Masumi Per Rostad Released New Sound Post Episode
The latest episode features violist Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt and her historical Brescian instrument.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Medieval and Renaissance
Masumi Per Rostad has released the second episode of the fifth series of his Sound Post project. The installment highlights the career and 17th-century Brescian viola of guest Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt.
Why it matters
The series serves as a deep dive into the lives of musicians by focusing on the unique instruments that define their artistic identity. These conversations provide listeners with an intimate look at the relationship between professional performers and their historical tools.
The featured Brescian viola dates back to the 17th century, while Rostad brings two decades of quartet performance experience to the series. The project is currently in its fifth series of episodes.
The players
Masumi Per Rostad
He is a professor of viola and chamber music at the Eastman School of Music and previously served as a member of the Pacifica Quartet for nearly twenty years.
Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt
She serves on the viola faculty at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance and performs on a 17th-century Brescian viola.
The details
The Sound Post series centers on interviews where musicians discuss their instruments in depth. In this episode, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, a faculty member at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, explores the history and characteristics of her 17th-century instrument.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: The episode was officially released.
Industry Dynamics
The Sound Post series reflects a growing trend of musicians utilizing podcasting to demystify professional instrumentation and provide historical context to their craft. This move mirrors the broader shift toward creator-led digital media platforms within the classical music industry.
Listeners can access this conversation through the Sound Post platform to gain insights into the performance techniques used by faculty members at major music institutions. The series provides an educational resource for students and enthusiasts interested in the mechanics of historical violas.
The takeaway
The series demonstrates how instrumental history remains a vital component of modern classical performance practice. Listeners are encouraged to explore the sonic differences between centuries-old instruments and contemporary models through these expert discussions.
Further reading
Learn more about historical string instruments and their evolution in our Medieval and Renaissance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by World's Leading Classical Music Platform.
