It may come as a surprise to some to know that at the start of the 20th century, one of the leading musicians in Europe was a young Australian woman. Alma Moodie was a violinist whose playing inspired composers the likes of Stravinsky, Hindemith and Reger. But she also cultivated friendships with the aristocracy, philanthropist
and artists like the poet Rainer Maria Rilke.  And as Breandáin O’Shea discovered, the correspondence also reveals the vast influence of this artist,  who has almost been forgotten in Germany

A feature for Inside Europe (DW) EP: Helen Seeney

Remembering Alma Moodie (IE06062022)

Mitsuko Uchida, an acclaimed Japanese-born pianist, is renowned for her profound interpretations of classical piano repertoire. Born in Atami, Japan, in 1948, Uchida has established herself as one of the foremost interpreters of Mozart and Schubert, earning widespread recognition for her exquisite touch, nuanced phrasing, and deep musical insight. Her artistry extends beyond performance; Uchida is also highly regarded as a conductor and chamber musician. With a career spanning several decades, she has collaborated with major orchestras worldwide and has received numerous awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance with Orchestra.  In this interview with Breandáin O'Shea, we delve into the musical journey and perspectives of Mitsuko Uchida, exploring her unique approach to the piano and the timeless beauty of classical music.

Pianist Mitsuko Uchida

David Pountney is a British opera director celebrated for his innovative and thought-provoking productions across the globe. Born in 1947, Pountney has directed operas for leading companies such as the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, and Welsh National Opera, where he served as chief executive and artistic director. His work often explores contemporary themes and incorporates elements of visual artistry and multimedia. Pountney's contributions to opera have earned him widespread recognition, and he continues to inspire audiences with his creative vision and commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

David Pountney Part II - The Intrepid Ear

Dmitry Sitkovetsky is a renowned violinist and conductor recognised for his virtuosic performances and innovative approach to music. Born on September 27, 1954, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Sitkovetsky began his musical studies at an early age and quickly gained international acclaim as a soloist. He is particularly celebrated for his interpretations of the classical repertoire, including works by Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. In addition to his career as a performer, Sitkovetsky has also established himself as a respected conductor, leading orchestras around the world. He is known for his dynamic and insightful interpretations, as well as his dedication to promoting classical music to audiences of all ages.

Dmitry Sitkovetsky - The Intrepid Ear

Esther Freud is a British actor and writer.  She is the great-granddaughter of Sigmund Freud and the daughter of painter Lucian Freud. Although primarily known for her career as a novelist, Freud has also acted in both film and television productions. She gained critical acclaim for her debut novel "Hideous Kinky" (1992), which was later adapted into a film starring Kate Winslet. Freud's writing often explores themes of family dynamics, identity, and relationships. Her literary works include "The Sea House" (2003), "Love Falls" (2007), and "Mr. Mac and Me" (2014), among others.

Esther Freud

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

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 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

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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