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Over 140 recorded episodes. Let's Talk Off The Podium podcast features renowned and aspiring artists. The long list of guests include winners of Grammy Awards, the Pulitzer Prize, MacArthur Fellow, Rome Prize, ASCAP Awards, WOMEX Awards, & the Polar Music Prize. The mission of this podcast is to create discussion on a variety of topics in music, culture, and arts. Past guests include: Evelyn Glennie, George Walker, David Harrington (Kronos Quartet), Christian McBride, Mark O'Connor, Sharon Isbin, Richard Stoltzman, Ludovic Morlot, Christopher Theofanidis, Vijay Iyer, Yolanda Kondonassis, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Diane Schuur, Øystein Baadsvik, Ransom Wilson, Roger Bobo, Eugene Izotov, Martin Kuuskmann, Ran Blake, Robert Aldridge, Jaime Martin, Melia Watras, Martin Bresnick, Robert Dick & many others.
I had the pleasure of meeting Tigran during our conversation on his 2020 podcast. It was such a joy to share this time with him, his passion for music and art is genuine, inspiring and infused with positive energy from the heart. Even though we had only just met virtually, I felt as if I'd known him for years and that we could have talked for hours. I can imagine that he brings this great enthusiasm to his onstage musical collaborations as well. During these challenging pandemic times, Tigran is among those who rises to the occasion to create meaningful experiences that engage and unite us all. Congratulations on your remarkable collection of interviews, and thank you for including me! - Sharon Isbin, multi-Grammy Award winning guitarist
Talking with Tigran let me go places in my memory that I thought I had lost and I’m grateful to him for simply listening and allowing me to open doors and dreams to my past in the most musical and sensitive way. Like Brahms’ last clarinet sonata, “Amabile con dolce e espressivo “. - Richard Stoltzman, multi-Grammy winning clarinetist
After a lifetime of interviews, it takes a lot to impress me about an interviewer. Frankly, I was blown away by Tigran Arakelyan and his skill in this genre. He is prepared, knowledgeable, intelligent and witty—and he is completely comfortable with the technology involved. One of the best interview experiences in many years! - Ransom Wilson, conductor and one of the greatest flutists of his generation
Thanks so much for posting the excellent interview. If you plan to be in in the New York area at any time, please feel free to contact me. I am only 35 minutes from Manhattan in Montclair NJ. With all good wishes. - George Walker, Pulitzer Prize winning composer and pianist
"I had a wonderful time talking about music and life with Tigran on Off The Podium. I've done a lot of interviews, but Tigran's questions were so interesting and intelligent that I almost forgot we were taping. That's the mark of a great interviewer and usually the way you get to the authentic core of topics. We need more podcasts like this one that seek to illuminate the diversity of voices in the classical music industry." - Yolanda Kondonassis, One of the world’s premier solo harpists.
Tigran is one of the most engaging interviewers that I have experienced in my career as a composer. He's thoughtful, intelligent, a great listener, and comes up with questions that others would overlook or not even imagine. He was fully prepared for an interview with me and asked interesting and thought-provoking questions. I thoroughly enjoyed the hour I spent with him and I whole-heartedly recommend his podcast to anyone who is interested in some of the underlying issues with the field of music today. He starts with the music, but then ventures far beyond that, which in my opinion, is a great thing! - Robert Aldridge, Grammy award winning composer
I was very pleased to have participated in an interview with Maestro Tigran Arakelyan, it was a pleasure. The interview maintained at a good pace that I’m sure kept the interest of the listening audience and kept my interest. Another way of saying Mr. Arakelyan asked me all the questions that were comfortable for me. I look forward to another occasion of the next collaboration. - Roger Bobo, tuba virtuoso
I had the great pleasure of talking to Tigran on his podcast. Very to the point questions and a nice atmosphere. He might even have tricked me into revealing some deep trade secrets! - Øystein Baadsvik, tuba soloist and one of the top brass players in the world
Tigran has a fantastic podcast, his conversation and questions are researched and thoughtful, centered in the ideas of art and the deep issues that we face in today’s world. I recommend that everyone should listen to his podcasts, because you‘ll have a beautiful experience staying with you all whole day. - Wadada Leo Smith, trumpeter and composer
A short while ago Tigran Arakelyan interviewed me for his Podcast. Tigran was well-prepared and articulate. His thoughtful questions helped to shape the experience in a satisfying and informative manner. I enjoyed every moment of it! - Martin Bresnick, Professor of Composition at Yale University
I highly recommend Tigran Arakelyan’s podcast “Off the Podium”. As a guest of Mr. Arakelyan, I found him to be quite knowledgable about my work and warmly personable. His questions were perceptive and went into much more interesting musical territory than most interviews I’ve experienced. Our discussion was both substantive and enjoyable! I’d be delighted to return to “Off the Podium”. - Robert Dick, flutist, inventor and composer. NYU Professor.
