special Edition: Transcending 2020-2022
July 14, 2021
"This moment is when all the reflection can happen” - Karen Gomyo
Filmed at the height of the pandemic in locked-down Germany, here are twelve honest and hopeful perspectives on how Covid is impacting musicians' lives and the future of classical music - among them by baritone Christian Gerhaher, flutist Emmanuel Pahud, violinist Lisa Batiashvili, and the publisher of the famous ”blue” Henle Urtext editions. Their insights far outlast the pandemic.
Nicholas Canellakis
October 2019
"Acting and music should be similar: You listen, and you react"
Hailed by The New Yorker as a “superb soloist,” Mr. Canellakis made his Carnegie Hall concerto debut with the American Symphony Orchestra and is a regular guest artist at many of the world’s leading music festivals. Also a filmmaker and actor, he has hosted a comedy web series in which he conducts satirical interviews with stars of the classical music world and has produced and directed several music videos and fictional shorts, among them Thin Walls (2019) about an obsessive cellist who practices all day long. Filmed in October 2019, Mr. Canellakis joined us in New York City between performances to tell about his unusual musical life.
Martina Arroyo
November 18, 2019
"In music you can feel so much and just let go - and you do"
Martina Arroyo, a pioneer among African-American performers in the operatic field, is considered one of opera's most effective public ambassadors. As you will see, this is not least due to what World Biography called her “down-to-earth sense of humor, coupled with a diva-sized personality.” Enjoy her unique reminiscences of working with legends Renata Tebaldi, Leonard Bernstein, and Victor Borge!
Nicholas Canellakis
October 2019
"Acting and music should be similar: You listen, and you react"
Hailed by The New Yorker as a “superb soloist,” Mr. Canellakis made his Carnegie Hall concerto debut with the American Symphony Orchestra and is a regular guest artist at many of the world’s leading music festivals. Also a filmmaker and actor, he has hosted a comedy web series in which he conducts satirical interviews with stars of the classical music world and has produced and directed several music videos and fictional shorts, among them Thin Walls (2019) about an obsessive cellist who practices all day long. Filmed in October 2019, Mr. Canellakis joined us in New York City between performances to tell about his unusual musical life.
Carlos Miguel Prieto
November 2019
“There’s nothing like the imagination of a musician”
Charismatic conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto has a refreshingly real outlook on the musical life as he speaks about his musical upbringing in Mexico and what it means to perform music on the world’s stages. His stories are not to be missed!