The Alphorn Podcast

Alphorn Association of North America

The Alphorn is a unique and ancient art form that adorns mountains across the world with its sacred tune. In this show we explore the instrument, its history and seek to bring awareness to the tradition of the Alphorn so we can advance its legacy for future generations.

  1. Aug 28

    Jim Hopson

    🎶 THIS WEEK ON THE ALPHORN PODCAST: JIM HOPSON! 🎶 Get ready for an incredible conversation with Jim Hopson—a professional alphorn, trombone, and tuba artist, world-renowned composer, and educator from Vancouver, British Columbia! 🇨🇦🎺 Jim is currently on faculty at the University of British Columbia, where he teaches a myriad of classes including Jazz, Brass, and Percussion. Throughout his career, Jim has conducted thousands of workshops, clinics, and masterclasses for students of all ages and abilities. But Jim’s impact on the alphorn world goes even further. He is one of the world’s most prolific alphorn recording artists, with Alphorn Generations and en plein air standing out as two of the best alphorn recordings of all time. 🎶🏔️ His Master’s thesis, “en plein air: Holistic post-digital Alphorn artistry and pedagogy in the Pacific Northwest,” is based on his 2024 album and explores the artistic and pedagogical foundations behind his work—offering a blueprint for musicians and educators seeking “eco-musical self-realization through song, wind, and groove in the post-digital age.” This is a conversation you DON’T want to miss! Jim’s unique perspective on alphorn artistry, education, composition, recording, and the future of the instrument makes this week’s episode a fascinating listen for alphorn players, musicians, educators, and music lovers alike. ❤️🎶 🎵 Listen to Jim’s recordings and download his compositions on Bandcamp:Jim Hopson on Bandcamp Learn more about Jim and his work: Jim Hopson MusicPhonos MusicUniversity of British Columbia – Jim HopsonJim Hopson on FacebookAlphorn.ca – Jim Hopson ANNA https://www.alphornassociation.org/ Alpensong https://www.alpensong.com/ #TheAlphornPodcast #JimHopson #Alphorn #AlphornMusic #AlphornArtist #AlphornCommunity #BrassMusic #MusicEducation #AlphornProject #AANA We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

    Jim Hopson
  2. Aug 21

    Ciera Alkhoury

    🎶🇨🇭 From the University of the Pacific to the Swiss Alps… this is an alphorn journey you won’t want to miss! 🇨🇭🎶 On this episode of The Alphorn Podcast, we’re excited to feature Ciera Alkhoury! Ciera Alklhoury is a student at the University of the Pacific where she is studying horn performance and music history. She has spent the past year studying the alphorn as part of AANA's Alphorn Project at the University of the Pacific. Ciera won a research grant to study the history of the Alphorn in Switzerland during the summer of 2026. Her project thesis was "Swiss Alphorn Traditions: Informing Modern Horn Playing and Pedagogy.” During her study in Switzerland, Ciera also competed at the 2026 International Alphorn Festival in Nendaz! 🇨🇭 Ciera is giving a lecture and an alphorn recital titled "Reflections from the Alps" on 30 September 2026 at 7:30 p.m. PDT at the University of the Pacific. 🎧 Tune in to hear about Ciera’s experience studying the alphorn, researching its rich history in Switzerland, competing in Nendaz, and bringing her experiences from the Alps back to her work as a modern horn player and educator! Be sure to listen to this inspiring episode of The Alphorn Podcast! 🎶📯🇨🇭 ✨ Follow Ciera and check out more of her alphorn journey: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciera_alkhoury/ 🎶 Alphorn Recital — “Reflections from the Alps”: https://www.pacific.edu/event/alphorn-recital-reflections-alps 🇨🇭 Alphorn Showcase at German Guys, Lodi: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-zJr5XfgJj8 📯 Watch more from Ciera: https://youtube.com/watch?v=z4nsTLnQ6X0&is=HbSGenPZWYLjoNva We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

    Ciera Alkhoury
4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Alphorn is a unique and ancient art form that adorns mountains across the world with its sacred tune. In this show we explore the instrument, its history and seek to bring awareness to the tradition of the Alphorn so we can advance its legacy for future generations.