Podcast appearances and mentions of Leon Bosch

In this episode, we discuss recordings of “Queen of Hearts” (Hyperion) by The Gesualdo Six / Owain Park, “Badinerie” (Orchid Classics) by Julien Beaudiment & Marie-Pierre Langlamet, “Lydia Kakabadse: Kefi - Chamber & Choral Works” (Divine Art) by The Choir of Royal Holloway / Rupert Gough, Cecily Beer, Mary Bull, Tom Wagner, the Rossetti Ensemble, Leon Bosch & Dimitris Gionis, “Mer Tan Itev” (O-tone) by Tigran Tatevosyan, “iLadi” (Blue Note) by Linda Sikhakhani, and “Water Dance” (Da Vinci) by Strait Project.   The Adult Music Podcast is featured in: Feedspot's 100 Best Jazz Podcasts   Episode 176: Deezer Playlist   Fair use disclaimer: Music sample clips are for commentary and educational purposes. We recommend that listeners listen to the complete recordings, all of which are available on streaming services in the links provided. We also suggest that if you enjoy the music, you consider purchasing the CDs or high-quality downloads to support the artists.   “Queen of Hearts” (Hyperion) The Gesualdo Six, Owain Park https://open.spotify.com/album/0zpFfOMwcP4oPJLrj20jd2 https://music.apple.com/us/album/queen-of-hearts-laments-and-songs-of-regret/1745277244 https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0D3LLBDRN   “Badinerie” (Orchid Classics) Julien Beaudiment, Marie-Pierre Langlamet https://open.spotify.com/album/4hrW6UTTRRjadLwp1r6wAC https://music.apple.com/us/search?term=Julien%20Beaudiment https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0D54ST9Z4   “Lydia Kakabadse: Kefi - Chamber & Choral Works” (Divine Art) Choir of Royal Holloway / Rupert Gough, Cecily Beer, Mary Bull, Tom Wagner, the Rossetti Ensemble, Leon Bosch, Dimitris Gionis https://open.spotify.com/album/6qIppgwQdRXWDavd1M2PYA https://music.apple.com/us/album/kefi/1756277764 https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0D486BDM5   “Mer Tan Itev” (O-tone)  Tigran Tatevosyan https://open.spotify.com/album/4GH5rZjTNGitkHdhMeOQd3 https://music.apple.com/us/album/mer-tan-itev/1739602799 https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0CZSC8YTM   “iLadi” (Blue Note)  Linda Sikhakhani https://open.spotify.com/album/2fxOL93WjnYC4tNoPGkKqL https://music.apple.com/us/album/iladi/1733000817 https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0CWHB5FHQ   “Water Dance” (Da Vinci)  Strait Project https://open.spotify.com/album/2rwxY9EaCWXWMPmdRxlFF5 https://music.apple.com/us/album/water-dance/1753787653 https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0D7WBGF7B

Concert pianist Rebeca Omordia, has just released her second African Pianism album, volume 2, which was just named Editor's Choice in the Gramophone Magazine,  and it is a fascinating and beautiful kaleidoscope of piano works from West Africa, North Africa, South Africa and East Africa. Rebeca spoke to me about her extensive research about these composers, varied styles, and the different traditional music traditions which are often at the heart of this music.  We talked about  her experiences growing up in Romania with a Romanian mother and a Nigerian father. Now based in London, Rebeca spoke to me about The African Concert Series at Wigmore Hall, and  many of her collaborations,  including with Errollyn Wallen whose  Piano Concerto,  written for Rebeca Omordia, is featured in this podcast along with excerpts from several of the works on the African Pianism album, volume 2.     Like all my episodes, you can watch this on my YouTube channel or listen to the podcast on all the platforms, and I've also linked the transcript to my website https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/rebeca-omordia-african-pianism Rebeca Omordia website and recordings: https://www.rebecaomordia.com/recordings Original Merch for sale: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more Can you buy this independent podcaster a coffee? ⁠https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman⁠ Complete Catalog of Episodes: ⁠https://www.leahroseman.com/about⁠ Newsletter sign-up: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter⁠ Linktree for social media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/leahroseman⁠ Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:50) African Pianism, Akin Euba (05:41) Wakar Duru: Study in African Pianism number 1 by Akin Euba (10:30) childhood in Romania, deportation and return (20:50) Florence Price (22:40) excerpt from Fantaisie Nègre by Price (24:46)  encouraging women composers in Africa, Rebeca's identity in Africa (27:11) Salim Dada Algerian composer (31:14) excerpt from Soirée au Hogarr by Salim Dada (33:05) about Salim Dad's Crépuscule sur la baie d'Alger, with an excerpt (35:36) African Concert Series  (38:13) different ways you can help this podcast continue (39:06) Delius Prize, duo with Julian Lloyd Weber, book about John Ireland (42:50) duo with South African bass soloist Leon Bosch (46:36) about Errollyn Wallen's Piano Concerto (50:12) last movement of Errollyn Wallen's Piano Concerto (52:55) family legacy in music, Nigerian grandfather (57:03) experience of nerves, performing from memory (01:01:12) Ethiopian composer Girma Yifrashewa (01:03:43) excerpt from Elilta - Cry of Joy by Girma Yifrashewa (01:05:21) next projects, Omo Bello (01:07:51) childhood music exposure in Romania (01:09:41) advice about self-care photo of Rebeca Omordia: Fourchiefs Media

