KCRW Berlin Amplified: Leitmotifs
A monthly podcast hosted by opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg featuring interviews with musicians and other prominent figures from the world of opera and classical music. The conversations touch on each guest’s original attraction to classical music, talk about their connection to Berlin, and explore each guest’s “leitmotif," or the one thing that brings them back to the refrain over and over again.
- Update frequency
- every 29 days
- Average duration
- 5 minutes
- Episodes
- 20
- Years Active
- 2019 - 2020
Music critic Tim Page on his life-long obsession (Rebroadcast)
In this episode of Leitmotifs, host Fredrika Brillembourg reconnects with her old friend, Pulitzer Prize winner and music critic Tim Page.
He has worn many hats over the years as an author, editor, r…
Benjamin Hochman: 'In Mozart's music, every note is in the right place'
In this episode of Leitmotifs, host Fredrika Brillembourg talks with pianist and conductor Benjamin Hochman. He has performed in major cities and festivals around the world, both as a soloist and cha…
Music critic Tim Page on his life-long obsession
In this episode of Leitmotifs, host Fredrika Brillembourg reconnects with her old friend, Pulitzer Prize winner and music critic Tim Page. He has worn many hats over the years as an author, editor, r…
Michael Naumann on supporting culture – there are ‘euros at the end of the tunnel’
Opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg is back with another episode of Leitmotifs, this time with Michael Naumann.
He served as commissioner for cultural affairs in the German federal government from 1998…
Cellist Eckart Runge — Beyond the Artemis Quartet
Every month, opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg hosts “Leitmotifs,” our series on classical music. In this episode Fredrika talks with cellist Eckart Runge, who played in the world renowned Artemis Q…
Conductor without an orchestra – Marc Albrecht on finding a new passion in trying times
Host Fredrika Brillembourg talks with German conductor Marc Albrecht, who was named ‘Conductor of the Year’ at last year’s International Opera Awards.
Albrecht just finished his tenure as music direct…
Donald Runnicles – ‘Music can be with you all the time’
Host and opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg talks with conductor Donald Runnicles. He is the general music director of the Deutsche Oper Berlin and music director of the Grand Teton Music Festival in…
‘I’m not an artist, I’m an enabler’ – Deutsche Oper’s Dietmar Schwarz on past productions and future challenges
Opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg talks with Dietmar Schwarz, Intendant of the Deutsche Oper Berlin since 2012. They look back on his career in the world of opera and discuss the challenges ahead.
Pr…
When the stage falls silent
Every month, opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg hosts “Leitmotifs”, but this month is different: all three opera houses in Berlin are closed and productions are on hold due to the coronavirus pandemi…
All about that bass – Dominic Seldis on musical blessings and theatrical success
In the latest edition of our series on classical music, “Leitmotifs,” opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg speaks with Dominic Seldis.
He is the principal double bass player in the Royal Concertgebouw O…
Talking to soprano Alma Sadé
In the latest segment of our series “Leitmotifs,” Fredrika talks with soprano Alma Sadé. Sadé has been with the Komische Oper ensemble since 2014 and is known for roles such as Maria in “West Side St…
Award-winning opera director Nicola Raab on her recent production of La Traviata
In this edition, Fredrika Brillembourg talks with award winning opera director Nicola Raab. Her productions have been in opera houses all over the world, including Copenhagen, Valencia, Los Angeles,…
Barenboim-Said Akademie dean Mena Mark Hanna on his journey to Berlin and ‘A New Divan’
Host Fredrika Brillembourg speaks with Mena Mark Hanna, who started his musical life as a boy soprano in the Philadelphia Boys Choir and is now the Dean of Barenboim-Said Akademie in Berlin.
Produced …
Orchestra director Adrian Jones on the orchestra as a powerful organism
Host Fredrika Brillembourg speaks with Adrian Jones, the orchestra director of the Rundfunk Sinfonieorchester Berlin (RSB).
Produced by Monika Müller-Kroll
Conductor Paolo Bortolameolli on musical beginnings and sharing a passion with the world
On this month’s edition of “Leitmotifs”, opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg speaks with Paolo Bortolameolli. He is the associate conductor of the L.A. Philharmonic and the guest conductor in residenc…
Composer and musician Craig Urquhart on Bernstein, life changes and ‘Affirmation’
On this month’s edition of “Leitmotifs,” host and opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg speaks with Berlin-based musician and composer Craig Urquhart, about finding his voice, and working for Leonard Be…
Alexander Polzin and Sommer Ulrickson on their collaborations in opera, theater and dance
Host and opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg speaks with Berlin-based couple Alexander Polzin and Sommer Ulrickson about their collaborations in the world of opera, theater and dance.
Polzin, as well a…
Author and filmmaker Jamie Bernstein on being ‘Famous Father Girl’
For the latest in our “Leitmotifs” series, opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg speaks with author and filmmaker Jamie Bernstein, daughter of composer Leonard Bernstein.
Jamie Bernstein discusses her fi…
Opera set designer Marsha Ginsberg on her career and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
Opera singer Fredrika Brillembourg speaks with Marsha Ginsberg, a set and costume designer for opera and theater. Brillembourg caught up with Ginsberg while she was working with the Deutsche Oper Ber…
Interview with Anisha Bondy, assistant director at the Komische Oper Berlin
In this first edition of “Leitmotifs," Brillembourg is joined by Anisha Bondy, an assistant director at the Komische Oper Berlin. Their talk focuses on Brody's career, her work with directors such as…