Anthony Plog on Music

Anthony Plog (host), Eddie Ludema (Producer)
  • 5.0 (25)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
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Conversations with performers, composers, and entrepreneurs. Join Tony and some of the world’s great musicians in interviews that are fascinating, illuminating, and funny (well, most of the time).

  1. Ahmad Baset Azizi: An Afghan-born American trumpeter whose life journey is a remarkable testament to resilience, courage, and selfless service

    APR 16

    Ahmad Baset Azizi: An Afghan-born American trumpeter whose life journey is a remarkable testament to resilience, courage, and selfless service

    Ahmad Baset Azizi is an Afghan-born American trumpeter whose journey is a remarkable testament to resilience and courage. Fleeing Afghanistan to escape the Taliban's ban on Western music, he pursued his musical dreams, achieving three degrees from the University of Kansas. Baset's story embodies not just his passion for music but also a deep commitment to helping others, aspiring to bridge cultures through his experiences. In this conversation, Baset shares his early life in Afghanistan, his connection to the trumpet, and the challenges he faced while pursuing his education in the U.S. He also reflects on the struggles of refugees today, the meaningful connections he’s fostered, and his aspirations to make a difference through music and public service. As Baset movingly states, "If I only did things for myself and died today, that would be the end of me. But if I helped someone, and they could help the next person, I would live on through those actions."

    1h 38m
  2. Will Leathers: Principal Trumpet of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and the Santa Fe Opera, on auditions, collaborations, his new album, and his goals for the future.

    MAR 24

    Will Leathers: Principal Trumpet of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and the Santa Fe Opera, on auditions, collaborations, his new album, and his goals for the future.

    Will Leathers has quickly established himself as a prominent voice in the world of classical trumpet. After studying at the Juilliard School, Will became Principal Trumpet for both the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and the Santa Fe Opera, a remarkable achievement for someone at his stage in their career. He has collaborated with numerous top ensembles and is recognized by CBC Music as one of Canada’s '30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30.' In this episode, we delve into Will’s evolving orchestral career, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that come with auditions, such as his experiences with the Nashville Symphony and Santa Fe Opera. We also explore his solo recordings, including his recent album "Blue Sky, Purple Clouds," which features a fascinating blend of traditional and innovative sounds and is partially infuenced by his synesthesia. Will shares his insights on musicianship, the artistic process, and the importance of adaptability in today’s diverse musical landscape. As he says, 'Chasing excellence means you’re always looking for ways to make something better or more interesting.'

    1h 15m
  3. Ammiel Bushakevitz: A celebrated pianist, collaborative artist, and chamber musician whose journey through classical music has taken him across six continents.

    FEB 28

    Ammiel Bushakevitz: A celebrated pianist, collaborative artist, and chamber musician whose journey through classical music has taken him across six continents.

    Ammiel Bushakevitz is a celebrated pianist and chamber musician whose journey through classical music has taken him across six continents, performing in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Concertgebouw, Wigmore Hall, among many more. Born in Jerusalem and raised in South Africa, he discovered his passion for music early on, later studying in Leipzig and Paris under renowned teachers. Ammiel has a particular affinity for the art song, collaborating with leading vocalists and releasing multiple award-winning recordings, including the ambitious project to record all of Schubert's piano works by 2028. In this engaging conversation with Tony, Ammiel reflects on his deep connection to Schubert’s music, exploring themes of joy and melancholy that resonate in the composer’s works. He shares personal anecdotes about his musical journey, the evolution of his interpretations, and the importance of musical spontaneity in live performances. With insights into the nuances of piano playing and his collaborative experiences with singers, Ammiel’s reflections reveal the profound impact of music on both his life and artistry.

    1h 25m
  4. Jasmine Choi: A major globally celebrated flautist, international soloist, orchestral musician, and faculty at Indiana University, and her impact on the world of classical music.

    FEB 15

    Jasmine Choi: A major globally celebrated flautist, international soloist, orchestral musician, and faculty at Indiana University, and her impact on the world of classical music.

    Jasmine Choi, praised as “The Goddess of Flute” by the Korea Times, has made a remarkable impact on the classical music world with her extraordinary talent and innovative approach to the flute. From her early days in a family steeped in music to her groundbreaking role as the first Asian woman to serve as Principal Flute of the Vienna Symphony, Jasmine's career has been marked by significant achievements. She has performed with prestigious ensembles worldwide and is celebrated for her acclaimed recordings and strong mentorship of young musicians. In this conversation, we explore Jasmine's journey from a young girl in Korea to a global soloist, her experiences at the Curtis Institute of Music and Juilliard, and the challenges she faced in pursuing her passion. Jasmine shares insights into her unique teaching style, her approach to social media, and her deep commitment to making classical music accessible to a broader audience. With stories that resonate deeply, her journey offers inspiration and valuable lessons for anyone pursuing their dreams in the arts.