In this episode, we look back and pick our favorite classical and jazz recordings from 2023.   The Adult Music Podcast is featured in: Feedspot's 100 Best Jazz Podcasts   Episode 145 Deezer Playlist   Fair use disclaimer: Music sample clips are for commentary and educational purposes. We recommend that listeners listen to the complete recordings, all of which are available on streaming services in the links provided. We also suggest that if you enjoy the music, you consider purchasing the CDs or high-quality downloads to support the artists.   Russ' Classical Picks   Episode 103: “Beats of Different Drummers” “Niklas Sivelöv: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5” (Naxos) Malmö Opera / Joachim Gustafsson https://open.spotify.com/album/61HpLnwUiHwIujiU0Uk0Xk https://music.apple.com/us/album/sivelöv-symphonies-nos-1-5/1646564323   Episode 106: “Krazy Keyboards” “Perpetuum” (Alpha) Anthony Romaniuk                 https://open.spotify.com/album/6E358f5Pz7RqsNsE1gteK4 https://music.apple.com/us/album/perpetuum/1660066366   Episode 111: “Baroque ‘n' Bones” “Nimrod Borenstein: Piano Concerto; Shirim; Light & Darkness” (Somm) Clélia Iruzun, Tamás András, Robert Smissen, Ursula Smith, Leon Bosch, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Nimrod Borenstein https://open.spotify.com/album/2j7euR132qGfBrTOkb81fB https://music.apple.com/lk/album/nimrod-borenstein-concerto-for-piano-orchestra-op-91/1663301197   Episode 116: “Smokin' Pipes” “Tüür: Canticum Canticorum Caritatis” (Alpha) Collegium Musical Chamber Choir, Endrik Üksvärav https://open.spotify.com/album/44TRSVyrWLG1fZbzBq2TDj https://music.apple.com/us/album/tüür-canticum-canticorum-caritatis/1660737692   Episode 121: “A Transmusical Experience” “Roberto Sierra: Symphony No. 6, Sinfonietta For String Orchestra, Two Pieces For Orchestra, Fandangos, Alegria” (Onyx) Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra / Domingo Hindoyan https://open.spotify.com/album/5Uwu9QtHKADC1D2h630esX https://music.apple.com/us/album/roberto-sierra/1678534265   Episode 122: “Guitarasaurus” “Scarlatti Sonatas” (Deux-Elles) Eden-Stell Guitar Duo https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9482360--scarlatti-sonatas https://open.spotify.com/album/2JLwXQveyW3bDEqGCvggI0   Episode 123: “Pumped-Up Pianos” “Airat Ichmouratov: Piano Concerto, Viola Concerto No. 1” (Chandos) Jean-Philippe Sylvestre, Elvira Misbakhova, London Symphony Orchestra / Airat Ichmouratov https://open.spotify.com/album/4G58Gm2ziXbKMvlIUVIUbS https://music.apple.com/us/album/ichmouratov-piano-concerto-viola-concerto-no-1/1682525509   Episode 138 "Giant Genre Steps" “Daser: Missa Pater Noster & Other Works” (Hyperion) Cinquecento https://open.spotify.com/album/0mD5m5g3S45apN0DTjMdqA https://music.apple.com/us/album/daser-missa-pater-noster-other-works/1703579308   Episode 144: “Troubled Times, Remembered Times” “Letter(s) to Erik Satie” (Erato) Bertrand Chamayou https://open.spotify.com/album/15s569on1J3khSfNhrww86 https://music.apple.com/us/album/letter-s-to-erik-satie/1701040018   Episode 144: “Troubled Times, Remembered Times” “Paul Wranitzky: Three String Quartets Op. 32 No. 4; Op. 2 No. 2 & Op. 49” (CPO) Almaviva Quartett https://open.spotify.com/album/6LQqO1clfyU91xskDNXqng https://music.apple.com/us/album/wranitzky-3-string-quartets/1718936442   Mike's Classical Picks   Episode 102: “Master Keys” “Clara & Robert Schumann: Piano Concertos” (Warner Classics) Beatrice Rana, Chamber Orchestra of Europe / Yannick Nézet-Séguin https://open.spotify.com/album/1N1wu91bavegZTqzKc9Irp https://music.apple.com/us/album/clara-robert-schumann-piano-concertos/1655782702   Episode 106: “Krazy Keyboards” “Nikolai Kapustin: Piano Concerto No. 5, Concerto Op. 104 & Sinfonietta Op. 49” (Capriccio) Frank Dupree, Adrian Brendle, Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin / Dominik Beykirch https://open.spotify.com/album/7fmNroLykjGFnBloOyocHk https://music.apple.com/us/album/kapustin-piano-concerto-no-5-op-72-concerto-for-2-pianos/1664858737   Episode 109: “Spirit and Swing” “Mompou: Música Callada” (Hyperion) Stephen Hough https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/dc.asp?dc=D_CDA68362 https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9380244--mompou-musica-callada   Episode 110: “Baroque ‘n' Bones “ “Haydn 2032, Vol. 13: Horn Signal” (Alpha) Il Giardino Armonico / Giovanni Antonini https://open.spotify.com/album/7A7MgnNHieRRND9FjyRoQJ https://music.apple.com/us/album/haydn-2032-vol-13-horn-signal/1661115248   Episode 125: “Jazz Renderings” “Jazz: Akhunov, Poulenc, Messiaen” (Aparté) Julia Igonina, Maxim Emelyanychev https://open.spotify.com/album/1hDRKg5dMTsYpGHKnP48zf https://music.apple.com/us/album/jazz-akhunov-poulenc-messiaen/1682272606   Episode 129: “Metal Melodies” “Medtner in England” (Somm) Natalia Lomeiko, Alexander Karpeyev & Theodore Platt https://open.spotify.com/album/0fIgSZ6tY5xtUBatupz6Lq https://music.apple.com/us/album/medtner-in-england/1701593975   Episode 129: “Metal Melodies” “Dependent Arising” (Cedille) Rachel Barton Pine, Royal Scottish National Orchestra / Tito Muñoz https://open.spotify.com/album/7jY9NUjFHWHc9hjWM9GyP8 https://music.apple.com/us/album/dependent-arising/1693324639   Episode 131: “Maximum Music” “Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 9 & 24” (Ondine) Lars Vogt, Orchestre de chambre de Paris https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9522100--mozart-piano-concertos-nos-9-24 https://open.spotify.com/album/4uC65NT3aqWBF8hCoJNiyI   Episode 131: “Maximum Music” “Nielsen: The Concertos” (Deutsche Grammophon) Bomsori, Ulla Miilmann Johnny Teyssier, Danish National Symphony Orchestra / Fabio Luisi https://open.spotify.com/album/073rJryF55orqGJJbF0xnY https://music.apple.com/us/album/nielsen-the-concertos/1699563524   Episode 134: “Mediterranean Moves” “Monteverdi: Vespro della Beata Vergine” (Harmonia Mundi) Pygmalion, Raphaël Pichon https://open.spotify.com/album/2qz5cUkqLK664EpMonr2D2 https://music.apple.com/us/album/monteverdi-vespro-della-beata-vergine/1692443640   Episode 134: “Mediterranean Moves” “Topos: 20th-Century Greek Orchestral Music” (Naxos) Noé Inui, Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra / Zoi Tsokanou https://open.spotify.com/album/3XyayXmMuU22tKyedRQl0i https://music.apple.com/us/album/topos-20th-century-greek-orchestral-music/1691557655   Episode 136: “Trumpet Soirée” “Locatelli: Il Virtuoso, Il Poeta: Violin Concertos & Concerti Grossi” (Harmonia Mundi) Isabelle Faust, Il Giardino Armonico / Giovanni Antonini https://open.spotify.com/album/6G1RWMrM6hcf9UwPJt2MpZ https://music.apple.com/us/album/locatelli-il-virtuoso-il-poeta-violin/1692437179   Episode 139: “Piano, Piano Everywhere” “Bach: Goldberg Variations” (Deutsche Grammophon) Víkingur Ólafsson https://open.spotify.com/album/5kBtLULy6vMwjFRSSEEIjP https://music.apple.com/us/album/j-s-bach-goldberg-variations/1694676611   Mike's Jazz Picks   Episode 102: “Master Keys” “The Source” (Artwork Records) Kenny Barron https://open.spotify.com/album/5e2gQsP9jvj5telqe9zERG https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-source/1659443592   Episode 103: “Beats of Different Drummers” “Beboptical Illusion” (BEBOP Records) Gaz Hughes https://open.spotify.com/album/2OrbfYDVKi4SIqfGYN7bSI https://music.apple.com/us/album/beboptical-illusion/1656897565   Episode 113: “American Rhythm ‘n' Moods” “Green on the Scene” (Cellar Live) Nick Green https://open.spotify.com/album/4LesPUDBXdgZ8XeD2gjWGr https://music.apple.com/us/album/green-on-the-scene/1658889202   Episode 115 “Europiano” “Viewpoint” (Alys Jazz) Gabriel Latchin Trio https://open.spotify.com/album/5qxvA6BN2WPgDkoxUF3604 https://music.apple.com/us/album/viewpoint/1677793847   Episode 116: “Smokin' Pipes” “Family Business” (PosiTone) Jim Alfredson https://open.spotify.com/album/6sqyLqLqSXuFNhrNR7kpwU https://music.apple.com/us/search?term=Jim%20Alfredson   Episode 117: “Solo, Duo, Trio, Quartet” “Danish Rain” (Storyville Records) Thomas Fonnesbæk, Justin Kauflin https://open.spotify.com/album/1iw5Lvlm5PH9wOVetpVruw https://music.apple.com/us/album/danish-rain/1678534575   Episode 118: “Bone Sandwiches” “You Are Not Alone” (Skydeck Music) Jon Ailabouni https://open.spotify.com/album/2YJTa5lklZFNkwr80RZKok https://music.apple.com/us/album/you-are-not-alone/1686997429   Episode 132: “Debuts and Discoveries” “Relentless Pursuit” (Odradek) Tony Addison https://open.spotify.com/album/1fsWWGdlsybqmtAJEDh5OF https://music.apple.com/us/album/relentless-pursuit/1704205585   Episode 134: “Mediterranean Moves” “Let Them Talk” (Cellar Live) Lezlie Harrison https://open.spotify.com/album/4zf4KGBY5ddojNxypLbCO6 https://music.apple.com/us/search?term=Lezlie%20Harrison   Episode 138: "Giant Genre Steps" “Echo Canyon” (Posi-Tone)  Art Hirahara https://open.spotify.com/album/7cIUdRoDVMXEysDXnHeOz2 https://music.apple.com/us/album/echo-canyon/1705110849   Russ's Jazz Picks   Episode 104: “Tours de Force” “Flowing Mind” (Edition Collage) Isabelle Bodenseh https://open.spotify.com/album/7GdHAcS0V5PjjA1CH97FHO https://music.apple.com/us/album/flowing-mind/1654966699   Episode 111: “Mercurial Moods” “High Octane” (Odradek) Octet La Nocturne https://open.spotify.com/artist/0xtMqwBE6tPaoLN5Prifop https://music.apple.com/lk/search?term=Octet%20La%20Nocturne   Episode 114: “Fabulous Frets” “Shaw's Groove” (Origin Records) Jason Keiser https://open.spotify.com/album/38s1M6Khau3CB9SuDj14wh https://music.apple.com/us/album/shaws-groove/1677261643   Episode 127: Something in the Ether “Technocats: The Music of Gregg Hill” (Cold Plunge Records) TechnoCats https://open.spotify.com/album/1XV1sxgWffftGbV7YIzly0 https://music.apple.com/us/album/technocats-the-music-of-gregg-hill/1698437937   Episode 130: “Lovin' Good Vibes” “Vibes on a Breath” (OA2 Records) Ted Piltzecker https://open.spotify.com/album/70MYttUXq66OvgCwQpmVFH https://music.apple.com/us/album/vibes-on-a-breath/1698932013   Episode 130: “Lovin' Good Vibes” “Off The Charts” (Savant) Richard Baratta https://open.spotify.com/album/5wvTMy70QWcd843JmidL5L https://music.apple.com/us/album/off-the-charts/1697044148   Episode 138: "Giant Genre Steps" “Firetet” (Self Release) Constantine Alexander https://open.spotify.com/album/7ATeZW75ZliyozkaqoO8h6 https://music.apple.com/us/album/firetet/1709429203   Episode 139: "Piano, Piano Everywhere" “Bridges” (Smoke Sessions) Kevin Hays, Ben Street, Billy Hart https://open.spotify.com/album/0I9zgU4D4E4mYHqct0Lxbx https://music.apple.com/us/album/bridges/1701701956   Episode 141: “Solo, Septet, and Symphonic Sounds” “Seven Colors” (Privave Records) Elmar Frey https://open.spotify.com/album/4nyOHxNsiyWYBK5DR7R0ZC https://music.apple.com/us/album/seven-colors/1712673247   Episode 144: “Troubled Times, Remembered Times” “Satie: A Time Remembered” (O-tone) Caspar van Meel https://open.spotify.com/album/0t0LLIsqHbwPsoWNZRWHfW https://music.apple.com/us/album/satie-a-time-remembered/1711070530   Be sure to check out: "Same Difference: 2 Jazz Fans, 1 Jazz Standard" Johnny Valenzuela and Tony Habra look at several versions of the same Jazz standard each week, play snippets from each version, discuss the history of the original and the different versions.