Tigran, that was fantastic!! Thank you SO much, you are one of the best interviewers I've ever had the pleasure of speaking with! You really get what this music is all about! - Ali Ryerson, jazz flutist
I feel very lucky and privileged to have taken part in Tigran Arakelyan's 'Off The Podium' podcasts. It was a real pleasure to be interviewed and a luxury to speak at such length, and so freely. Tigran is a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and patient interviewer whose curiosity about the nature of music has resulted in this extraordinary series of interesting and informative podcasts. The astonishingly wide range of musical practitioners he has now included in the series is a testament to his eclecticism and openness. I've found the series to be educational, entertaining – a true delight. - James Gardner, composer
Doing an interview with Tigran is such an engaging experience. He has a natural ability of curating a conversation based on a genuine sense of interest, curiosity, and respect. In addition to asking thought-provoking questions, he also possesses so much charm and a great sense of wit and humor. After friends and colleagues heard the podcast, everyone made special mention of Tigran’s interview style and effective skills from a technical and artistic point of view. I’m honored to have been asked to be a guest with him and I hope others can learn from his stellar example! - Kris Kwapis, Virtuoso Baroque Trumpet and Cornetto
I thoroughly enjoyed an interesting and collegial chat with Tigran Arakelyan as part of his "Off the Podium" podcast. Mr. Arakelyan is a generous and knowledgeable advocate for music and — perhaps more important — *thought* about music. - James Romig, composer
“Tigran’s “Off The Podium” podcast was an experience I was humbled to have alongside an impressive group of contributors over the years. Sharing my story with his audience gave me an opportunity to think deeply about the ideas and perspectives I have in a field full of opportunities and challenges.” - Stanford Thompson, Founder and Executive Director of Play on Philly
"How wonderful to have another musician, an orchestral conductor who clearly has many irons in the fire, and a long list of accomplishments in his own right, interview me about my work as a composer for multi-media. He came to our meeting refreshingly prepared, familiar with my work, and quite selfless and magnanimous in his role as interviewer. His enthusiasm for music, art and craft is inspiring." - Steve Kirk, composer
Talking with Tigran let me go places in my memory that I thought I had lost and I’m grateful to him for simply listening and allowing me to open doors and dreams to my past in the most musical and sensitive way. Like Brahms’ last clarinet sonata, “Amabile con dolce e espressivo “. - Richard Stoltzman, multi-Grammy winning clarinetist
After a lifetime of interviews, it takes a lot to impress me about an interviewer. Frankly, I was blown away by Tigran Arakelyan and his skill in this genre. He is prepared, knowledgeable, intelligent and witty—and he is completely comfortable with the technology involved. One of the best interview experiences in many years! - Ransom Wilson, conductor and one of the greatest flutists of his generation
Thanks so much for posting the excellent interview. If you plan to be in in the New York area at any time, please feel free to contact me. I am only 35 minutes from Manhattan in Montclair NJ. With all good wishes. - George Walker, Pulitzer Prize winning composer and pianist
"I had a wonderful time talking about music and life with Tigran on Off The Podium. I've done a lot of interviews, but Tigran's questions were so interesting and intelligent that I almost forgot we were taping. That's the mark of a great interviewer and usually the way you get to the authentic core of topics. We need more podcasts like this one that seek to illuminate the diversity of voices in the classical music industry." - Yolanda Kondonassis, One of the world’s premier solo harpists.
Tigran is one of the most engaging interviewers that I have experienced in my career as a composer. He's thoughtful, intelligent, a great listener, and comes up with questions that others would overlook or not even imagine. He was fully prepared for an interview with me and asked interesting and thought-provoking questions. I thoroughly enjoyed the hour I spent with him and I whole-heartedly recommend his podcast to anyone who is interested in some of the underlying issues with the field of music today. He starts with the music, but then ventures far beyond that, which in my opinion, is a great thing! - Robert Aldridge, Grammy award winning composer
I was very pleased to have participated in an interview with Maestro Tigran Arakelyan, it was a pleasure. The interview maintained at a good pace that I’m sure kept the interest of the listening audience and kept my interest. Another way of saying Mr. Arakelyan asked me all the questions that were comfortable for me. I look forward to another occasion of the next collaboration. - Roger Bobo, tuba virtuoso
I had the great pleasure of talking to Tigran on his podcast. Very to the point questions and a nice atmosphere. He might even have tricked me into revealing some deep trade secrets! - Øystein Baadsvik, tuba soloist and one of the top brass players in the world
Tigran has a fantastic podcast, his conversation and questions are researched and thoughtful, centered in the ideas of art and the deep issues that we face in today’s world. I recommend that everyone should listen to his podcasts, because you‘ll have a beautiful experience staying with you all whole day. - Wadada Leo Smith, trumpeter and composer
A short while ago Tigran Arakelyan interviewed me for his Podcast. Tigran was well-prepared and articulate. His thoughtful questions helped to shape the experience in a satisfying and informative manner. I enjoyed every moment of it! - Martin Bresnick, Professor of Composition at Yale University
I highly recommend Tigran Arakelyan’s podcast “Off the Podium”. As a guest of Mr. Arakelyan, I found him to be quite knowledgable about my work and warmly personable. His questions were perceptive and went into much more interesting musical territory than most interviews I’ve experienced. Our discussion was both substantive and enjoyable! I’d be delighted to return to “Off the Podium”. - Robert Dick, flutist, inventor and composer. NYU Professor.
