Performing Labor
Performing Labor goes behind-the-scenes of symphony orchestras and the music industry to understand what makes the music come alive. This show is for industry professionals, students, and music lovers alike--no matter where you are on your musical journey. Providing bi-weekly interviews with acclaimed musicians, we will get to know about their work and careers. Find out how they got started, what keeps them sharp, and their ambitions for the future. Robert Simonds is your host and the principal second violin of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Update frequency
- every 10 days
- Average duration
- 68 minutes
- Episodes
- 29
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2021
Jessica Guideri: Accountability and Ownership
An interview with Jessica Guideri, concertmaster of the Santa Barbara Symphony and LA studio musician.
Highlights
- An up and down moment for violinists - 6:40
- Her experience during the pandemic - 7…
Matt Albert: Coming to Consensus
Robert and Matt talk about Matt’s career in Eighth Blackbird, the Cabrillo Festival, teaching at the University of Michigan, and preparing the next generation of musicians.
Highlights
- Knowing each…
Donna Parkes: Telling Our Human Story
An interview with Louisville Orchestra's principal trombone, Donna Parkes. Australian trombonist Donna Parkes has been Principal Trombone of the Louisville Orchestra since 2008 and has been Principal…
Roger Roe: The Role of the Artist in the Community
An interview with Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's oboe and english horn player and Indiana University faculty, Roger Roe.
Highlights
- The response to COVID_19 - 6:30
- The relationship with the med…
Rachel Grimes: No Limits Other Than Your Own Craft
Composer and pianist Rachel Grimes is heralded as “One of American independent music’s few truly inspired technicians” by WIRE magazine. Rachel Grimes is a pianist, composer, and arranger based in Ke…
Gabriel Lefkowitz: Doing Things Your Own Way
Robert interviewed Gabriel Lefkowitz, concertmaster of the Louisville Orchestra, about his path to leading professional orchestras and his work as a conductor, composer, and soloist.
Highlights
- Ga…
Lizzie No: Completing Your Purpose - Episode 2
An exciting interview with the singer/songwriter Lizzie No on her career and background. Among other things, Robert and Lizzie discuss adaptation during COVID-19, the process of seeing yourself as a …
High Level Over a Long Career with Mark Dix - Episode 1
Mark Dix is a violist in the Phoenix Symphony and founder/director of the Downtown Chamber Series. Mark has been building a community through music for more than two decades through his symphony job,…
Welcome to Performing Labor
The Performing Labor podcast features acclaimed working musicians across genres who are doing interesting and creative work. This podcast focuses on the people whose labor makes the music come alive.