An absolutely inspiring conversation with double bass virtuoso Leon Bosch, following his journey from the townships of Johannesburg in apartheid to the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester to conducting, running two ensembles and founding his own publishing company! We cover topics such as curiosity and resilience, how to inspire your students and Leon teaches us his 'foolproof' practice algorithm. Leon's Website: https://www.leonbosch.comHenley Symphony Orchestra: http://www.henleysymphonyorchestra.co.uk

In this episode, we discuss recordings of “Marin Marais: Folies d'Espagne, La Rêveuse & Other Works” (Harmonia Mundi) by Jean-Guihen Queyras & Alexandre Tharaud, “Vaughan Williams, Howells, Delius & Elgar - Music for Strings” (Chandos) by Sinfonia of London / John Wilson, “Nimrod Borenstein: Piano Concerto; Shirim; Light & Darkness” (Somm) by Clélia Iruzun, Tamás András, Robert Smissen, Ursula Smith, Leon Bosch, & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Nimrod Borenstein, “From This Moment On” (Double Moon Records) by The Mátyás Bartha Trio, “Tip Top!” (Ubuntu) by The Fraser Smith Quartet, and “High Octane” (Odradek) by Octet La Nocturne.   The Adult Music Podcast is featured in: Feedspot's Best 60 Jazz Podcasts   Episode 111 Deezer Playlist   “Marin Marais: Folies d'Espagne, La Rêveuse & Other Works” (Harmonia Mundi) Jean-Guihen Queyras, Alexandre Tharaud https://open.spotify.com/album/13JcFhLO6inkcvxBSiYAi7 https://music.apple.com/lk/album/marin-marais-folies-despagne-la-rêveuse-other-works/1651222240   “Vaughan Williams, Howells, Delius & Elgar - Music for Strings” (Chandos) Sinfonia of London, John Wilson https://open.spotify.com/album/1WEjmhGqDT369G1y6j73UE https://music.apple.com/lk/album/vaughan-williams-howells-delius-elgar-music-for-strings/1660729622   “Nimrod Borenstein: Piano Concerto; Shirim; Light & Darkness” (Somm) Clélia Iruzun, Tamás András, Robert Smissen, Ursula Smith, Leon Bosch, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra / Nimrod Borenstein https://open.spotify.com/album/2j7euR132qGfBrTOkb81fB https://music.apple.com/lk/album/nimrod-borenstein-concerto-for-piano-orchestra-op-91/1663301197   “From This Moment On” (Double Moon Records) Mátyás Bartha Trio https://open.spotify.com/album/4586E3LOVWWQf7s6lvXsXN https://music.apple.com/lk/album/from-this-moment-on/1669217519   “Tip Top!” (Ubuntu)  Fraser Smith Quartet https://open.spotify.com/album/6HlBLuzwBtruKqzjh3udfB https://music.apple.com/lk/album/tip-top/1663498005   “High Octane” (Odradek) Octet La Nocturne https://open.spotify.com/artist/0xtMqwBE6tPaoLN5Prifop https://music.apple.com/lk/search?term=Octet%20La%20Nocturne   Be sure to check out these other podcasts:  "SOMETHING came from Baltimore"   Jazz, blues, and R&B interviews from Tom Gouker. Famous Interviews and Neon Jazz  Features a wide range of artists, musicians, writers, creatives and business folks from around the globe.   "Same Difference: 2 Jazz Fans, 1 Jazz Standard" Johnny Valenzuela and Tony Habra look at several versions of the same Jazz standard each week, play snippets from each version, discuss the history of the original and the different versions.  

Double bassist Leon Bosch speaks with online editor Davina Shum about the life and works of Giovanni Bottesini, in the year celebrating the bicentenary of his birth. Revered in bass circles as a revolutionary, Bottesini was also a renowned performer, composer and conductor in his day. Leon will be performing works by Bottesini on 7 December at Wigmore Hall, as well as at ‘Bottesini Day' at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance on 17 December. Check out thestrad.com for the latest news and articles on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad Twitter: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_ Fantasie Sonnambula  The Virtuoso Double Bass: Giovanni Bottesini, volume 1 Leon Bosch, double bass / Sung Suk Kang, piano Meridian CDE 84544 Photo credit: Juno Snowdon. Art direction: Adam Hypki

This week Partners& head of automotive Leon Bosch helps us judge the best stories of the week. Find out more about them by clicking the links below... Used car dealers in Northern Ireland to be given VAT help over imports from Great Britain Long-serving employee retires at 90 after 75 years working for Vauxhall The top 20 used cars costing more than new – find out what's on the list Constellation cyclists raise £120,000 for research into rare childhood disease Car dealer jailed after inventing ‘fictitious' valeter in desperate bid to avoid speeding tickets Team of industry leaders to climb Britain's tallest peaks next week ahead of Kilimanjaro challenge Vertu boss: New car supply problems? The best thing for the motor retail sector in 50 years! Over half of London motorists aren't aware of upcoming ULEZ expansion, finds Motorway --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/car-dealer-magazine/message

Leon Bosch reflects on the power of classical music to transform lives, beginning with his own. He overcame the obstacles of racism in apartheid era South Africa to study the classical double bass. Despite encountering prejuduce in the UK, too, after moving here to study, he went on to build a distinguished international career as a virtuoso performer, conductor and teacher. He is currently Professor of double bass at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and director of the chamber ensemble he founded, I Musicanti. "Classical music had been my ticket out of the ghetto. It dissolved the psychological prison of poverty and oppression, and it catapulted me into a full and meaningful participation in human society. Now it was my responsibility to utilise the power of classical music to transform other people's lives and, perhaps, society itself." Presenter: Olly Mann Producer: Sheila Cook

Stephen Street has been establishing himself as one of the most versatile emerging UK bassists.  Equally adept at jazz and classical music, Stephen has studied with Leon Bosch, Chris West, and many other noted UK teachers.  He has also started his own publishing house and has the goal to put our urtext editions of all of Bottesini’s works. We talk about Stephen’s background, his publishing plans, goals for the future, life as a UK freelance bassist, what the pandemic has been like for him, and much more.  Enjoy, and be sure to check out his website and follow him on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter!   Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Check out our Online Sheet Music Store with 80+ wide-ranging titles for bassists.   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle. Check out my Beginner's Classical Bass course, available exclusively from Discover Double Bass.   Thank you to our sponsors!   Dorico - Dorico helps you to write music notation, automatically producing printed results of exceptional quality — and plays it back with breathtaking realism. It is easy enough for anyone to learn, yet has hundreds of advanced notations, features, options and sounds to satisfy even the most demanding professionals.  With its streamlined, natural user interface, students and those with less experience in scoring can compose and arrange straight into Dorico, making learning the language of music notation much faster and more intuitive. Editing and making changes — such as instrument, time signature or key — are straightforward, with the notation instantly and correctly adapting to include them, reinforcing the learning outcome.   Ear Trumpet Labs - They make hand-built mics out of Portland, OR and they have an excellent mic for upright bass called Nadine. The Nadine is a condenser mic with a clear natural sound and incredible feedback rejection. This mic is a completely new design -- the head mounts in between the strings above the tailpiece with a rubber grommet, and the body securely straps to the tailpiece with velcro elastic. A 14-inch Mogami cable connects the two parts making it easy to place on any bass. It’s durable and holds up to the demanding needs of the instrument while offering excellent sound quality. Ear Trumpet Labs is offering a free t-shirt just for Contrabass listeners with the purchase of a mic, just visit EarTrumpetLabs.com/contrabass to claim yours and check out the Nadine!   Modacity - Are you a practice-savvy musician? Get Modacity – the music practice app that organizes, focuses, and tracks your progress.  Recorder… metronome… tone generator… timer… note taking… Do away with the random assortment of music practice apps in your arsenal. Modacity™ combines all the tools you need into one easy to use, music practice tool.  Organize, focus, and reflect on your practice – motivating you to increase retention in less time.  Modacity has a special offer for Contrabass Conversations listeners that includes lifetime access to the app.     Contrabass Conversations production team: Jason Heath, host Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing Mitch Moehring, audio engineer Trevor Jones, publication and promotion theme music by Eric Hochberg

