• Jacob Warren: Multi-style Bassist
    Feb 2 2026

    Multi-style double bassist Jacob Warren shares his journey of being a classically trained bassist and learning different genres of music. Listen as he speaks about musical mentors, co-creating the chamber groups Warren and Flick and Westbound Situation, and joining the group Kittel & Co. Warren also mentions his process of composing and arranging music, and gives advice to aspiring professional musicians.

    For more information on Jacob Warren visit: https://www.jacobvwarren.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

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    32 mins
  • Nathan Cole: Boston Symphony
    Jan 19 2026

    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

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    36 mins
  • Paul Watkins: Yale School of Music
    Jan 5 2026

    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.

    Support the show

    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

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    34 mins
  • Robert McDuffie: Center for Strings
    Dec 16 2025

    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

    Support the show

    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

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    40 mins
  • Robert McDuffie: American Violinist
    Dec 1 2025

    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

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    31 mins
  • Fabiola Kim: University of Michigan
    Nov 17 2025

    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/

    Support the show

    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

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    47 mins
  • Sarah Ying Ma: Poiesis Quartet
    Nov 3 2025

    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.

    To learn more about Poiesis: https://poiesisquartet.com/

    Support the show

    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

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    38 mins
  • Jeffrey Turner: Indiana University
    Oct 20 2025

    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.

    Support the show

    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

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    35 mins