In this captivating episode, Matthew McDonald, a remarkable talent, shares his inspiring odyssey from the heart of Canberra to achieving the prestigious position of a principal player with one of the world's most renowned music ensembles.
As we navigate through his career, Matthew candidly reflects on the profound impact of the current pandemic on musicians, revealing the challenges and triumphs that have defined his path. But it's not all serious notes; get ready for a dose of laughter as he regales us with a hilarious tale of taking an unexpected swim at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach, just moments before stepping onto the stage to perform a Mahler Symphony with none other than the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.

Matthew McDonald, Principal Bass Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

The Godfather

Davy Jones theme from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Davy Jones Theme

Eierschneider

Odyssey

(MUSICIAN) On September 5th, 2022 the German pianist Lars Vogt died. 
Lars had established himself as one of the leading musicians of our time. Born in the small German town of Düren in 1970, he first came to public attention when he won second prize at the 1990 Leeds International Piano Competition. His versatility as an artist ranged from the music of Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, to the romantics Schumann, Brahms, Grieg, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov, through to 20th Century works. Lars enjoys a high profile as a chamber musician and in June 1998 he founded his own chamber festival in the village of Heimbach near Cologne. Known as Spannungen - Tensions -, the concerts take place in an art-nouveau hydro-electric power station. 
I met Lars Vogt in 2009, during the Beethoven festival in Bonn.

Remembering Lars Vogt (recorded 2009)

Discover the captivating life and extraordinary talent of Alma Moodie in our two-part podcast series. Born in rural Australia in 1898, Alma Moodie's journey as a violinist took her from Rockhampton to the heart of Europe, where she became the favoured student of the legendary Carl Flesch. This exceptional artist collaborated with renowned composers like Stravinsky, Pfitzner, and Reger, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical music. Along the way, she forged deep friendships with aristocracy, philanthropists, and artists, including the celebrated German poet Rainer Maria Rilke. In our podcast, we delve into Alma Moodie's fascinating life and her contributions to music history. Join us as we explore her legacy with insightful guests, including musicologist Kay Dreyfus, translator Diana Weekes, and violinist Goetz Richter from the University of Sydney's Conservatorium of Music. Historian Michael Haas, author of "Forbidden Music," will also provide unique insights into the era Alma Moodie lived in. Tune in and unravel the enchanting story of Alma Moodie, a true musical luminary. Podcast Author/Producer Breandáin O'Shea

Alma Moodie Part I

Join us for the second part of our special podcast series dedicated to the remarkable Alma Moodie. In this episode, we delve deeper into the captivating world of Alma Moodie's friendships, which extended to influential figures such as Fürst Christian Ernst zu Stolberg-Wernigerode, philanthropist Werner Reinhart, and the talented pianist and composer Eduard Erdmann. Discover the unique sense of humor that made Alma Moodie's personality so engaging and multifaceted. Our insightful guests, including musicologist and historian Kay Dreyfus, violinist Goetz Richter, and the distinguished historian Michael Haas, the author of "Forbidden Music," will provide valuable perspectives on the life and times of Alma Moodie. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Alma Moodie's world and the connections that shaped her extraordinary journey.

Alma Moodie Part II

(MUSICIAN) Legendary cabaret artist, singer songwriter, author, satirist and composer speaking to Breandáin O'Shea in 2002 on the occasion of Kreisler's 80 birthday.

Cabaret Legend Georg Kreisler Interview 2002 English

"Experience the captivating blend of poetry and music on 'Tall Poppies: The Podcast - Poetry and Music Special,' featuring the talented poets Alice Miller and Matthew McDonald. Join host Breandáin O’Shea as we delve into the enchanting world of verse and its connection with music. Explore the passion and creativity of these remarkable artists in a conversation that's both thought-provoking and inspiring. For more poetic inspiration and engaging discussions, subscribe and listen to 'Tall Poppies: The Podcast' on your preferred platform.

Poetry Special with Alice Miller & Matthew McDonald

In this intriguing episode recorded in Berlin, Germany in February 2020, we explore the fascinating world of neuroscientist and musician, Matthew Larkum.  With a background in computer science, Matthew Larkum's journey from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to the forefront of neuroscientific research is a captivating story. He hails from a lineage of scientists and is now a leading figure in Germany's scientific community. Join us as we delve into his work, bridging the realms of music and neuroscience, shedding light on the complexities of the brain and harnessing the potential of viruses for the greater good. Visit our website, Tall-Poppies.com, for more information and be sure to share this podcast with your friends and on social media.

Neuroscientist Matthew Larkum

Breandáin O’Shea is an Australian musician, pedagogue, and arts journalist who has called Germany home since the early 90s. With a career spanning more than three decades, O'Shea has made a profound impact on the arts scene, both locally and globally. For over 20 years, O’Shea curated and hosted two award-winning weekly arts programs for Deutsche Welle, showcasing appreciation for diverse artistic forms. His expertise has also been shared as a guest lecturer at Berlin’s University of the Arts, the Goethe Institute, and Norway's Stavanger University. O'Shea's impressive list of interviewees reads like a who's who of the arts world, including luminaries such as Daniel Barenboim, Roddy Doyle, Sting, Christo, and Jessye Norman. His insightful conversations have resonated with audiences worldwide, cementing his reputation as a leading voice in the arts community. Based in Berlin, O’Shea continues to foster cultural discourse through various mediums, from producing podcasts to crafting radio documentaries, collaborating with renowned media outlets such as the ABC and DW.

In 2018, O'Shea launched Tall Poppies: The Podcast, featuring insightful interviews with prominent figures in Australian arts and culture. His guests include stage director Barrie Kosky, conductor Simone Young, and philosopher Peter Singer. Additionally, O'Shea co-founded Tall Poppies Talks, a highly regarded Australian salon, in 2019. This quarterly event in Berlin underscores his impact on the cultural landscape. O'Shea's background lies in music performance, with a particular emphasis on flute and voice during his studies. Under the guidance of Professor Margit Kobeck in Cologne, he received vocal training and refined his skills through master classes with Vera Rosza OBE and Professor Kurt Widmer. Additionally, he is a jazz singer and pianist, captivating audiences in diverse venues, including successful tours with Sea Cloud and Aida cruises. His creative talents extend to composition, where he has crafted chansons, cabaret music, incidental music for stage, and signature tunes for various radio programs and podcasts. Moreover, O'Shea shares his knowledge and experience as a mentor for numerous radio features and podcasts, offering invaluable insights in sound design.

O’Shea has featured in various radio plays, notably portraying the lead character in the award-winning German-language series "Harri in die Zeitschleifen," which comprised multiple episodes and was produced by Deutsche Welle. 
O'Shea has been a guest at numerous music festivals all over Europe, presenting public interviews, introductions to concerts, and lectures. Among these are the International Chamber Music Festival in Norway, The Verbier Festival in Switzerland, and the International Beethoven Festival in Bonn, Germany.

Among O’Shea’s accolades are a Gold Medal from the New York Festival Radio Awards for the most outstanding arts program and a World Radio Award, highlighting his talent and unwavering dedication to the arts. 
In addition to his journalistic endeavours, O’Shea is deeply committed to music education, offering private lessons in Berlin. With a focus on improvisation, jazz techniques, and composition, he imparts his knowledge and expertise to aspiring musicians.

Matthew McDonald, Principal Bass Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Breandáin O'Shea

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