089 Leon Bosch: Musical Ambassador In this episode, I'm so happy to bring you an exceptional person and artist, and one of my favorite musicians, internationally renowned classical double bass virtuoso Leon Bosch. We covered a wide variety of topics, including: How his artistic journey has unfolded until now Some of the fundamental principles he applied along the way How he is mission driven to be an advocate for the double bass and how he has pursued this mission throughout the years The importance to recognize opportunities and be prepared to deliver when they appear The two ingredients he thinks are among the most important when it comes to success The system he developed and teaches for learning repertoire efficiently and fully His enormous impact on the repertoire of the double bass His views on the importance of curiosity, perfection of execution, artistry … … and so much more!   Leon is a force of nature and a brilliant soul!  As you'll hear in our conversation, his wisdom runs deep and he sets an outstanding example of humanity and artistry for all of us.  It was a great honor to speak with him and I know you'll love our discussion!   ABOUT LEON BOSCH:   leonbosch.com imusicanti.co.uk imusicantipublishing.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leonboschdb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonenriquebosch/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/leonbosch Leon Bosch on Contrabass Conversations Episode #213: Leon Bosch – the Sherlock Holmes of the double bass Episode #520: Leon Bosch on getting things done   Leon Bosch is an internationally renowned classical double bass virtuoso. With over a dozen solo CDs to his name, he regularly commissions repertoire for the instrument, making recital and concerto appearances around the world. He is professor of double bass at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. But he also gives masterclasses in the US, Europe, South Africa and the Far East, and coaches young eastern European musicians at the I, Culture Orchestra in Poland and the young South Africans who make up the Miagi Orchestra. He also acts as a mentor for South African musicians worldwide. Leon Bosch grew up in 1960s and 70s South Africa, the son of the political activist Jonas Fred Bosch – he himself spent time in a police cell for organising protests while at school. He left the apartheid regime there to come to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester after achieving one of the highest ever marks awarded for the B Mus performance examination by the University of Cape Town Remaining in the UK – he is now a British citizen – he was soon appointed principal double bass with the acclaimed Academy of St Martin in the Fields. He left the post in 2014 to devote himself to his solo career, to teaching and to establishing his now thriving chamber ensemble, I Musicanti. He also conducts and has a passion for researching lost or forgotten music for double bass such as by the Catalan Josep Cervera and the Danish court musician, Franz Keyper. Away from music, Leon Bosch is a regular runner of marathons and ultra-marathons (winning silver medal for his age group in the 2017 86-mile Ridgeway Challenge) and holds a master's degree in intelligence and international relations from Salford University. ‘I've always had a very wide range of interests,' he says. ‘For example, the thing I'm highest qualified for in my life is international relations, not music. But this is a part of who I am: I'm not just a musician, I'm a human being.'     THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021!  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS. Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses!   Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians   Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it's filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.   If you enjoy the show, leave a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider!  I genuinely appreciate your support!     THANK YOU: A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you! Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson. Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

durée : 00:02:45 - Leon Bosch, contrebasse et activisme - par : Suzanne Gervais - Portrait, cette semaine, du plus connu des contrebassistes sud-africains, Leon Bosch, 59 ans. De l'Apartheid à l'engagement pour la création, en passant par les grands orchestres britanniques.

In this podcast, we'll be hearing from internationally acclaimed double bassist Leon Bosch. For many people around the world, the last few weeks have not been easy to process not only with the current COVID-19 pandemic but also the tragic murdering of George Floyd, which has reawakened support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. In this discussion, we'll be hearing Leon's views on this recent news. We'll also learn about his harrowing experiences of living, studying and working in apartheid South Africa, and his encounters of racism within the classical music business. Many thanks to Leon for generously taking the time to talk to us especially for the podcast about his experiences. Podcast released 28 June 2020; interview recorded 26 June 2020. http://leonbosch.co.uk For twenty years principal double bass with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Leon Bosch left the orchestra in 2014, devoting himself to his musical interests elsewhere: performing and recording as a soloist, setting up his chamber ensemble I Musicanti and teaching in the UK and internationally. Encouraged by his former colleague at the ASMF, Sir Neville Marriner, and having directed orchestras from the solo double bass many times, he also took up conducting and now appears regularly on the podium and as soloist/director. Born in Cape Town, although now a British citizen, he graduated from the University of Cape Town before completing his double bass studies at the Royal Northern College of Music. As soloist, Leon Bosch has so far recorded ten CDs, including the world premiere recording of music by the Catalan virtuoso Josep Cervera whose work he rediscovered and has been instrumental in reviving. He has commissioned dozens of works for the instrument. If you are affected by any of the issues in this podcast, please consult the following organisations and helplines: Runaway Helpline (a free 24/7, confidential helpline) Call or text for free on: 116000 https://www.runawayhelpline.org.uk/advice/racism-and-discrimination The Monitoring Group 24 hour helpline: 0800 374 618 http://www.tmg-uk.org CALM Nationwide helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight, 365 days a year) https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/get-help/racism Citizens Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/protected-characteristics/race-discrimination Musicians' Union - Reflecting on #TheShowMustBePaused https://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/Home/News/2020/Jun/Reflecting-on-TheShowMustBePaused

Double bass legend Leon Bosch is my guest for this episode. We cover a huge breadth of topics; his journey from South Africa to playing with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, experiencing the essence of music, authenticity within a framework, the session business, and Leon’s passion for long-distance running. Photography by Juno Snowdon. Art direction by Adam Hypki. Mentioned in this episode:leonbosch.comimusicanti.co.ukimusicantipublishing.co.uk

Today, Leon Bosch is one of the most respected classical double bass players in the world but as a teenager he was made a political prisoner in South Africa because of his peaceful resistance to the apartheid regime – an experience that has haunted him for most of his life. But that time in prison also drove him to commit to playing the double bass with a passion; he speaks to Jo Fidgen about how he has used his music to resist a system that said he would never amount to anything. Presenter: Jo Fidgen Producer: Nathan Gower Picture: Double-bass player Leon Bosch Credit: Photography Juno Snowdon / Art Direction Adam Hypki

Clive Anderson and Emma Freud are joined by Patricia Hodge, Hanif Kureishi and Rhik Samadder for an eclectic mix of conversation, music and comedy. With music from Skinny Pelembe. Producer: Sukey Firth

Double bassist Leon Bosch discusses education, detail, knowledge and expertise. His South African Double Bass Concert with Rebeca Omordia is at the October Gallery, London on Thursday 2 May.

It's huge; Its awkward; It's difficult to play; and while it's totally pivotal to the musical spectrum, it's rarely talked about. It's the epitome of the elephant in the room and yet, we'll discover why it is possibly the most underrated instrument in the orchestra. Tom Service on the history and development of the largest and lowest pitched orchestral string instrument, and hears how it's played today. He's joined by performers Leon Bosch and Daphna Sadeh to discuss why the bass is much, much more than the elephant in the room.

We hear about The Monstrous Child and Hel, the heroine of Gavin Higgins and Francesca Simon’s new opera. Pianists Peter Donohoe and Noriko Ogawa discuss and play mountains of the piano duo repertoire: Stravinsky, Rachmaninov & Debussy. Tom speaks to musicians who spend their evenings performing in concert halls, and their days walking in the mountains (conductor Garry Walker) stretching in hot yoga studios (violinist Elena Urioste), or running ultra-marathons (Leon Bosch) to discover the connection between music and sporting disciplines. Tom visits English composer Anthony Payne at home in London hearing about the catalyst that sparked his life in music, Elgar, and why we need more new music in our lives.

One of my all-time favorite podcast guests is Leon Bosch, and it was great to get a chance to sit down with him in person at the 2018 European Bass Congress and dig into some deep topics.  Leon is the former principal bass for Academy of St Martin in the Fields and has put out an astounding amount of albums and other projects since retiring from this group a few years ago.   This interview covers a lot of ground and is filled with useful information like: Leon’s “accelerated learning” approach to practicing daily routines his research process on repertoire conducting balancing projects how to accomplish projects of significance   …and much more!   We reference this recent MozartCircle feature on Leon, and it’s a great way to get a glimpse into the work that he’s doing.  Be sure to follow along with him on his website, and check out his past podcast appearance here!   Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: Kolstein Music The Samuel Kolstein Violin Shop was founded by Samuel Kolstein in 1943 as a Violin and Bow making establishment in Brooklyn, New York. Now on Long Island, over 60 years later, Kolstein’s has built a proud reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise in both the manufacture and repair of a whole range of stringed instruments, and has expanded to a staff of twelve experts in restoration, marketing and production. Robertson & Sons Violins For more than four decades, Robertson & Sons has specialized in providing the highest quality stringed instruments and bows to collectors, professional musicians, music educators, and students of all ages. Their modern facility is equipped with three instrument showrooms as well as a beautiful Recital Hall available to our clients to in their search for the perfect instrument and/or bow. Upton Bass String Instrument Company Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players. D'Addario Strings This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut.   A440 Violin Shop An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools. Contrabass Conversations production team: Jason Heath, host Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing Mitch Moehring, audio engineer Trevor Jones, publication and promotion Krista Kopper, archival and cataloging Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

