This week we feature the first half of an interview with double bassist Peter Seymour. Peter has performed for the New World Symphony and spent a season playing with the Cleveland Orchestra, and he is now involved with an exciting new trio called Project. This group is made up of Peter on bass, Eric Stephenson on cello, and Greg Patillo on flute. Learn more about Project at www.whatisproject.org and stay tuned for the conclusion of this interview in the next few weeks.

This week’s Contrabass Conversations episode features an interview with Suzuki Bass School pioneer, pedagogue, and teacher trainer Virginia Dixon.  Virginia shares her years of experience performing and teaching the double bass, highlights unique aspects of the Suzuki bass method, and offers advice for those interested in pursuing a career as a double bass teacher.

We also feature music from electric bassist Ben Torrey on this episode.  Ben specializes in performing classical music on the electric bass.  Check out his video tutorials, downloadable tracks, and more at www.bentorrey.com:2112/blog.

Enjoy!

This Contrabass Conversations special series is made possible by the Chicago Chamber Musicians and Brad Opland.  Learn more about this fine ensemble at www.chicagochambermusic.org.  This episode features music for cello and bass by Haydn and Rossini performed by Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians Brad Opland and Gary Stucka.  They perform the Haydn Divertimento in D Major and the Rossini Duetto on this installment.  This performance was recorded live in 2004.

Exploring Chamber Music is a multi-part series highlighting world class performances of chamber music featuring the double bass.

Sometimes bad things happen on gigs...like this.

This interview-only Contrabass Conversations episode features the conclusion of our interview with Indiana University double bass professor Lawrence Hurst, whom we interviewed on episodes 20 and 23 of the podcast.

This week, we bring listeners a very entertaining and interesting interview with Justin Locke, author of Real Men Don't Rehearse, a book filled with wonderful anecdotes about his life in the music business.  Justin was a freelance double bassist in the Boston area for nearly two decades, working regularly during that time with the Boston Pops and other area ensembles.  Learn more about Justin at www.justinlocke.com. 

We also bring you a track from Italian bassist and composer Alessandro Ceccangeli titled In Ludere.  Learn more about this excellent bassist at www.myspace.com/alessandroceccangeli.  Enjoy!