A Conversation with Composer Caroline Shaw

A Conversation with Composer Caroline Shaw

Author: Joshua Weilerstein October 18, 2024 Duration: 47:32

Caroline Shaw is one of the most fascinating, innovative, and brilliant composers of our time. Since winning the Pulitzer Prize in 2013, she rocketed onto the scene and has stayed there ever since, writing music that has captivated audiences around the world. In this conversation, which dates back to 2020(so there is a bit of pandemic talk at the beginning), we talked about her musical upbringing, the shock and surprise of her Pulitzer win, her compositional process, and much much more. This was a really fun and edifying conversation and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 


There’s a particular kind of curiosity that draws people to classical music, but the sheer scale of the repertoire can feel overwhelming. Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast, hosted by conductor Joshua Weilerstein, meets that curiosity right where it is. Think of it as a series of open conversations about the music itself, designed to be equally engaging for someone hearing a symphony for the first time and for a lifelong devotee. Episodes might feature a thoughtful interview with a performing artist, offering a glimpse behind the curtain, or they could focus entirely on a single piece, peeling back its layers to explore why it resonates. Weilerstein guides these explorations with clarity and enthusiasm, moving seamlessly from foundational concepts to more nuanced details about different musical eras. The entire premise of this podcast is built on a genuine belief that this music belongs to all of us. It’s about replacing any sense of intimidation with connection and understanding. While past seasons are gradually being re-released, each episode stands as its own invitation to listen more deeply.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 284

Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Beethoven String Quartet, Op. 132 (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:01
I've long hesitated to write a show about any of Beethoven's late string quartets. These are pieces that quartets spend the better part of their careers grappling with, struggling with, failing with, and much more rarely…
How to Build an Orchestra w/Joshua Roman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:04
I was thrilled to be joined by Joshua Roman, cellist, composer, and curator. The core of our discussion centers on building an orchestra from the ground up. That is, not taking over an existing orchestra, but starting on…
Deborah Borda, President of the New York Philharmonic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:19
Of all the interviews I've done this year on Sticky Notes, this might be my favorite. I sat down a few weeks ago with Deborah Borda, the new CEO and President of the New York Philharmonic, to talk about the future of not…
A Conversation w/ Bass-Baritone Eric Owens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:25
Part 2 of The Week of the Voice is here with the incredible bass-baritone Eric Owens! We talk about the joy of getting to play bad guys in opera, his professional-level oboe playing(!!), conducting, the future of classic…
A Conversation w/ Mezzo Soprano Sasha Cooke [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:38
Welcome to the Week of the Voice! Join conductor and host Joshua Weilerstein, back from a brief illness-inspired hiatus(!), as he welcomes in the amazing Mezzo-Soprano Sasha Cooke for a chat about Mahler, about singing o…
How to Change the World w/ Yo-Yo Ma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:34
Join conductor and host Joshua Weilerstein as he welcomes the legendary cellist and humanitarian Yo-Yo Ma for a full-length interview! In the interview, we discuss what it means to be a musical citizen, how to create cha…
Emanuel Ax Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:01
Join conductor and host Joshua Weilerstein for a conversation with the world-renowned pianist Emanuel Ax! We cover crossword puzzles, growing up in the Soviet Union, moving to Canada, and then to New York, selling balone…
Eun Lee, Founder of The Dream Unfinished [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:16
Concluding a week-long focus on Composers of Color, join host Joshua Weilerstein as he welcomes Eun Lee, the founder of The Dream Unfinished, an activist orchestra using classical music as a platform to address issues of…
10 things to change about classical concerts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:12
Join your host, conductor Joshua Weilerstein, as he welcomes Aram Demirjian, the Music Director of the Knoxville Symphony, and Matt Szymanski, the Founder and Music Director of Phoenix, to discuss an article that roiled…