Nacocast: Classical Music Podcast With Sean Rice

In this last episode of the 2005-2006 season, Christopher looks at the work life of the professional orchestra musician and how symphony orchestras are organized. Also in this edition, a sampling of the NAC Orchestra's recording of Beethoven's Symphony No. 2, under the direction of Pinchas Zukerman. The NACOcast returns for a new season of podcasts in mid-September.

This week on the NACOcast, Christopher talks with Patinka Kopec, director of the NAC's Young Artist Programme. Chris and Patti discuss her formative days in New York with gifted contemporaries, Pinchas Zukerman and Itzhak Perlman, and highlight the gifted young artists at this year's YAP. The podcast includes a special musical selection: Mozart's String Quintet in G minor, K. 516, Allegro, performed by the Zukerman Players.

As a tribute to Walter Prystawski, the NAC Orchestra's founding concertmaster who is retiring after 37 years at the first desk, Christopher talks to founding NACO music director Mario Bernardi as well as three of Walter's original orchestra colleagues. The conversations touch on the core classical repertoire of the orchestra, NACO's signature sound and the critical role Walter Prystawski played in shaping that sound.

POPS! goes the NACOcast -- This week an interview with NAC Orchestra principal pops conductor Jack Everly. Christopher talks with Jack about his distinguished career and the world of symphonic popular music.

Part 2 of a conversation with Maestro Pinchas Zukerman on the mechanics of making music with the violin. Join Chris and Pinchas as they discuss bowing techniques and the music of J.S. Bach.

Special guest Maestro Pinchas Zukerman joins Chris Millard to discuss the mechanics of making music with the violin. Join Chris and Pinchas in this first of two interviews -- They discuss bowing and vibrato techniques and the divergent approaches of European and North American orchestras to string playing.

The musician interviews the broadcaster. Veteran CBC radio host and champion of classical music, Eric Friesen joins Chris Millard this week on the NACOcast. The two discuss Eric's passion for radio and music.

Ever wonder about the role of the conductor? This week we bring you a presentation made by Chris Millard to members of the NAC Orchestra Association as part of the "Behind the Music" discussion series.

In response to a listener question, Christopher assembles a panel of colleagues to discuss instrument-related injuries and the various treatments, techniques and training programs used to avoid them. Joining Chris this week are bassist Marjolaine Laroche, violist Nancy Sturdevant, oboist Chip Hamann, and violinist Susan Rupp.

This week on the NACOcast, Christopher Millard is in conversation Maestro Boris Brott, Principal Youth and Family Conductor, National Arts Centre Orchestra. Boris Brott is one of the most internationally recognized Canadian Conductors, holding major posts as music director in Canada and the United States. He enjoys an international career as guest conductor, educator, motivational speaker and cultural ambassador. In May 2004, he was named to the newly created position of Principal Youth and Family Conductor of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, where for over 20 years he has regularly been conducting student matinees and Young People’s Concerts. In this edition of the NACOcast, Christopher and Boris discuss, among other topics, the legacy of Leonard Bernstein and the challenges that today's orchestra face connecting and engaging young audiences.

This week on the NACOcast, Christopher Millard is in conversation with Jessica Linnebach. Jessica was only 10 years old when she was accepted to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music and only 19 when she received her Master's degree from Manhattan School of Music where she studied with Pinchas Zukerman. Join Christopher and Jessica as they talk about the formidable Glazunov Violin Concerto.

It's all about opera this week as Christopher Millard talks with Ty Paterson, artistic director and principal conductor of Opera Lyra Ottawa -- Listen in as they discuss Verdi's Falstaff and the making of opera.

Stravinski's Pulcinella Suite and Brahm's Piano concerto No. 2 in B-flat major are featured in this week's edition of the NACOcast, hosted by Christopher Millard.

Composer Michael Torke discusses the genesis of the ballet score for An Italian Straw Hat and the influences of Rossini and Mozart on the work. With excerpts from the CD, "An Italian Straw Hat" on Ecstatic Records (www.michaeltorke.com).

This week Christopher Millard discusses the history and theology behind Bach's B Minor Mass with choral director Laurence Ewashko.

This week's NACOcast features the music of New Zealand's Hayley Westenra, a look at the Pops programmes of Jack Everly, principal Pops conductor at the NAC, and an interview with special guest Karen Donnelly, principal trumpet of the NAC Orchestra. Send your feedback to NACOcast@gmail.com

Chris Millard looks ahead to NAC Orchestra performances of Mozart, Dvořàk and Canadian composer Alexina Louie. Musical excerpt from Dvořàk Symphony no. 7; (NAC Orchestra under the direction of Pinchas Zukerman).