How do we learn a piece? That’s a question thatI recently put out to the Contrabass Conversations community.  The responses I got back were fascinating. While we all have a different approach to learning a piece (as you’ll see in this episode!), there are certain recurring approaches that I discovered: Listening to recordings Watching videos on YouTube. Beginning with a “bird’s eye” perspective Playing along with recordings. Working in chunks. Connecting small chunks to form bigger chunks. Slow practice. Identifying key notes in phrases. This podcast episode consists of advice from Ed Maxwell, Cristóbal Caballero, Dennis Bergevin, Gaelen McCormick, David Feldman, Marcel Villaflor, David Goodwin, David Heyes, James Lambert, Kurt Muroki, Paul Cannon, Paul Sanwald, Martin Zuinglio, Peggy Johnston, Nathan May, Sharif Ibrahim, Danielle Meyer, Joshua Henry Endo, Chantal Incandela, Peter Tambroni, and Ayrian Yasar. We also feature excerpts from past interviews with Paul Cannon, Peter Tambroni, Leon Bosch, and Diana Gannett. Book recommendations: The Art of Practicing by Madeline Bruser The Inner Game of Music by Barry Green The Musician’s Way by Gerald Glickstein Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: D'Addario Strings This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Helicore strings, which are are designed, engineered, and crafted at the D’Addario string factory in New York and come in orchestral, hybrid, pizzicato, and solo string sets. Robertson & Sons Violins For more than four decades, Robertson & Sons has specialized in providing the highest quality stringed instruments and bows to collectors, professional musicians, music educators, and students of all ages. Their modern facility is equipped with three instrument showrooms as well as a beautiful Recital Hall available to our clients to in their search for the perfect instrument and/or bow. Upton Bass String Instrument Company Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players. Contrabass Conversations production team: Jason Heath, host Michael Cooper and Steve Hinchey, audio editing Mitch Moehring, audio engineer Trevor Jones, publication and promotion Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

This "best of" episode features a conversation with the always inspiring Leon Bosch! About Leon Bosch: Leon Bosch has an honoured place among the select group of virtuoso double bass players worldwide. Concerto engagements in many parts of the world with the likes of conductors Pinchas Zukerman, Nicolas Kraemer, Nicolae Moldoveanu and Guido Johannes Rumstadt have been matched by collaborations with a long line of leading chamber music groups - among them the Lindsay, Belcea and Brodsky string quartets, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble, the Moscow Virtuosi and the Zukerman Chamber Players. Partnerships with solo performers have embraced such pianists as Peter Donohoe, Vladimir Ovchinikov, Mikhail Rudy and Maria João Pires. Leon Bosch has a growing discography of concerto and recital recordings. This will shortly include two albums devoted to the music of the great Giovanni Bottesini and two featuring music by British composers. Then will follow everything from a disc of Russian music and another of compositions by Domenico Dragonetti, to the complete works for solo double bass by Dittersdorf, Menotti's concerto and recordings of a string of neglected concertos for the instrument. Listen to Contrabass Conversations with our free app for iOS, Android, and Kindle! Contrabass Conversations is sponsored by: Robertson & Sons Violins For more than four decades, Robertson & Sons has specialized in providing the highest quality stringed instruments and bows to collectors, professional musicians, music educators, and students of all ages. Their modern facility is equipped with three instrument showrooms as well as a beautiful Recital Hall available to our clients to in their search for the perfect instrument and/or bow. D'Addario Strings This episode is brought to you by D'Addario Strings! Check out their Kaplan strings, which have versatility and control throughout the dynamic spectrum, rich tonal color palette, superb bow response, and beautiful balance. Upton Bass String Instrument Company Upton's Karr Model Upton Double Bass represents an evolution of our popular first Karr model, refined and enhanced with further input from Gary Karr. Since its introduction, the Karr Model with its combination of comfort and tone has gained a loyal following with jazz and roots players. The slim, long “Karr neck” has even become a favorite of crossover electric players. A440 Violin Shop An institution in the Roscoe Village neighborhood for over 20 years, A440's commitment to fairness and value means that we have many satisfied customers from the local, national, and international string playing communities. Our clients include major symphony orchestras, professional orchestra and chamber music players, aspiring students, amateur adult players, all kinds of fiddlers, jazz and commercial musicians, university music departments, and public schools. Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!

Stories covered: New podcast - Classical Break from Tyler Alderson Lee Starovich - bass teacher at Indiana University summer music clinic The Strad Masterclass: Leon Bosch on Dragonetti’s ‘Famous Solo’ for double bass check out Leon Bosch on the podcast Nina Harries plays Icarus from Barrie Kolstein - how to open and close a seam hear Barrie on the podcast Thanks to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Helicore strings, which are are designed, engineered, and crafted at the D’Addario string factory in New York and come in orchestral, hybrid, pizzicato, and solo string sets. Enter our latest string giveaway for Helicore strings at contrabassconversations.com/strings! Rosin Saver is a revolutionary storage device that keeps bass rosin feeling as fresh as the day it was made. It was developed in Sweden by a pair professional bassists and Rice graduates. What makes bass rosin so soft and sticky is the addition of natural waxes and solvents. Basically, as these evaporate, your rosin becomes a dry, powdery and useless. Rosin Saver prevents this evaporation by completely saturating the air surrounding your rosin, The result is rosin that always feels and sounds great regardless of the weather, temperature or venue and vastly extends the life of rosin. Rosin Saver is used by members of top orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, the MET orchestra, the Los Angles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra among many others. Use the promo code 'HEATH' at checkout for 10% off any and all orders from rosinsaver.com.  

What a year 2016 has been!   This past year is when I kicked the podcast into overdrive, and the stats bear this out: 125 total podcasts released 907,231 podcasts downloaded this year average of 2.4 shows released per week average daily listens: 2,486 This episode takes a look back at the guests featured this year and features a short quote from my conversation with them. Here's the "guest list" along with a link to their interview: Paul Ellison - http://contrabassconversations.com/paul Lauren Pierce and Geoff Chalmers - http://contrabassconversations.com/laurenpierce  Marc Ramirez - http://contrabassconversations.com/marcramirez  Ju-Fang Liu - http://contrabassconversations.com/jufangliu  Andrew Raciti - http://contrabassconversations.com/andrewraciti  Bruce Bransby - http://contrabassconversations.com/brucebransby  Douglas Mapp - http://contrabassconversations.com/douglasmapp  Ian Hallas - http://contrabassconversations.com/ianhallas  Carlos Henriquez - http://contrabassconversations.com/carloshenriquez  Brent Edmondson - http://contrabassconversations.com/brentedmondson  Susan Lipkins - http://contrabassconversations.com/susanlipkins  Nick Lloyd - http://contrabassconversations.com/nicklloyd  George Martin - http://contrabassconversations.com/georgemartin  Ron Carter - http://contrabassconversations.com/roncarter  Barry Green and Jeff Bradetich - http://contrabassconversations.com/barrygreen  David Murray - http://contrabassconversations.com/davidmurray  Michael Klinghoffer - http://contrabassconversations.com/michaelklinghoffer  Inez Wyrick - http://contrabassconversations.com/inezwyrick  Gaelen McCormick - http://contrabassconversations.com/gaelenmccormick  Andres Martin - http://contrabassconversations.com/andresmartin  Bert Turetzky - http://contrabassconversations.com/turetzky  Ira Gold - http://contrabassconversations.com/iragold  Chuck Israels - http://contrabassconversations.com/chuckisraels  Adam Ben Ezra - http://contrabassconversations.com/adambenezra  Peter Tambroni - http://contrabassconversations.com/petertambroni  Trevor Jones - http://contrabassconversations.com/trevorjones  Claus Freudenstein - http://contrabassconversations.com/clausfreudenstein  Guy Tuneh - http://contrabassconversations.com/guytuneh  Joe Conyers - http://contrabassconversations.com/joeconyers  Madeleine Crouch - http://contrabassconversations.com/madeleinecrouch  Justin Locke - http://contrabassconversations.com/justinlocke  Leon Bosch - http://contrabassconversations.com/leonbosch  Robin Kesselman - http://contrabassconversations.com/robinkesselman  Jerry Fuller - http://contrabassconversations.com/jerryfuller  Arnold Schnitzer - http://contrabassconversations.com/arnoldschnitzer  Gjorgji Cincievski - http://contrabassconversations.com/gjorgjicincievski Gabe Katz - http://contrabassconversations.com/gabekatz  Brandon McLean - http://contrabassconversations.com/brandonmclean  Katie Ernst - http://contrabassconversations.com/katieernst  Nicholas Walker - http://contrabassconversations.com/nicholaswalker  Lloyd Goldstein - http://contrabassconversations.com/lloydgoldstein  David White - http://contrabassconversations.com/davidwhite  Jory Herman - http://contrabassconversations.com/joryherman  Matthew McDonald - http://contrabassconversations.com/matthewmcdonald  Thomas Martin - http://contrabassconversations.com/thomasmartin  Thierry Barbe - http://contrabassconversations.com/thierrybarbe  Sam Suggs - http://contrabassconversations.com/samsuggs  Pablo Aslan - http://contrabassconversations.com/pabloaslan  Christine Hoock - http://contrabassconversations.com/christinehoock  Emilio Guarino - http://contrabassconversations.com/emilioguarino  Danny Ziemann - http://contrabassconversations.com/dannyziemann  Peter Seymour - http://contrabassconversations.com/peterseymour  Hugh Sung - http://contrabassconversations.com/hughsung  Diana Gannett - http://contrabassconversations.com/dianagannett  Hans Sturm - http://contrabassconversations.com/hanssturm  Nina DeCesare - http://contrabassconversations.com/ninadecesare  Corey Brown - http://contrabassconversations.com/coreybrown  Craig Butterfield - http://contrabassconversations.com/craigbutterfield  Frank Proto - http://contrabassconversations.com/frankproto  Shinji Eshima - http://contrabassconversations.com/shinjieshima  Sandor Ostlund - http://contrabassconversations.com/sandorostlund  Trevor Davis - http://contrabassconversations.com/trevordavis  Seth Hanes - http://contrabassconversations.com/sethhanes  Rob Knopper - http://contrabassconversations.com/robknopper  Allan Santos - http://contrabassconversations.com/allansantos  Jonathan Haskell - http://contrabassconversations.com/jonathanhaskell  David Heyes - http://contrabassconversations.com/davidheyes  Szymon Marciniak - http://contrabassconversations.com/szymonmarciniak  Garrett Hope - http://contrabassconversations.com/garretthope  Johnny Hamil - http://contrabassconversations.com/johnnyhamil  Cornelia Watkins - http://contrabassconversations.com/corneliawatkins  Dennis Bergevin - http://contrabassconversations.com/dennisbergevin  Alex Ritter - http://contrabassconversations.com/alexritter  George Amorim - http://contrabassconversations.com/georgeamorim  Reuben Rogers - http://contrabassconversations.com/reubenrogers  Yung-Chiao Wei - http://contrabassconversations.com/yungchiaowei  Petia Bagovska - http://contrabassconversations.com/petiabagovska  Florian Pertzborn - http://contrabassconversations.com/florianpertzborn  Rob Anzellotti - http://contrabassconversations.com/robanzellotti David Allen Moore - http://contrabassconversations.com/davidallenmoore  Dave Swift - http://contrabassconversations.com/daveswift  Scott Devine - http://contrabassconversations.com/scottdevine  Ben Allison - http://contrabassconversations.com/benallison  Bill Merchant - http://contrabassconversations.com/billmerchant  Chris Hanulik - http://contrabassconversations.com/chrishanulik  Caleb Quillen - http://contrabassconversations.com/calebquillen  James Newcomb - http://contrabassconversations.com/jamesnewcomb  Tracy Friedlander - http://contrabassconversations.com/tracyfriedlander  Other fun stats from 2016: Most downloaded episodes of 2016:  Gjorgji Cincievski Matthew McDonald Peter Tambroni Lloyd Goldstein Nicholas Walker Most-viewed interviews on Facebook of 2016:  Reuben Rogers Johnny Hamil Sandor Ostlund Yung-Chiao Wei Dennis Bergevin Multiple Appearances: Lauren Pierce (twice) Peter Tambroni (twice) Justin Locke (twice) Bass Festival Previews: ISB BASS2016 RCM Thematic Weeks: Luthier Week Gary Karr Week A Passion for Teaching Entrepreneur Week Teaching Week Memories from Prague Thanks to our sponsors! This episode is brought to you by D’Addario Strings! Check out their Zyex strings, which are synthetic core strings that produce an extremely warm, rich sound. Get the sound and feel of gut strings with more evenness, projection and stability than real gut. Enter the D’Addario strings giveaway for Contrabass Conversations listeners at contrabassconversations.com/strings! Hosting for Contrabass Conversations is provided by Bass Capos.  Bass Capos are an excellent choice for any bass player using or looking to implement a double bass extension. Easy to install and adjust, cheaper and more reliable than hand-built latches, also lighter and quicker in operation.  

