Episodes
In this episode, Sarah's guest is none other than the fabulous Alice Sara Ott. The German-Japanese pianist has just released her tenth album for DG, called "Echoes Of Life", which features Chopin's 24 Preludes beside contemporary works by various composers. Tune in to find out what this particular choice of repertoire is about, the story behind the dress she's wearing on the cover, and the positive things Alice has realized for herself as a result of the pandemic.
Published 08/26/21
How does a famous conductor practice before recording his solo piano album? And what kind of repertoire do you choose when you venture to the keys as a conductor? In this Deutsche Grammophon podcast episode, Sarah Willis meets her friend and colleague Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Although his work as one of the world's leading conductors keeps him very busy, Yannick found time during the pandemic to release his first piano album. He explains that the piano gives him the opportunities to make chamber...
Published 07/29/21
In this Deutsche Grammophon podcast episode, Sarah’s guest is Dustin O´Halloran, the Oscar-nominated pianist and composer. His new album “Silfur” was recorded in Iceland and in this podcast, Dustin talks to Sarah about his love for the piano as a truly expressive instrument, how he writes music and how the landscapes of Iceland influenced this album.
Published 06/24/21
Deutsche Grammophon podcast host Sarah Willis loves to learn more about different musical genres. In this new episode, Sarah has the opportunity to interview the legendary American musician Moby about the making of his new album "Reprise", which required a completely new way of working from the artist: unlike usual, Moby did not work alone on his music, but together with many different artists and even an orchestra. Tune in and listen to the likeable and uncomplicated musician, who talks...
Published 05/27/21
Deutsche Grammophon Podcast host Sarah Willis welcomes baritone Andrè Schuen to this episode. She is impressed by the voice, the articulation and the versatility of the young baritone who was born in South Tyrol speaking three languages as his mother tongue: German, Italian and Ladin. They talk about his impressive DG debut album of Schubert’s song cycle „Die schöne Müllerin“ - accompanied by Daniel Heide - art songs, the programming of recitals and many more fascinating aspects.
Published 04/29/21
In this Deutsche Grammophon podcast episode Sarah Willis explores the world of electronic music with conceptual artist and composer Christian Löffler who reworked tracks by some of the greatest composers who ever lived, including J.S. Bach, Beethoven and Chopin. Löffler explains how he achieved the right balance between paying tribute to these illustrious composers but also re-inserting their music into contemporary discourse.
Published 03/25/21
Podcast host and Berlin Philharmonic horn player Sarah Willis admires violinist Hilary Hahn for her fantastic playing and the way she communicates her passion for what she does. In this Deutsche Grammophon podcast episode Hilary explains why her upcoming album is called “Paris”, why she initiated her #100daysofpractice challenge and how to hulahoop while playing the violin.
Published 02/25/21
“Keep calm and play the oboe” – having heard the motto of the new Deutsche Grammophon podcast episode, it comes as no surprise that Sarah Willis welcomes her colleague from the Berlin Philharmonic: Albrecht Mayer. He is not only the principal oboe player of one of the best orchestras of the world but also appears as a renowned soloist and conductor, such as on his new “Mozart” album. Sarah and Albrecht have known each other for years so the episode is filled with anecdotes about life as a...
Published 01/28/21
This episode’s guest needs no introduction. Deutsche Grammophon Podcast host Sarah Willis is convinced that one recognizes him by his voice instantly. Sarah is of course referring to Rolando Villazón. The Mexican singer gives surprising insights about his new album “Serenata Latina” for which he joined forces with the French harpist Xavier de Maistre. With a special musical recommendation Sarah and Rolando wish you a merry Christmas.
Published 12/17/20
How do you become a world-class mandolin player? Avi Avital introduces both the listeners and Deutsche Grammophon podcast host and French horn player Sarah Willis to the world of the mandolin. The Israeli musician presents his recent album “Art of the Mandolin”, offering a guided tour of the instrument’s rich history and a star performer’s personal selection of some of its greatest compositions. The podcast episode ends with a charming duet by Avi and Sarah.
Published 11/26/20
Which mentors, idols, visions and goals does a young cellist have? Kian Soltani, a rising star of the cello, is this episode’s guest of the Deutsche Grammophon podcast series hosted by horn player Sarah Willis. They talk about his recent recordings for Deutsche Grammophon with works from Dvořák and Beethoven and how he connects with the audience during these unprecedented times. Tune in and listen to the genuine and joyful chat between the two musicians.
Published 10/29/20
Published 09/24/20
The 26-year-old pianist Seong-Jin Cho had two dreams: To play with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and to play at Carnegie Hall. Both dreams have already come true. In this episode of the Deutsche Grammophon podcast series hosted by Berlin Philharmonic horn player Sarah Willis you can find out more about the young pianist, his lifestyle and his new album “The Wanderer” with music by Schubert, Liszt and Berg.
Published 08/27/20
After the successful launch of the international podcast series by Deutsche Grammophon hosted by Berlin Philharmonic horn player Sarah Willis, Sarah welcomes the French cellist Camille Thomas. They talk about their experiences as classical musicians – laughing about anecdotes and discussing Camille Thomas’ exciting and very personal new album production “Voice of Hope”. Sarah’s charming nature lets you get to know Camille Thomas not only as a fabulous musician but as a person.
Published 05/29/20
The new podcast series by Deutsche Grammophon and hosted by Berlin Philharmonic horn player Sarah Willis gets off to a great start with Icelandic rising star of the piano, Víkingur Ólafsson as her first guest. Neither had met before but Sarah had been looking forward to meeting Vikingur ever since she first saw a video of him playing Bach in a fish factory! The episode gives unique insights into Vikingur's new album Rameau/Debussy for DG - and ends with a surprise, tune in!
Published 03/31/20