Vera Wilson is the founder and president of Astral, an arts organization in Philadelphia that has helped to launch the careers of classical music superstars such as pianist Simone Dinnerstein, Grammy award-winning guitarist Jason Vieaux, and the classical crossover group Time for Three. For young classical musicians, the path from conservatory to career can be a daunting one. Vera Wilson, my guest for this episode, sought to provide a unique service to help the most talented musicians through her visionary organization, Astral. Now in its 24th year, Astral has become a vital Philadelphia institution, providing concerts, community outreach and education programs, as well as invaluable training and support for their carefully selected roster of artists. Musical Selections Time for Three: "Thunder Stomp" by Ranaan Meyer Jason Vieaux, Guitar: Agustin Barrios Waltz, Op. 8, No. 4 Simone Dinnerstein, Piano: J.S. Bach Goldberg Variations; Aria Links Astral's website: http://astralartists.org Astral's National Auditions info: http://www.astralartists.org/auditions/how-to-apply/  Email: astral@astralartists.org ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRvqCh6ABtw

Anthony McGill is one of the greatest clarinetists in the classical music field today. He’s been the Associate Principal Clarinet of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Principal Clarinet of the Metropolitan Orchestra, and currently serves as Principal Clarinet of the New York Philharmonic. Several months ago, Anthony’s older brother, Demarre McGill, was featured on the show. What an honor to have the opportunity to talk to Anthony, whom I’ve known since he was a student at Curtis. In addition to his remarkable achievements in the orchestral world and collaborations with some of the greatest classical musicians, Anthony performed with Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma and Gabriela Montero at the inauguration of President Barack Obama back in 2009. On a tangential note, Anthony was actually partially responsible for inspiring me to become a paperless musician, and start a little company called “AirTurn” to create wireless page turning pedals for reading digital sheet music hands free. Links Anthony's website: http://www.anthonymcgill.com/ Mozart Clarinet Quintet in A major, K. 581: I. Allegro Mozart Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622: II. Adagio Brahms Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115: IV. Con moto Poulenc Sonata for Clarinet and Piano: II. Romanza Anthony's blog article "Why I Do What I Do" ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heuFHTSYTEY

Carol Jantsch became the first female tuba player to win a major symphony orchestra position while she was still a senior attending the University of Michigan back in 2006. In addition to her duties as principal tuba of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Carol has been active as a tuba soloist, appearing in recital and in concerto settings with orchestras and ensembles around the world, and now has started her own tuba cover band called “Tubular”. Carol Jantsch is a stunning virtuoso musician, which is perhaps even more remarkable for the fact that she performs on an instrument that isn’t typically known for its virtuoso capabilities. As you’ll hear in this interview, Carol thrives on hearing folks exclaim, “I never knew the tuba could sound like that!” I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Carol after a reading rehearsal together, and learned that she is not only a musical virtuoso, but between her varied interests in ultimate frisbee, distance running, reading voraciously and writing her own solo and ensemble arrangements for her tuba cover band, “Tubular”, she is also a virtuoso in the art of living. Links Carol's website: http://www.caroljantsch.com/ Tubular's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TubularBand/   ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW-Bgd3DFCE

In part 2 of my interview with violinist Aaron Rosand, we delve into the obstacles he faced early in his career, the wisdom he shares with his students about life as a musician as well as why he fell in love with his beloved ‘Kochanski’ 1741 Guarneri violin, the violin that was his voice for 50 years. If you enjoy this show, please click this link to post a review on iTunes. I really appreciate your support! Musical Selections Glazunov Meditation, Op. 32 (CD) Glazunov Concerto/Meditation (MP3 Album) Bach Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 Chopin Nocturne No. 2 in E-flat major with John Covelli, piano Gershwin Tempo di Blues with John Covelli, piano Frank Sinatra: Laura Brahms Sonata No. 1 in G major, Op. 78 I. Vivace ma non troppo with Hugh Sung, piano ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmAUnyR7CHI