Stuck in the middle of the virtuosic violins and the charming celli, the viola seldom gets the spotlight and has been the butt of many an orchestral joke. This episode we talk about a beautiful and often misunderstood inner voice of the orchestra with the help of some of our amazing ESO violists. “Tune in” as we answer the age old questions: What is a viola? What makes them so unique? And why-oh-why are there so many viola jokes?  Featuring the voices of Principal Violist Keith Hamm and Assistant Principal Violist Ethan Filner.     You can find the transcript of this episod ..read more

Did you know that the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is 68 years old?! Join us this episode as we take a trip down memory lane to learn more about the early days of the ESO by speaking to musicians that were there from the beginning.   Featuring the voices of ESO Cellist Ronda Metszies and her mother Hope Metszies, First Violinist Broddy Olson and Musicologist David Gramit! Ronda Metszies Bio https://www.winspearcentre.com/more/about/about-eso/meet-the-musicians/strings/ronda-metszies/ ESO 101 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8_11aTGQWM Happy 90th Birthday to Hope Metszies Concert h ..read more

What are conductors up to on the podium, anyways? This episode we speak to four conductors in Canada to find out! Join us as they share stories, tips, and insights from on-and-off the podium - answering common questions and debunking some myths about the profession. (Bonus!) Musicologist Dave Baker speaks to us about some of the history of the ever-changing role of conductors over time.  Featuring the voices of ESO Chief Conductor Alex Prior, ESO Assistant Conductor and Community Ambassador Cosette Justo Valdés,  Allegra Chamber Orchestra Conductor and Music Director Janna Sailor, ES ..read more

What is the difference between a violin and a fiddle? Join us this episode to find out as we look at the history of this instrument in Canada, and the impact it has had along the way. Learn more about the wonderful and diverse world of fiddling from Fiddlers, Historians and Musicologists. One thing we can guarantee- this episode is sure to get your feet tapping! Featuring the voices of Métis fiddler John Arcand, Historian Laureate Amber Paquette, Old Time fiddler Calvin Vollrath, Musicologist David Gramit, Fiddler Daniel Gervais, and Edmonton Traditional Métis Dancer Lyle Donald! Podcast ..read more

Mozart once said "in my eyes and ears, the organ will forever be the King of Instruments." Why, you may ask? Join us to find out! We pull out all the stops to explore this unique instrument - from its history to talking shop with organ builders, players, and maintainers. As a bonus, you’ll also get an audio tour of the instrument's power and capabilities. If you don't already love the organ, you will by the end of this episode! Featuring the voices of Organist Jeremy Spurgeon, Davis Concert Organ Curator Jerrold Eilander, Musicologist D.T Baker, and Vice President and Artistic Director of Orgu ..read more

We’ve all heard that expression “Practice Makes Perfect”, but what does this really mean? This episode we take a closer look at practicing and performance psychology - examining what goes through the mind of a performer when it’s time to walk on stage. This is Part Four of our “Behind the Screen” series that takes a deep dive into the past, present and future of orchestral auditions. This episode features the voices of ESO principal bassoonist Bianca Chambul, her father and former Olympic athlete Dr. Borys Chambul, as well as the expertise of the Peak Performance Psychologist Dr. Don Greene an ..read more

The screened audition process was adopted by orchestras in the 70’s and 80’s to try to reduce bias in the hiring process- but is it still working? This episode we look at the role of an orchestral musician in the 21st century and discusses how to change the paradigm to achieve diversity and inclusion through music. This is Part Three of our “Behind the Screen” series that takes a deep dive into the past, present and future of orchestral auditions. Featuring the voices of ESO Music Director Emeritus Bill Eddins and Afa Dworkin, President and Artistic Director of The Sphinx Organization. Show No ..read more

Orchestras everywhere were once “Boys Only Clubs”. This episode we look into the gender bias and the history of women in Canadian orchestras. Join us for Part Two of our “Behind the Screen” series that takes a deep dive into the past, present and future of orchestral auditions. Featuring the voices of Musicologist and author of the book From Kitchen to Carnegie Hall: Ethel Stark and the Montreal Women's Symphony Orchestra Maria Rachwal, ESO Assistant Principal Trombone Kathryn Macintosh, and ESO Assistant Conductor and Community Ambassador Cosette Justo Valdés. Show Notes: Links Mentioned: E ..read more

Musicians in the orchestra come from all walks of life, but there is one thing that we all have in common - auditions. This episode, we look at what a musician must go through in order to win a seat in the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. This is Part One of our “Behind the Screen” series that takes a deep dive into the past, present and future of orchestral auditions. Featuring the voices of ESO Concertmaster Robert Uchida, Principal Cello Rafael Hoekman, and Assistant Principal Trombone Kathy Macintosh. Show Notes: Links Mentioned: Robert Uchida - Bio Robert Uchida - Bach’s Sonata No.2 “Allegro ..read more

Welcome to ESO Offstage - a new podcast that gives you an insider's look into the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and its community. Join ESO double bassist Max Cardilli as he covers the rapidly evolving world of the orchestra by speaking with people from all walks of life. ESO, like you've never heard it before. Follow the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra: Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube Subscribe to our newsletter ..read more