Actor Sophie Thompson; writer Jonathan Franklin; musician Leon Bosch and actor Brian Wheeler join Libby Purves. As a boy Jonathan Franklin rescued two orphaned tawny owlets and kept them with him at boarding school. His book, Two Owls at Eton, was first published when he was 16 and tells the story of Dee and Dum who lived with him during the summer of 1959. They trashed his room, made him late for many classes and caused mayhem at every turn yet Dum and Dee charmed the entire faculty. The school cat, famous for his mouse-catching prowess, became an unlikely ally and meal provider. Two Owls at Eton is published by John Blake Publishing. Brian Wheeler is an actor who plays 'Brian' in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Born with achondroplasia, he has appeared in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and four Harry Potter films as a banker in Gringotts Bank. His acting career started when he saw an advert for men under four feet six to take part in a film. He applied and ended up getting a part in Star Wars - Return of The Jedi playing an ewok and a jawa. He also spent several years as a clown as part of Gandeys Circus. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is produced by Evolution Pantomimes and is at the Alban Arena. Sophie Thompson is an Olivier Award-winning actress. Her films include Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Emma and Four Weddings and a Funeral. Her theatre credits include Guys and Dolls, Clybourne Park and Stephen Sondheim's Into The Woods. The daughter of actors Phyllida Law and Eric Thompson and younger sister of actor and screenwriter Emma, Sophie recently turned her hand to writing children's books. Illustrated by Rebecca Ashdown, her new book Zoo Boy and the Jewel Thieves is the story of eight-year-old Vince who can talk to animals and lives next door to a zoo. Zoo Boy and the Jewel Thieves is published by Faber and Faber. Leon Bosch is a double bassist who is performing a trio of concerts with his chamber ensemble, I Musicanti featuring world premieres from South Africa and chamber works by Mozart and Schubert. South African born, Leon arrived in the UK in 1982 after time spent as a political prisoner under South Africa's apartheid regime. He was granted refugee status in the UK. Leon Bosch performs at St John's Smith Square, London. Producer: Paula McGinley.

Leon Bosch is a remarkable figure in the world of the double bass.  From his early years growing up in South Africa to his long tenure with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and his proliferation of solo projects, Leon has approached each challenge with a focus and determination that are incredibly inspiring. This is a “must listen” episode for any musician eager to realize their greatest potential.   After retiring from the Academy of St Martin in the Fields to devote himself fully to solo, chamber, and conducting projects, Leon has been working to bring undiscovered treasures of the repertoire to light and to encourage new works for the double bass from composers. New composition are being written for Leon from South African composer Péter Louis van Dijk, British composer Paul Patterson, and American jazz icon Wynton Marsalis. This episode is sponsored by Discover Double Bass, and they have a course on bowing technique with Lauren Pierce that I highly recommend checking out.  This course is divided into 37 HD lessons, and Lauren gives a short video overview of the three categories that these videos cover: the basics, bow control, and real world techniques.  There’s also a free preview lesson on phrasing with the bow—check it out! We feature excerpts from Leon’s latest album throughout the episode.  Check out Leon’s excellent albums (available both as digital downloads and CDs): Music of Rankl Sprongl & Hindemith (latest album)  British Double Bass Russian Double Bass Catalan Virtuoso Virtuoso Double Bass Vol. 1 - Giovanni Bottesini Virtuoso Double Bass Vol. 2 - Giovanni Bottesini Pedro Valls - Music for Double Bass & Piano  If you’re enjoying these episodes, I’d love it if you’d give us a quick review on iTunes!  These reviews help us with discoverability and they give me great feedback about how I can keep working on the podcast to make it as valuable as possible for you.  Leave a quick star rating and if you could even jot down a sentence or two that would be great.  You can also leave a review for our iOS, Android, and Kindle apps.

Nathan Willett and Matt Maust of Cold War Kids talk to Chris and Jonah about being on tour, what they do in the endless hours on the road and how they became a band. They also play a couple songs off their newest album Hold My Home!

