Author Archives: Angela

About Angela

French hornist Angela Cordell Bilger enjoys a freelance career as a chamber musician, orchestral player, and educator. She recently moved to the Chicago area from Philadelphia where she was second horn with Opera Philadelphia. She plays frequently with The Philadelphia Orchestra where she spent the 2008-2009 and 2016-2017 seasons as acting fourth horn. She recently joined the Chicago-based Sapphire Woodwind Quintet and coaches chamber music at Northwestern University and Midwest Young Artists Conservatory. During her years in New York City, Angela performed with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and in many Broadway shows. In addition, she spent several summers at the Marlboro Music Festival and toured with Musicians from Marlboro. Angela has served as adjunct faculty at Montclair State University, Drexel University, and Temple University. She lives on the North Shore of Chicago with her husband, trumpet player David Bilger, and their two children.

The Exciting European Adventures of the Young Corzoo

It was a rainy day in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and as anyone knows, there is no better activity during a thunderstorm than to cuddle up inside with a good book!  That is how I found my young friend Corzoo … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized, Young Corzoo | 9 Comments

On Journeymen and Being a Pilgrim

Last week while rehearsing in New York, I visited with my violinist friend Eva.  She had just returned from a long trip to Europe during which she hiked the Alps for seven days – along the ridges at the very … Continue reading

Posted in Habits, Philosophy, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Inner Landscapes

Someone once told me that the only difference between me this year and me next year is the people I will meet and the books I will read.  Though this is obviously a simplification, I tend to think that there’s … Continue reading

Posted in Habits, Philosophy, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Time Out for Love, the Voice, and the Archlute

If you will allow me to go slightly off-topic, this weekend is a very special one for my husband and me: we are celebrating our first wedding anniversary!  Between that and the fact that I am attending a wedding tomorrow, … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Thinking and Playing – Outside the Box! A Conversation With Michael Atkinson

Over the course of my studies and career, I’ve been fortunate to attend many masterclasses and have lessons with some of the greatest horn players in the world.  One of the questions that students would often ask these great performers … Continue reading

Posted in Interviews with Professional Horn Players, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and You: Commitment, the Journey, and Joy

I have had the opportunity to play Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on several occasions now between my work in New York and Philadelphia.  This past week I played four concerts of this great work.  One of the most stunning things to … Continue reading

Posted in Habits, Philosophy, Uncategorized | 11 Comments

The Art of the Blank Space, And What Eleanor Roosevelt Says

Throughout our musical lives, we come across various kinds of Blank Spaces in our calendars.  They can feel like a blessing or a curse depending on the situation.  For students there is the oft-longed-for Summer Vacation.  For recent graduates and … Continue reading

Posted in Habits, Philosophy, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Music (and Life!) Lessons with Mom: Music Moms, Part Two

In continued anticipation of Mother’s Day, I want to introduce you more thoroughly to my own mother and to some of the things she taught me, both through music and away from music. This Mother’s Day is an especially big … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

A Moment For Music Moms – Our Unsung Heroines

We hear so much about Soccer and Hockey Moms – but let’s talk about Music Moms!  Since Mother’s Day is almost here, I thought I would use today and the rest of this week to pay tribute to these amazing … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Interaction, Education, and Balance: A Conversation With Eric Reed

The Canadian Brass is coming to town this week!  I had the great pleasure of working a few times last month with the newest member of the quintet, horn player Eric Reed.  Eric and I have known each other since … Continue reading

Posted in Interviews with Professional Horn Players, Uncategorized | Leave a comment