    1h 27m
  5. Rob Schwimmer: Thereminist, composer, pianist, vocalist and Haken Continuum player whose worked with countless artists from Simon and Garfunkel to the New York Philharmonic

    JAN 31

    Rob Schwimmer: Thereminist, composer, pianist, vocalist and Haken Continuum player whose worked with countless artists from Simon and Garfunkel to the New York Philharmonic

    Rob Schwimmer is a dynamic composer-pianist and renowned theremin virtuoso whose performances have captivated audiences worldwide. With accolades from The New York Times for his blend of “virtuosity, magic, and humor,” Rob's diverse talents shine through in his solo CD "Heart of Hearing," which features the theremin, Haken Continuum, and solo piano. He has collaborated with an impressive lineup of artists, including Bobby McFerrin, the New York Philharmonic, and Simon and Garfunkel, showcasing his unique ability to hang in multiple genres. In this episode, Rob shares his insights into the theremin's unique sound and its long-standing connection to sci-fi and other film genres. He recounts memorable performances—including a recent debut with the New York Philharmonic—and discusses the intricate relationship between improvisation and formal music training. Rob also demos some of the nuances of the Haken Continuum and the theremin. He shares several engaging stories about working in a variety of  musical settings, from Carnegie Hall to hanging out with Willie Nelson. (Headshot photo by Michael Weintrob)

    1h 9m
  6. Michelle DiBucci: Deep insights from a cross-genre composer, artistic innovator, and professor of music and drama at the Juilliard School

    JAN 3

    Michelle DiBucci: Deep insights from a cross-genre composer, artistic innovator, and professor of music and drama at the Juilliard School

    Composer Michelle DiBucci is a versatile artist whose work spans theater, opera, dance, and film. Michelle has made significant contributions to contemporary music, having collaborated with renowned ensembles like the Kronos Quartet and created works performed at prestigious venues such as Alice Tully Hall and the Komische Oper in Berlin. Her rich background includes studying under esteemed composers like Louis Andriessen and teaching at Juilliard since 1992, where she shares her passion for music and theater with aspiring artists. In this first part of our conversation, we explore Michelle's early influences, from her childhood experiences with television soundtracks to her pivotal moment of discovering the relationship between music and visual storytelling. She shares her journey from acting to composing, detailing how mentorship shaped her path and the lessons learned along the way. Michelle’s insights into music composition reveal the intricate balance between creativity and the realities of the industry. [Subscriber Content] In the second part, we delve deeper into her composition approach and the collaborative process behind her compositions. Michelle discusses memorable projects, including her opera based on Charlotte Solomon’s life, and highlights her thoughts on the changing landscape of music education and the impact of technology on future generations of musicians. This section offers valuable perspectives on navigating a career in music, alongside a reflection on the importance of live performances in an increasingly digital world.

    37 min
  7. Frederica von Stade and Jake Heggie: Two humble titans of opera and music on their musical friendship - Powerful nuggets of wisdom and heartwarming stories!

    12/14/2025

    Frederica von Stade and Jake Heggie: Two humble titans of opera and music on their musical friendship - Powerful nuggets of wisdom and heartwarming stories!

    In this special episode, we're joined once again by two extraordinary figures in the world of opera, mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, affectionately known as Flicka, and composer Jake Heggie. Flicka has graced the great opera houses and concert halls for over four decades, known for her captivating performances in roles by Rossini and Bellini, as well as her powerful interpretations of modern works like Heggie's own operas, including Dead Man Walking. Jake is renowned for his operas, having created over ten full-length works, including the widely acclaimed Moby-Dick and, of course, Dead Man Walking. In Part 1, we delve into their creative partnership, particularly focusing on their song cycle Paper Wings, inspired by Flicka's children. They share personal stories about the songs that resonate universally, illustrating how specific experiences can lead to broader emotional connections in art. The discussion also touches on the joy of collaborating and the importance of maintaining humor in their performances. [Subscriber Content] In Part 2, Jake and Flicka reveal more about their personal journeys with music and performance, including the importance of pushing through those dreaded "bad days" where things just don't seem to work right. Flicka discusses the emotional depth in her interpretations, while Jake reflects on the significance of trust in music. Their insights provide a deeper understanding of the art of singing, composing, and music in general enriching the listener's appreciation for the nuances of opera and lyrical storytelling. Listen in for a heartwarming conversation filled with memories, laughter, and profound insights into the world of music and creativity.

    1h 7m
  8. Karl Schagerl and Jack Burt: An Austrian instrument-making legacy in conversation with a leading trumpet educator on innovation, mentorship, and musical community

    11/25/2025

    Karl Schagerl and Jack Burt: An Austrian instrument-making legacy in conversation with a leading trumpet educator on innovation, mentorship, and musical community

    Karl Schagerl is a leading figure in the world of instrument making since he joined his family's business in 1976. Based in Mank, Austria, Karl has worked and collaborated with a long list of world-class artists, a few of which include Hans and Thomas Gansch, James Morrison, Gabor Tarkovi, and Selina Ott. Dr. Jack Burt, is a distinguished professor of trumpet and performing artist who has contributed extensively to the trumpet community, both as an educator and a performer. Jack's connection to Karl began with a chance introduction through mutual musical interests, leading to a lasting collaboration. In this conversation, we'll explore the fascinating story of how Karl and Jack first connected, sparked by a shared love for Austrian folk flugelhorn duets and a chance recommendation from jazz legend Peter Erskine. Jack talks about how he first reached out to Karl for some music and CDs, which eventually led to their meeting at a brass concert years later. Karl shares how this initial interaction grew into a professional friendship with plenty of stories and impactful insights along the way. [Subscriber Content] In the remainder of the discussion, Karl reveals more about the business side of Schagerl Instruments, discussing their global outreach and how they've continued to innovate in response to evolving musical demands.

    47 min
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About

Conversations with performers, composers, and entrepreneurs. Join Tony and some of the world’s great musicians in interviews that are fascinating, illuminating, and funny (well, most of the time).

Information

  • Creator
    Anthony Plog (host), Eddie Ludema (Producer)
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    211
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Anthony Plog on Music
  • Show Website
    Anthony Plog on Music

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