To kick off season 2, I am interviewing 7 time grammy award nominated cellist Dave Eggar. He has been heard by millions people around the world, in recordings and on stage, on Good Morning America, and even at the pre-game show in the superbowl. He is the musician behind the cello playing in the iconic song "Viva La Vida" by the band Cold Play. He is also a significant musical figure, not only in the classical arena, but also in pop, rock, hip hop and beyond. This interview was originally conducted in June of 2025. In part 1 of the interview, we talk about the Mostly Modern Music Festival, his formative years, his education including his time during childhood where he spent some time with legendary composer Aaron Copland. We talk candidly about his education and time at Juilliard and Harvard, and his willingness to explore all types of music as a vehicle for a greater variety of storytelling. He is one of the nicest and most down to earth musicians in the industry. Over the years he has been a source of inspiration, positive influence, great opportunities and wisdom for me and countless others. My hope is that you will all be as inspired by him as I am.

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This is part 2 of my interview with conductor Kenneth Woods. if you haven’t listened to part one you might want to go back and listen to it first. Partly because this part starts rather abruptly and it is continuing things from the previous part. In this part we talk about how playing electric guitar and for me playing electric bass was beneficial to both of our growth as musicians. We address the concept of groove, and how we can bring it to the classical world. We talk about the benefits of just playing for fun. How a health problem created an epiphany and a profound understanding of rhythm . We briefly address Social and moral obligations as musicians and being true to history. We end talking about score study, building rhythmic vocabulary as well Ken's thoughts on musical interpretation and tempo relationships.

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Our guest today is highly respected conductor, composer, and cellist Kenneth Woods. Hailed by Gramophone Magazine as “a symphonic conductor of stature”, American conductor Kenneth Woods was appointed Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the English Symphony Orchestra in 2013, and has quickly built up an acclaimed body of work with them.He has recorded with the BBC National orchestra of Wales, the BBC Scottish symphony, He was principal guest conductor of the Orchestra of The Swan and He has conducted the National Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic, Cincinnati Symphony, Budapest Festival Orchestra and State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia and the English Chamber Orchestra, and has made numerous broadcasts for BBC Radio 3, National Public Radio and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation He is also the artistic director of the Colorado Mahlerfest. His Conducting mentors include Leonard Slatkin, David Zinman.

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