Welcome to Backstage: Classical Career Conversations!

Orchestra Episodes

Nathan Cole: Boston Symphony
Jan. 19, 2026

Nathan Cole: Boston Symphony

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 Sc...
Jeffrey Turner: Indiana University
Oct. 20, 2025

Jeffrey Turner: Indiana University

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 ...
Simon James: San Francisco Conservatory of Music
July 21, 2025

Simon James: San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Violinist Simon James is a renowned pedagogue at the San Fransisco Conservatory of Music, veteran of the Seattle Symphony for 30 years, and recorder of hundreds of soundtracks. Listen as James talks about being a musician con...
David Kim: Philadelphia Orchestra
June 16, 2025

David Kim: Philadelphia Orchestra

Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra for the past 26 years, violinist David Kim joins host Katrina to share his stories of studying with Dorothy DeLay, challenges he faced in his career, his journey to the Philadelphia...
Guest:David Kim