Armistead Maupin is an American author best known for his groundbreaking "Tales of the City" series, which captivated readers with its vivid portrayal of San Francisco and its diverse cast of characters navigating life, love, and identity. Born in Washington, D.C., Maupin's writing is characterised by its wit, warmth, and compassionate exploration of LGBTQ+ themes. Through his novels, Maupin has become a cultural icon, challenging societal norms and advocating for acceptance and understanding. Beyond his fiction, Maupin's candid memoirs and essays offer readers insight into his own experiences and reflections on the changing landscape of American society. 

Armistead Maupin - The Intrepid Ear

Andreas Scholl is a world-renowned countertenor hailed for his exceptional vocal range, exquisite tone, and profound musicality. Born in Germany, Scholl's talent was recognised early, leading to a stellar career performing on prestigious stages around the globe. With a repertoire spanning from Baroque to contemporary classical music, Scholl's interpretations are marked by their sensitivity and emotional depth, captivating audiences with each performance. His recordings have garnered widespread acclaim, earning him numerous awards and solidifying his reputation as one of the preeminent countertenors of his generation.

Andreas Scholl - The Intrepid Ear

Anita Lasker-Wallfisch is a cellist and Holocaust survivor whose life story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of music. Lasker-Wallfisch endured the horrors of Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps during World War II. After the war, she found solace and purpose in music, eventually becoming a renowned cellist and a founding member of the English Chamber Orchestra. Lasker-Wallfisch's memoir "Inherit the Truth" recounts her harrowing experiences during the Holocaust and serves as a poignant reminder of the human capacity for survival and hope. As a passionate advocate for Holocaust education and remembrance, Lasker-Wallfisch continues to share her story and the healing power of music with audiences worldwide.


Anita Lasker Wallfisch -The Intrepid Ear

Anna Ditges was born in 1978 in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. She is a director and writer, known for Wem gehört die Stadt - Bürger in Bewegung (2015), ICH WILL DICH - Begegnungen mit Hilde Domin (2007) and Die Unschärferelation der Liebe (2023).

Anna Ditges - The Intrepid Ear

Antje Weithaas is a distinguished German violinist celebrated for her profound musicality and technical brilliance. Born in Berlin, she began studying the violin at a young age, under the guidance of renowned teachers such as Tibor Varga and Ana Chumachenco. Weithaas's talent quickly garnered attention, leading to numerous accolades and awards, including top prizes at prestigious international competitions. As a soloist, she has graced the stages of some of the world's most renowned concert halls, captivating audiences with her sensitive interpretations and dynamic performances. Weithaas is also highly regarded as a chamber musician, collaborating with esteemed artists and ensembles to explore a diverse range of musical styles and genres. Her extensive discography reflects her versatility, featuring both beloved masterworks and lesser-known gems from the classical repertoire. Additionally, Weithaas is deeply committed to music education, serving as a professor at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin and leading masterclasses around the globe. 

Antje Weithaas - The Intrepid Ear


Beki Probst is a pioneering figure in the world of international cinema, renowned for her dedication to promoting global film culture and fostering cross-cultural exchange. As the longtime director of the Berlin International Film Festival's European Film Market (EFM), Probst played a crucial role in transforming the EFM into one of the most influential film markets in the world. Her visionary leadership and tireless advocacy for independent filmmakers helped to create a platform for diverse voices and innovative storytelling. 

Beki Probst - The Intrepid Ear

On a rainy night in 1975, Keith Jarrett sat down at a battered piano in Cologne and delivered The Köln Concert—an improvised performance that would become the best-selling solo piano recording in history. But behind the music lies a story of frustration, fatigue, and unexpected brilliance. As the 50th anniversary approaches, London pianist Dorian Ford pays tribute to this iconic moment, bringing together those who witnessed it firsthand. Breandáin O’Shea takes us through the story behind the concert that almost didn’t happen.

Intrepid Ear Archive: The Köln Concert: A Tribute to an Iconic Night

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.
In 2022, Breandáin O’Shea founded Die Buhne Rüft - Klassik, Jazz, Chanson (The Stage Calls), a concert series showcasing musicians at various stages of their careers. The concerts are held in the beautiful halls of Schloss Sacrow, located just outside of Berlin. He serves as the founder and artistic director of the series.
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.

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