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 Potential of Poise, from the Outside-In

Last week I played with the ballet.  For those who know me, it is no secret that I love dance.  I even took some beginner ballet classes last year so that I could experience it first-hand.  I had a wonderful … Continue reading

Posted in Habits, Philosophy, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Seeing and Vision: A Closer Look

Throughout our lifetime, if we are fortunate, we come across a few rare souls who, when we are with them, we are brought right into this present moment.  They allow us to experience life in a deeper way than we … Continue reading

Posted in Habits, Philosophy, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Good news: Mark in the press!

Here’s a tidbit of fun news for you on a rainy and SNOWY (earlier today anyway!) April Fool’s Day.  Mark Kennedy made the paper in Altoona last week during the PMEA festival held there.  Congrats, Mark!  Here’s the article: Striking … Continue reading

Posted in Students, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Ripening Like the Tree

Nearly every major religion or thought system in the world has a period of time dedicated to lean times, fasting, contemplation of suffering, and transitions from life to death (or from death to life).  There is the Christian season of … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

On Pins and Needles – and Banana Bread

This is a time of year that is full of potential.  Winter seems to be over, mostly, and spring has started to show hints of what lies ahead in the little buds on the trees, but it’s still raw outside.  … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Versatility, Exploration, and Expression: A Conversation with Chris Komer

How many professional horn players do you know who have a piano album out?  I know one.  As I listened to Chris Komer’s piano improvisations the other day, I noticed several things about these short-but-sweet moments captured in time.  I … Continue reading

Posted in Interviews with Professional Horn Players | Leave a comment

The Greatness of Little Things, And Vice-Versa

Japan has been on my mind and in my heart a lot these past several days for obvious reasons.  During this time, I find myself mulling over the things I love about that country, the things I find most impressive … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Piece of Metal, A Quick Follow-up Thought

One of my favorite people in the world to listen to is Krista Tippet.  She has a radio show on public radio called Being. On this week’s show, she interviews two astronomers who work out of the Vatican Observatory and … Continue reading

Posted in Philosophy | 1 Comment

Presence, Clarity, and Courage: A Conversation with Julie Landsman

There aren’t many horn players out there who are as revered as Julie Landsman.  Recently retired from 25 years as principal horn of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, she continues to teach at the Juilliard School, and was recently in Philadelphia … Continue reading

Posted in Interviews with Professional Horn Players | 13 Comments

Piece of Metal

From time to time I find myself flipping back and forth between the front-page headlines of the New York Times to the Arts section, struck by the fact that these two categories can even be in the same paper.  I … Continue reading

Posted in Philosophy | 4 Comments