  More about Nocturnes Leon Bosch, Sung-Suk Kang "Nocturne" (mp3) from "Virtuoso Double Bass" (Meridian Records) Buy at iTunes Music Store More On This Album   The working relationship between Sung-Suk Kang and the distinguished double bass player Leon Bosch goes back to 1982, when both were students at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK. Sung-Suk accompanied Leon during lessons and at scholarship auditions. 'At the end of our courses of study,' Leon remembers, 'the RNCM principal, Sir John Manduell, invited us to play two pieces together in one of the so-called principal's concerts. These were showcase events in which his ‘prize students’ were afforded a platform to perform in front of an audience of many distinguished invited guests, as well as the public. Sung-Suk and I performed two pieces by the great double bass player Bottesini, the Capriccio di Bravura and Fantasy Sonnambula. 'I'll remember that 1984 concert forever, for Sung-Suk’s magical playing throughout. There was one extended piano tutti in Sonnambula which was particular memorable for its unique delicacy and scintillating effervescence.' Sung-Suk picks up the story. 'After we left the RNCM, Leon and I lost contact with each other for twenty years. Then in the autumn of 2006, all of a sudden I received an SMS message from Leon on my mobile.....out of the blue. I called him back and discovered that at short notice he wanted me to play for him on a CD of pieces by Bottesini. After exchanging a few emails, I agreed.’ So what had inspired Leon to make the move? 'After Sung-Suk and I parted company back in 1984 I always thought of her whenever I played Sonnambula. I often wondered what had happened to her. I have a tape recording of that principal's concert and played it often over the years to reassure myself that it was indeed real and not just a grossly exaggerated and romanticised memory! 'Then when I was scheduled to record my first Bottesini disc, my pianist had to withdraw. After much thought, I resolved to try and find Sung-Suk, since she was the only person I felt I'd really be happy to work with. I put her name into Google and found her referred to on the website of the conductor, Nayden Todorov. With that lead, I traced her to Vienna.’ 'We began to rehearse as soon as I arrived in London!' Sung-Suk recalls. 'There wasn`t enough time to work on each piece in detail.... and we only had one and a half days to record all the repertoire for the CD. 'Playing with Leon wasn`t easy at first - he has a unique way of phrasing and his rubato is never predictable. And of course my ears had to concentrate so much on picking up the thick, deep lower register of the double bass sound. But during the recording sessions everything clicked and became completely natural. 'We tried to create a new atmosphere for each piece and then find the inspiration for a special interpretation at the end of the process. This was always different from what we'd prepared....music-making with Leon is always spontaneous! I love the full sound he makes, all the different colours he creates to express varied emotions in depth.’ As for Nocturne, it allows the piano to anticipate the main theme in the opening section but then gives it no share of the melodic line so expressively introduced and sustained by the double bass. It is, however, the piano which towards the end initiates the change from minor to major harmonies, just before double-bass harmonics magically project the melody into the soprano register. If Bottesini expected to be remembered by future generations he no doubt felt that it would be through his operas and sacred music. In fact, while they are forgotten, his posthumous reputation derives from an instrumental artistry which, though it died with him, survives in the hands of those few bassists who can do his compositions full justice.   Nikolai Lugansky "Nocturne, Op. 55 No. 1" (mp3) from "Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 3, Fantasie-impromptu, Prélude, Nocturne, et al." (Onyx Classics) Buy at iTunes Music Store More On This Album   Nikolai Lugansky's first recording for ONYX. The Daily Telegraph commenting on Lugansky, said 'He can thrill in taxing pianism through his iron will and fingers of steel, but there is an assuaging velvet quality to his tone, a natural feel for lyrical line' Gramophone praised his 'pianism of immense skill, fluency and innate musical quality' Nikolai Lugansky was born in Moscow in 1972. He studied at Moscow Central Music School (under Tatiana Kestner) and then at the Moscow Conservatory, where he was a pupil of Tatiana Nikolayeva, who described him as ‘the next one’ in a line of great Russian pianists. Following Nikolayeva’s untimely death in 1993, Lugansky continued his studies under Sergei Dorensky. A laureate of the International Bach Competition in Leipzig, the Rachmaninov Competition in Moscow and the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, Lugansky has a repertoire of over 50 concertos with orchestra as well as a wide range of solo and chamber works. He has worked with many distinguished orchestras and conductors including Christoph Eschenbach, Vladimir Fedoseyev, Valery Gergiev, Neeme Järvi, Raymond Leppard, Yoel Levi, Mikhail Pletnev, Gennady Rozhdestvensky, Vladimir Spivakov, Evgeny Svetlanov, Yuri Temirkanov, Kurt Masur, Riccardo Chailly and others. His chamber music partners have included Vadim Repin, Alexander Kniazev, Joshua Bell, Yuri Bashmet, Mischa Maisky, Leonidas Kavakos and Anna Netrebko among others. Lugansky has recorded 23 CDs. His solo recordings on Warner Classics — Chopin Études, Rachmaninov Préludes and Moments musicaux and Chopin Préludes — were each awarded a Diapason d’Or. His PentaTone Classics SACD of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto no.1, with the Russian National Orchestra under Kent Nagano, was cited as ‘Editor’s Choice’ in Gramophone. His Prokofiev CD was one of the ‘CDs of the Year’ (2004) featured in The Daily Telegraph. Lugansky’s recordings of the complete piano concertos of Rachmaninov, with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under Sakari Oramo, received Choc du Monde de la Musique, Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik and the 2005 ECHO Klassik Award. His last recording (Chopin’s and Rachmaninov’s cello sonatas) with the cellist Alexander Kniazev won the 2007 ECHO Klassik Award. As well as performing and recording, Lugansky teaches at the Moscow Conservatory as an assistant of Prof. Sergei Dorensky.   Anthony Goldstone "Nocturne in D-Flat Major, Op. 8" (mp3) from "Russian Piano Music, Vol. 4: Sergei Lyapunov" (Divine Art) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Amazon MP3 More On This Album Now almost forgotten in the West, Lyapunov was one of the truly great composers of the Romantic era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His Sonata is a phenomenal work and his mastery of pianistic composition is also finely demonstrated by the other works on this album masterfully interpreted by Anthony Goldstone. Anyone who loves Chopin or Liszt should get to know this music.   Fuzjko Hemming "Nocturne No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor" (mp3) from "Fuzjko Hemming - Collector's Edition" (Fuzjko Label) Buy at iTunes Music Store Stream from Rhapsody Buy at Amazon MP3 More On This Album Having wowed much of the Eastern Hemisphere for years, classical pianist Fuzjko Hemming is preparing for her introduction to the United States. Having been born into humble circumstances, child of a Japanese mother and Swedish father, she has felt rootless, too Asian in appearance for Sweden, and in Japan constricted by the society's stratified and class-oriented way of life. Then, as she was starting to gain traction as a professional musician, her promising career was cut short. - Fuzjko lost all hearing in her left ear after battling a serious cold. At 16, she already lost her hearing in her right ear due to illness. Completely deaf for 2 years, she eventually had 40% of her hearing restored in her left ear. After living in poverty in Europe for many years before returning to Japan and gaining acclaim for her music - critics hailed her as being "born to play Chopin and Liszt " In 1999, Japan's NHK Television aired a documentary of her life and she released her debut album, La Campanella, which sold more than two million copies, a rare accomplishment for any classical artist She also has won an unprecedented four Classical Album of the Year Awards at the Japan Gold Disc Awards, another extraordinary achievement for any artist, let alone a classical artist She remains the only four-time Gold Disc Award winner. Since that time she has recorded numerous successful albums - invigorating collections of classical interpretations, five of which are being released for the first time in the U.S. on her label Domo Records: Echoes of Eternity, La Campanella, Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1, Nocturnes of Melancholy, Live at Carnegie Hall. On the new album, Fuzjko, the artist performs largely romantic repertoire ranging from Beethoven's "The Tempest" sonata to works by Chopin, Liszt, Scarlatti and Debussy. In each piece, whether performing Chopin's Nocturnes or Liszt's bravura pieces "La Campanella" and "Grand Etudes D'Apres Paganini No. 6", Fuzjko infuses poetry to these timeless compositions, and always in her own eminently attractive style. The warmth of Fuzjko's sound can also be heard in Scarlatti's Sonata K.162 and Debussy's "Claire De Lune". Although much of the repertoire is familiar, Fuzjko also dips into lesser known works like Liszt's transcription of Schumann's "Fruhlinghsnacht", and Chopin's "Trois Nouvelles Etudes No.3, and always played with her celebrated musicality much in evidence. The celebrated virtuoso blends the classicality of her influences such as Franz Liszt, Frédéric Chopin with the sophisticated approach of her mentors (Leonard Bernstein, Herbert von Karajan) to create an emotional delivery of exquisite craftsmanship. She's been known to bring some fans to tears with her moving immersion in her music. With her strikingly unorthodox playing style and intricate ethnic roots, it's evident that Fuzjko's true home is at the piano, where she reveals herself as a true artist of the world.   Carly Comando "Bear" (mp3) from "One Take" (Deep Elm) Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Amazon MP3 More On This Album   Chilling. Stirring. Powerful. Contemplative. These are some of the words most frequently used to describe the achingly beautiful piano instrumentals of Carly Comando. Her debut album "One Take" features ten delicately woven songs (including her single "Everday") that are the direct emotional output of her innermost thoughts. "The album means the world to me. It's complete, in-the-moment sincerity translated into moody solo piano music. I used an improv technique, recording in just one take, so I could capture the essence of pure emotion" says Carly. From the rises and falls to the shrinks and swells, these songs will leave an indellible impression on your mind. It's music that stays with you forever. "One Take" was recorded in Carly's home studio in Brooklyn, NY. Mastered by Phil Douglas (Latterman, Small Arms Dealer, Iron Chic). The album includes the "Everyday" which was originally released in December 2006. Deep Elm Records is simultaneously releasing an EP titled "Cordelia" featuring four additional piano instrumentals. Carly also plays keyboards / sings in the band Slingshot Dakota and composes custom works upon request. And yes, that was the name given to her at birth. "This is music that changes lives, opens minds, broadens horizons. Carly is an amazing pianist." - ANA "Beautiful and soothing, she will evoke emotion and ease any scattered mind. A talented composer." - SweetieJo "Emotional and inspiring, it grabs your soul and moves you. Highly recommended." - The Rez

We’re featuring double bassist Leon Bosch performing selections from his latest album on this week’s Contrabass Conversations episode. Titled Virtuoso Double Bass Vol. 2, this album contains a dozen works, both familiar and less familiar, from Giovanni Bottesini. You can purchase this album (as well as Leon’s other albums) from Meridian Records here, and learn more about Leon at leonbosch.co.uk.