Tigran, that was fantastic!! Thank you SO much, you are one of the best interviewers I've ever had the pleasure of speaking with! You really get what this music is all about! - Ali Ryerson, jazz flutist
I feel very lucky and privileged to have taken part in Tigran Arakelyan's 'Off The Podium' podcasts. It was a real pleasure to be interviewed and a luxury to speak at such length, and so freely. Tigran is a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and patient interviewer whose curiosity about the nature of music has resulted in this extraordinary series of interesting and informative podcasts. The astonishingly wide range of musical practitioners he has now included in the series is a testament to his eclecticism and openness. I've found the series to be educational, entertaining – a true delight. - James Gardner, composer
Doing an interview with Tigran is such an engaging experience. He has a natural ability of curating a conversation based on a genuine sense of interest, curiosity, and respect. In addition to asking thought-provoking questions, he also possesses so much charm and a great sense of wit and humor. After friends and colleagues heard the podcast, everyone made special mention of Tigran’s interview style and effective skills from a technical and artistic point of view. I’m honored to have been asked to be a guest with him and I hope others can learn from his stellar example! - Kris Kwapis, Virtuoso Baroque Trumpet and Cornetto
I thoroughly enjoyed an interesting and collegial chat with Tigran Arakelyan as part of his "Off the Podium" podcast. Mr. Arakelyan is a generous and knowledgeable advocate for music and — perhaps more important — *thought* about music. - James Romig, composer
“Tigran’s “Off The Podium” podcast was an experience I was humbled to have alongside an impressive group of contributors over the years. Sharing my story with his audience gave me an opportunity to think deeply about the ideas and perspectives I have in a field full of opportunities and challenges.” - Stanford Thompson, Founder and Executive Director of Play on Philly
"How wonderful to have another musician, an orchestral conductor who clearly has many irons in the fire, and a long list of accomplishments in his own right, interview me about my work as a composer for multi-media. He came to our meeting refreshingly prepared, familiar with my work, and quite selfless and magnanimous in his role as interviewer. His enthusiasm for music, art and craft is inspiring." - Steve Kirk, composer
I don’t know of—in fact, can scarcely imagine—a podcast that does a better job of demystifying the classical-music business for the layman than Tigran Arakelyan’s “Off the Podium.” Informal chats with performers and composers from around the world dig deep into the profession’s challenges, secrets, and joys with Arakelyan as their passionate, provocative, and impeccably informed host. - Gavin Borchert, Arts Writer at Seattle Times, Seattle Weekly, & Seattle Magazine
Tigran’s podcast is as entertaining as it is informative. Diving deeply into not only what his guests are doing but why they are doing it, his experience on the podium and in front of a microphone makes him a particularly insightful, perceptive, and engaging interviewer. - Bob Lord, CEO of PARMA Recordings
T.A. is an exceptionally thoughtful colleague and an ideal interviewer. He put me at ease and facilitated an organic conversation which allowed me to easily tell my story. I thoroughly enjoyed being a guest on his podcast! - Byron Schenkman, harpsichordist
I have done a lot of interviews in my professional life as a musician for over 40 years. I can say without any hesitation that my online conversation with Tigran Arakelyan for his podcast was one the most relaxing and inspiring of them all. His timing was great, and he posed the questions in an intelligent and smooth flow. It was a pleasurable experience for me, and I believe also for his listeners. - Jovino Santos Neto, 3-time Latin Grammy nominee is a master pianist, flutist, composer, arranger and conductor
Tigran having had the pleasure of sharing my thoughts with you on your podcast was refreshing. Normally, I do interviews to promote something (tours, recordings, etc.) so it was a nice change of pace to speak to you without a preconceived agenda. Thank you for the opportunity ! - Alphonso Johnson from the Weather Report and Professor at U.S.C. and Cal Arts.
Tigran Arakelyan is an engaging artist who brings his knowledge, insight and infectious enthusiasm to all his musical activities; whether conducting a symphony orchestra, or conducting interviews for his podcast “Off the Podium.” - Michael Nicolella, guitarist
"It was a pleasure being interviewed by Tigran Arakelyan for his “Off The Podium” post cast. He asked questions of real meaning and substance, which provide material for the listener to be both entertained and informed. He has a natural way of inviting his guests to share what they care about and it is a refreshing and positive contribution to the classical music world." - David A. Rahbee, Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Washington
Participating in the podcast “Off The Podium” with Tigran was, in a sense, a revelational experience. Not only did I get a chance to tell my story to the new audience, but also those who had known me from my adolescence or even childhood found out new important facts about my life that I, for some reason, had been neglecting to tell them of for years. Bravo to Tigran for his superb communicational and conversational skills! - Andrey Kasparov, composer and professor