Jasmine Choi, known as “The Goddess of Flute,” has made a remarkable impact on the classical music world with her extraordinary talent and innovative approach to the flute. From her early days in a family steeped in music to her groundbreaking role as the first Asian woman to serve as Principal Flute of the Vienna Symphony, Jasmine's career has been marked by significant achievements. She has performed with prestigious ensembles worldwide and is celebrated for her acclaimed recordings and strong mentorship of young musicians.

In this conversation, we explore Jasmine's journey from a young girl in Korea to a global soloist, her experiences at the Curtis Institute of Music and Juilliard, and the challenges she faced in pursuing her passion. Jasmine shares insights into her unique teaching style, her approach to social media, and her deep commitment to making classical music accessible to a broader audience. With stories that resonate deeply, her journey offers inspiration and valuable lessons for anyone pursuing their dreams in the arts.

Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!

As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:

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Rob Schwimmer is a dynamic composer-pianist and renowned theremin virtuoso whose performances have captivated audiences worldwide. With accolades from The New York Times for his blend of “virtuosity, magic, and humor,” Rob's diverse talents shine through in his solo CD "Heart of Hearing," which features the theremin, Haken Continuum, and solo piano. He has collaborated with an impressive lineup of artists, including Bobby McFerrin, the New York Philharmonic, and Simon and Garfunkel, showcasing his unique ability to hang in multiple genres.

In this episode, Rob shares his insights into the theremin's unique sound and its long-standing connection to sci-fi and other film genres. He recounts memorable performances—including a recent debut with the New York Philharmonic—and discusses the intricate relationship between improvisation and formal music training. Rob also demos some of the nuances of the Haken Continuum and the theremin. He shares several engaging stories about working in a variety of musical settings, from Carnegie Hall to hanging out with Willie Nelson.

(Headshot photo by Michael Weintrob)

Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!

As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:

• Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners.
• Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students.
• Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions.
• The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music!
• Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely!
• Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.

Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!

Composer Michelle DiBucci is a versatile artist whose work spans theater, opera, dance, and film. Michelle has made significant contributions to contemporary music, having collaborated with renowned ensembles like the Kronos Quartet and created works performed at prestigious venues such as Alice Tully Hall and the Komische Oper in Berlin. Her rich background includes studying under esteemed composers like Louis Andriessen and teaching at Juilliard since 1992, where she shares her passion for music and theater with aspiring artists.

In this first part of our conversation, we explore Michelle's early influences, from her childhood experiences with television soundtracks to her pivotal moment of discovering the relationship between music and visual storytelling. She shares her journey from acting to composing, detailing how mentorship shaped her path and the lessons learned along the way. Michelle’s insights into music composition reveal the intricate balance between creativity and the realities of the industry.

[Subscriber Content] In the second part, we delve deeper into her composition approach and the collaborative process behind her compositions. Michelle discusses memorable projects, including her opera based on Charlotte Solomon’s life, and highlights her thoughts on the changing landscape of music education and the impact of technology on future generations of musicians. This section offers valuable perspectives on navigating a career in music, alongside a reflection on the importance of live performances in an increasingly digital world.

Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!

As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:

• Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners.
• Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students.
• Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions.
• The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music!
• Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely!
• Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.

Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!