We’re featuring two tracks from U.K. bassist Leon Bosch’s new solo album The Russian Double Bass, which was released on Meridian Records this month. Leon has been a musical guest on the podcast twice before, and I really hope you enjoy this all-music episode of excellent music played by this wonderful musician. Tracks Featured: Rachmaninoff Vocalise Glière Tarantella

We’re wrapping up the interview with Pittsburgh Symphony Principal Bassist Jeff Turner that we began on episode 26 of the podcast, plus featuring music from U.K.-based bassist Leon Bosch’s new album titled The British Double Bass on this week’s episode of the podcast. About Jeff Turner: Principal Bass Jeffrey Turner joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 1987. He served as Principal Bass of the New American Chamber Orchestra from 1984 to 1986 and became a member of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1986. Mr. Turner, a native of South Carolina, holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester. His teachers include James VanDemark, Lawrence Hurst and Robert Gladstone. Mr. Turner serves on the faculties of Duquesne University and Carnegie Mellon University. He is the Artistic Director of the City Music Center’s Young Bassist Program, and gives annual seminars and master classes at universities and conservatories throughout the world. He has also served as Visiting Professor at the Eastman School of Music and Lecturer at the University of Maryland. Mr. Turner has been a resident artist for many annual festivals including the Pacific Music Festival in Japan and the Korsholm Festival in Finland. He has been featured as a presenter at the conventions of The International Society of Bassists, and has served on the faculty of The Asian Youth Orchestra (Hong Kong) under the direction of Lord Yehudi Menuhin. Mr. Turner is a faculty member of the National Orchestral Institute. As winner of the Y Music Society’s Passamaneck Award, Jeffrey Turner appeared in a critically acclaimed recital at Carnegie Music Hall in 1989. He was also a winner of the 1990 Pittsburgh Concert Society’s Artist Award. About Leon Bosch: Leon had to overcome many difficult circumstances in the early years of his career. He was arrested by members of the Cape Town special branch when he was just 15 years old for demonstrating against the Apartheid government outside of parliament. He faced a month’s detention and torture, only to be found not guilty on all charges. This experience fired up his ambition to become a lawyer, but this field of study was forbidden to him by the regime at the time. He then chose to study a subject that would be the least likely to mark him out as subversive – music. Had Bosch been able to pursue his prime aspiration to become a lawyer, the cello/double bass debate might never have occurred. Born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1961, Bosch was forbidden by the repressive regime of the time to study law, so applied to the University’s music faculty instead `as a light-hearted prank.’ The `prank’ soon turned more serious. Once enrolled at the University, Bosch studied with Zoltan Kovats, principal double bassist of the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra at that time. A single year into his studies, the young student was invited to play in the Symphony Orchestra’s bass section alongside his mentor. Only another 12 months passed before he was giving his first solo performance of Dittersdorf ’s concerto in E major. Completing his Batchelor of Music Performance degree at the University, he received the highest mark ever awarded there in a performance examination. Post-university, Bosch quickly realised that he would have to study abroad if he really wanted to further his performance career, but was thwarted once again by the apartheid laws which decreed that overseas scholarships could only be given to white performers. However, Bosch was undeterred. `I had a passionate commitment to the double bass and never enter- tained the idea that I would fail in my pursuit’, he asserts. Fortunately, a number of private individuals came forward to sponsor his travel to England where he was heard playing by Rodney Slatford, the former Head of School of Strings at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), who offered to teach him. Bosch enrolled at the RNCM following a successful interview with Eleanor Warren to study with Slatford and Duncan McTier. He describes his time at RNCM as `extremely fruitful’. Bosch’s prestigious record of achievements also continued there, as he received the College’s PPRNCM (Professional Performer of the RNCM) with distinction, the first such award to a double bassist in the College’s history. Studies completed, Bosch embarked on the varied professional orchestral and chamber career that continues to this day. His first assignment was with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, moving onto The Manchester Camerata as principal in 1985. His playing career has also taken in the BBC Philharmonic, Hall, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Opera North and Scottish Chamber orchestras, plus the Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, Brodsky Quartet and Goldberg Ensemble as a freelance performer, a career path that he chose to `give me greater variety in my playing.’ A decade after his first principal appointment, Bosch began his current association with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, touring with the orchestra’s founder, Sir Neville Marriner. `Chamber music represents the most enjoyable part of my musical life,’ he enthuses, explaining why he has focused on this area through most of his professional career – which has taken in almost all of the major chamber orchestras in the UK.

Born in Aleppo, Syria into a musical family of six boys and three girls, François discovered the double bass at the age of thirteen when one of his brothers brought an instrument home and allowed him to experiment with it. When the family moved to Beirut, Lebanon he found an old copy of Edouard Nanny's Contrabass Method in a tailor shop and with some difficulty, since he read neither music nor French, began to teach himself. After nine years of work in Beirut, François saved enough money to move to Paris for a year. He was eager to go to the Paris Conservatory, meet with Monsieur Nanny and show him what he was able to do with the bass. When he applied at the Conservatory he was disappointed to learn that Nanny had died in 1947. He was also told that auditions were to be held in three days and that he would never have enough time to learn the required pieces. He asked for the music anyway and returned three days later to finish first among the applicants. However, his stay at the Conservatory was a brief one, since it didn't take very long to see that he was not only far ahead of the other students but of the professors as well! François Rabbath's uniqueness stems from his refusal to accept any traditional limitations. Whether performing his own fascinating compositions, the music of others or the classical repertoire, one is always moved by his profound musicianship and dazzling virtuosity. You quickly discover that he brings you such a sense of security that the most difficult passages sound effortless. The importance of François Rabbath to the development of double bass playing can be compared with that of Paganini to the violin. Since the early 1800s when Nicole Paganini established the violin as a virtuoso instrument, solo violinists have practiced the most brilliant of instrumental art. Meanwhile, the development of double bass playing had been seriously neglected. The great and popular 19th century composers did not consider the bass worth their attention and in turn the bass repertoire did not attract potential virtuoso performers with enough genius to change the situation. It demanded an artist with the unique qualities of François Rabbath to break this impasse. http://www.liben.com/FRBio.html Musical Guest - Leon Bosch You will be hearing the Bottesini Elegy and the Bottesini Gavotta from Leon Bosch’s recent solo album called Virtuoso Double Bass, which is available from Meridian Records. Leon’s website: http://www.leonbosch.co.uk Album information for Virtuoso Double Bass: http://www.leonbosch.co.uk/music.php Click here to order this great album from Leon Bosch: http://www.meridian-records.co.uk/acatalog/CDE84544a.html Meridian Records website: http://www.meridian-records.co.uk/ About Leon Bosch: (Visit his website for more information about this great artist’s career and the challenges he had to overcome during his early years in Apartheid South Africa.) From liner notes to his recent release as well as an interview with Lawrence Milner – published in the Summer 2003 edition of Double Bassist magazine: Leon had to overcome many difficult circumstances in the early years of his career. He was arrested by members of the Cape Town special branch when he was just 15 years old for demonstrating against the Apartheid government outside of parliament. He faced a month’s detention and torture, only to be found not guilty on all charges. This experience fired up his ambition to become a lawyer, but this field of study was forbidden to him by the regime at the time. He then chose to study a subject that would be the least likely to mark him out as subversive—music. Had Bosch been able to pursue his prime aspiration to become a lawyer, the cello/double bass debate might never have occurred. Born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1961, Bosch was forbidden by the repressive regime of the time to study law, so applied to the University's music faculty instead `as a light-hearted prank.' The `prank' soon turned more serious. Once enrolled at the University, Bosch studied with Zoltan Kovats, principal double bassist of the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra at that time. A single year into his studies, the young student was invited to play in the Symphony Orchestra's bass section alongside his mentor. Only another 12 months passed before he was giving his first solo performance of Dittersdorf 's concerto in E major. Completing his Batchelor of Music Performance degree at the University, he received the highest mark ever awarded there in a performance examination. Post-university, Bosch quickly realised that he would have to study abroad if he really wanted to further his performance career, but was thwarted once again by the apartheid laws which decreed that overseas scholarships could only be given to white performers. However, Bosch was undeterred. `I had a passionate commitment to the double bass and never enter- tained the idea that I would fail in my pursuit', he asserts. Fortunately, a number of private individuals came forward to sponsor his travel to England where he was heard playing by Rodney Slatford, the former Head of School of Strings at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), who offered to teach him. Bosch enrolled at the RNCM following a successful interview with Eleanor Warren to study with Slatford and Duncan McTier. He describes his time at RNCM as `extremely fruitful'. Bosch's prestigious record of achievements also continued there, as he received the College's PPRNCM (Professional Performer of the RNCM) with distinction, the first such award to a double bassist in the College's history. Studies completed, Bosch embarked on the varied professional orchestral and chamber career that continues to this day. His first assignment was with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, moving onto The Manchester Camerata as principal in 1985. His playing career has also taken in the BBC Philharmonic, Hallé, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Opera North and Scottish Chamber orchestras, plus the Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, Brodsky Quartet and Goldberg Ensemble as a freelance performer, a career path that he chose to `give me greater variety in my playing.' A decade after his first principal appointment, Bosch began his current association with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, touring with the orchestra's founder, Sir Neville Marriner. `Chamber music represents the most enjoyable part of my musical life,' he enthuses, explaining why he has focused on this area through most of his professional career ¬ which has taken in almost all of the major chamber orchestras in the UK.