Backstage: Classical Career Conversations

Join host Katrina Stroud as she sits down with professional classical musicians to uncover the personal journeys behind public performances. In each episode, you'll hear conversations that reveal the passion, struggles, and turning points that have shaped the lives of classical musicians.

Hear some of the greatest classical artists in the world share their stories of resilience, artistry, and inspiration and give their advice to aspiring professional musicians. Whether you're a seasoned musician, working student, or someone who loves the transformative power of classical music, this podcast invites you to listen deeply -- to the music, and to the stories behind it.

Love the show? Support Backstage CCC with a donation at paypal.me/backstageccc — every bit helps us share more inspirational stories!

Contributors

Host

Katrina Stroud

Katrina Stroud has been playing violin since the age of three and currently attends the University of Michigan, and graduated from the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings with her Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance with electives in Business. As a sophomore in college in 2023 she won second prize in the St. Paul String Quartet Competition and was a quarter-finalist in the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition.

Katrina has performed in the Fabian Concert Series of Mercer University and has also been invited to and performed in the concert series Andy and Friends, USCB Chamber Music, and New Canaan Chamber Music. Katrina has performed in Rome alongside Robert McDuffie, and performed in the Emmy award-winning “A Night of Georgia Music” which was broadcasted on national television. Katrina was a member of the Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the New World Symphony as a substitute musician.

Guests

Guest

Amy Schwartz Moretti

Violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti is equally accomplished as chamber musician, concertmaster, soloist, and educator. She appears as soloist and chamber music artist at music festivals and concert series internationally. She is a member of the Ehnes Quartet. In 2007, she became the inaugural Director of the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University in Georgia, leading their new string program for gifted young artists within the School of Music supported by full-tuition scholarships. She has established and expanded the Fabian Concert Series bringing esteemed artists to campus for performances and classes.

She has been concertmaster of the Oregon and Florida Symphonies and appears as a guest concertmaster in Symphonies around the country. She has recorded many albums and has been recognzed with many awards.

https://amyschwartzmoretti.com/

Guest appearance on:

Amy Schwartz Moretti: Robert McDuffie Center for Strings