Concertmaster of the Boston Symphony Nathan Cole shares his journey from a young violinist influenced by his musical family to becoming a prominent figure in the orchestral world. He discusses his experiences at the Curtis School of Music, the importance of new music in classical performance, and the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding career. He also provides insights into the audition process, the role of a concertmaster, and the significance of building an online presence for modern musicians.

To learn more about Nathan Cole visit natesviolin.com

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Producer and Editor: Katrina Stroud

Follow us on Instagram: @backstageclassicalpodcast

Intro and Outro Music: Beethoven Sonata No. 1, III. Rondo performed by Katrina Stroud and Leila Lok

Paul Watkins is an esteemed cellist on faculty at the Yale School of Music and a member of the Emerson String Quartet starting in 2013. He discusses the influence of his musical education, the importance of mentorship, and the experiences that shaped his career. Paul also reflects on his dual passion for conducting and teaching, emphasizing the significance of showing up and learning in every musical endeavor.

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Producer and Editor: Katrina Stroud

Follow us on Instagram: @backstageclassicalpodcast

Intro and Outro Music: Beethoven Sonata No. 1, III. Rondo performed by Katrina Stroud and Leila Lok

Violinist Robert McDuffie talks about obtaining his Guaneri del Gesu violin in a limited partnership, starting the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings, and creating the Rome Chamber Music Festival.

To learn more about the McDuffie Center visit: mcduffie.mercer.edu

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Producer and Editor: Katrina Stroud

Follow us on Instagram: @backstageclassicalpodcast

Intro and Outro Music: Beethoven Sonata No. 1, III. Rondo performed by Katrina Stroud and Leila Lok

Robert McDuffie is a distinguished American violinist. Listen as he talks with host Katrina about his musical mentors including Dorothy DeLay and Yehudi Menhuin and lessons he learned while touring around the world. McDuffie tells the stories of monumental moments in his career such as performing for Samuel Barber and commissioning the Phillip Glass violin concerto, the American Four Seasons. Part 2 to come.

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Producer and Editor: Katrina Stroud

Follow us on Instagram: @backstageclassicalpodcast

Intro and Outro Music: Beethoven Sonata No. 1, III. Rondo performed by Katrina Stroud and Leila Lok

Violinist Fabiola Kim is a renowned solo violinist and teaches at the University of Michigan and Colburn School. Listen as she talks about her musical mentors, finding her passion for teaching, lessons she's learned performing, and advice she has for aspiring professional musicians.

To learn more about the Sounding Point Academy visit: https://www.soundingpointacademy.com/

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Producer and Editor: Katrina Stroud

Follow us on Instagram: @backstageclassicalpodcast

Intro and Outro Music: Beethoven Sonata No. 1, III. Rondo performed by Katrina Stroud and Leila Lok

Sarah Ying Ma is a violinist in the Poiesis Quartet that just won the Banff Competition Grand Prize. Ma shares her musical background, the importance of new music, and how to keep "classical" music relevant in today's society. They discuss the evolving identity of their string quartet, emphasizing a departure from the traditional labels associated with classical music. Ma highlights the importance of embracing a broader artistic identity that encompasses various musical genres and forms of expression, advocating for a collective approach to artistry that transcends conventional boundaries.

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Producer and Editor: Katrina Stroud

Follow us on Instagram: @backstageclassicalpodcast

Intro and Outro Music: Beethoven Sonata No. 1, III. Rondo performed by Katrina Stroud and Leila Lok

Double bassist Jeffrey Turner is a renowned principal orchestral musician, conductor, and pedagogue and teaches at the Indiana University Jacob's School of Music. Listen as he walks through each of his career paths, explains his teaching methods, and talks about how we can keep classical music relevant in today's society.

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Producer and Editor: Katrina Stroud

Follow us on Instagram: @backstageclassicalpodcast

Intro and Outro Music: Beethoven Sonata No. 1, III. Rondo performed by Katrina Stroud and Leila Lok

Virtuoso violinist Nancy Zhou talks about her traditional Chinese music background, her musical mentors, competitions, and her journey through social media.

To learn more about Nancy Zhou and her album visit: nancyzhouviolin.com

Let us know what you think!

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Producer and Editor: Katrina Stroud

Follow us on Instagram: @backstagecccpodcast

Intro and Outro Music: Beethoven Sonata No. 1, III. Rondo performed by Katrina Stroud and Leila Lok