Gregor Zubicky is an accomplished musician who has transitioned from being an oboist to an artistic manager. He currently holds the position of Artistic Manager at the Swedish Chamber Orchestra. Prior to this role, Zubicky served as a former oboist at the Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester, showcasing his talent and dedication to music. He studied oboe at the Norges Musikkhøgskole, demonstrating his commitment to honing his craft through formal education. Zubicky's diverse background and experience in both performance and arts management contribute to his expertise in the music industry.

Gregor Zubicky

Grover Crisp is a highly respected figure in the film industry, known for his expertise in film restoration and preservation. He has had a distinguished career at Sony Pictures Entertainment, where he served as Executive Vice President of Asset Management, Film Restoration, and Digital Mastering. Crisp has played a pivotal role in restoring and preserving numerous classic films, ensuring their longevity for future generations. His work has earned him widespread recognition and accolades within the industry, cementing his reputation as a leading authority on film preservation.

Grover Crisp

Jeffrey Tate was a British conductor known for his distinguished career leading orchestras around the world. Born on April 28, 1943, in Salisbury, England, Tate overcame physical challenges due to spina bifida to become a prominent figure in the classical music world. He served as the principal conductor of the English Chamber Orchestra and held positions with major orchestras such as the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. Tate was celebrated for his interpretations of German and Austrian repertoire, particularly the works of Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a knighthood in 2017 for his services to music. Tate's legacy continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike.

Jeffrey Tate

Ian Munro is an Australian pianist and composer recognized for his exceptional musicianship and versatility. Born in 1963, Munro has established himself as one of Australia's leading pianists, performing extensively both nationally and internationally. He is known for his expressive interpretations across a wide range of repertoire, from classical to contemporary works. Munro has collaborated with renowned orchestras, conductors, and chamber ensembles, showcasing his virtuosity and deep musical understanding. In addition to his performing career, Munro is also an accomplished composer, with a diverse body of work that includes solo piano pieces, chamber music, and orchestral compositions. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to music, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the Australian music scene.

Ian Munro

Jan Chapman is an Australian film producer known for her contributions to the film industry. Born in Newcastle, New South Wales, she has produced numerous acclaimed films, including "The Piano" (1993), "Lantana" (2001), and "Bright Star" (2009). Chapman's collaborations with directors such as Jane Campion and Ray Lawrence have earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim. She has received multiple awards and nominations for her work, including several Australian Film Institute Awards and Academy Award nominations. Chapman continues to be a prominent figure in Australian cinema, known for her commitment to producing quality and impactful films.

Jan Chapman

Jan A. P. Kaczmarek is a Polish composer known for his remarkable contributions to film scores. Born on April 29, 1953, in Konin, Poland, Kaczmarek began his musical career in his native country before gaining international acclaim for his work in film. He has composed scores for numerous acclaimed movies, including "Finding Neverland" (2004), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Original Score, along with receiving nominations for Golden Globe and BAFTA awards. Kaczmarek's compositions are characterised by their emotive depth and ability to enhance storytelling, earning him a reputation as one of the leading composers in the film industry. Beyond his film work, he has also composed orchestral and chamber music.

Jan A. P. Kaczmarek

Meow Meow, born Melissa Madden Gray, is an Australian cabaret performer known for her unique blend of music, comedy, and theatricality. With a distinctive style that combines elements of burlesque, vaudeville, and cabaret, Meow Meow has gained international acclaim for her electrifying performances. Renowned for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, she has graced stages around the world, from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to the Sydney Opera House.

Meow Meow

Sir Andrew Davis, the esteemed conductor, left an indelible mark on the classical music world with his profound interpretations and exceptional leadership. Throughout his illustrious career, Sir Andrew held esteemed positions with renowned orchestras, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Revered for his dynamic conducting style and deep musical insight, Sir Andrew Davis remains a revered figure in the realm of orchestral and operatic performance, leaving behind a legacy of artistic brilliance that continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike.

Andrew Davis

Karlheinz Stockhausen (1928-2007) was a pioneering German composer widely regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th-century avant-garde music. He is known for his innovative compositions that often pushed the boundaries of traditional musical forms and techniques. Stockhausen's works spanned various genres, including electronic music, aleatory (chance) composition, and serialism. His groundbreaking pieces, such as "Kontakte" and "Gruppen," explored new sonic possibilities and profoundly influenced generations of composers. Additionally, Stockhausen's theoretical writings on music and his visionary approach to composition continue to inspire musicians and scholars alike.

Karlheinz Stockhausen - The Intrepid Ear

In 1819, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe published The West–Eastern Divan, his final major poetry cycle, inspired by his correspondence with actress Marianne von Willemer and Joseph von Hammer’s translations of the Persian poet Hafez. This anthology symbolises cultural exchange between the Orient and Occident, blending Latin and Persian traditions, and Christian and Muslim cultures. Across twelve books, Goethe explores political and religious themes to foster understanding between diverse worlds.

Nearly two centuries later, in 1999, Goethe’s title inspired a new form of dialogue in music. The West–Eastern Divan became the name of an orchestra founded by Argentine-Israeli pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian-American academic Edward Said, bringing cross-cultural collaboration into a modern context.

Bridging Borders: 25 Years of the West–Eastern Divan Orchestra traces the evolution of The West–Eastern Divan from poetry to performance, exploring how its message of unity continues today. This 30-minute audio documentary features insights from Edward Said, Daniel Barenboim, Hisham Khoury, Tal Theodorou, Tabaré Perlas, Regula Rapp, and Jacob Eder.

Written and produced by Breandáin O’Shea.
Executive Producer: Kate Laycock.

Bridging Borders- 25 Years of the West–Eastern Divan Orchestra

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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