From Powdered Wigs to Protests: Short Stories, Essays, and Memoirs Unmasking Symphony Orchestra Culture
Welcome to Harpsichords & Hot Sauce
Where Tradition Gets Spicy!
Ditch the stuffy tuxedos and prepare for a backstage brawl of brilliance! Harpsichords & Hot Sauce isn't your grandma's orchestra journal. We're the antidote to the snooty stereotype, a place where the delicate melodies of the harpsichord meet the fiery passion of a habanero solo put into writing.
Through engaging short stories, insightful and informative essays, and personal memoirs, we cover key industry topics and explore musician's lifestyle. We peel back the curtain to reveal the captivating and complex world behind the concert hall. Dive into the lives, loves, and (let's be honest) the occasional conductor tantrum, and everything that keeps the symphony scene sizzling.
In addition to its signature storytelling, the journal places a strong emphasis on four vital pillars of the classical music ecosystem: Safety & Ethics, Health & Wellbeing, Professional Development, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). From musician rights and injury prevention, to labor law 101, side hustle survival, and the eternal quest to make institutions less toxic and more human, our goal is to inform and empower musicians.
Forget predictable concertos. Whether you're a seasoned symphony slayer or a curious music newbie, Harpsichords & Hot Sauce is your invitation to the party. Join us as we explore the symphony orchestra from the inside out, with a healthy dose of wit, humor, and a dash of irreverence. We offer a fresh perspective on the world of classical music.
Why the name? Because classical music is more than just dusty scores and stuffy concert halls. It's a vibrant tapestry woven with rich tradition (the harpsichord) and the electrifying energy that keeps it relevant today (the hot sauce).
Buckle up, music lovers, because we're about to serve you a symphony with a kick!
SUBSCRIBE
Chief Editor
Katie Angelica Berglof
As the spirited chief editor of Harpsichords & Hot Sauce (H&HS), I'm here to turn the classical music world upside down—with a dash of wit, a pinch of humor, and a whole lot of insider insight.
A lifelong musician with experience in music performance (French horn), music education, arts administration, union representation, advocacy, DEI, musician health, and a sprinkle of HR just for good measure, I’m passionate about peeling back the glossy veneer of the orchestra world to reveal the vibrant, complex culture that fuels it.
I’m an adopted 1st-generation Salvadoran American who understands how vital access to information and resources is—especially for musicians from underrepresented and marginalized communities. That’s why I love digging into the inner workings of the classical music industry and workplace culture. My goal is to empower musicians who are trying to navigate a profession stepped in traditions that sometimes create barriers, unrealistic expectations, and half the etiquette is passed down like folklore between greenroom whispers.
My passion projects like the Courage Over Silence Defense Fund often stem from a love for classical music, while also wanting to improve the industry for future generations of musicians to come.
Most musicians know me as a musician's dystonia consultant and advocate, the face behind Living with Embouchure Dystonia, the host of Musicians Dystonia & Injury Live Talk, the founder of the Brass Injury & Embouchure Support Group, and the author of A Short Guide to Horn Transposition—all part of my calling to support musicians through life’s curveballs and career challenges.
My orchestra journal Harpsichords & Hot Sauce places a special spotlight on Safety & Ethics; Health & Wellbeing; Professional Development; and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)—because alongside scales and sonatas, musicians deserve a toolkit for the rest of it: navigating burnout, understanding labor rights, and making sure “exposure” doesn’t mean unpaid.
H&HS is my space to capture news that offers a real look into orchestra culture and tackles the stuff we were never taught in studio class but absolutely need to make it out alive—combined with a bit of humor, a good amount of satire, and maybe a raised eyebrow or two along the way.
Legal Disclaimer
Harpsichords & Hot Sauce is a journalistic and commentary platform dedicated to exploring the classical music industry through essays, personal memoirs, satire, and investigative reporting. All content published on this site is for informational, educational, and discussion purposes only.
While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness, Harpsichords & Hot Sauce does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of any information presented. Articles involving misconduct, corruption, or controversial matters are based on a combination of publicly available sources, interviews, personal accounts, whistleblower contributions, and independent research.
The views expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations or contributors.
We are not a law firm and do not provide legal consultation. If you are seeking legal assistance or representation, please consult with a licensed attorney.
We reserve the right to update, correct, or remove any content at our discretion. Names may be changed in certain articles to protect identities or comply with legal standards. All allegations presented are made in good faith and reflect the intent to bring awareness, foster transparency, and promote ethical reform within the classical music sector.
Copyright Notice
All content on this website—including articles, essays, graphics, and branding—is the intellectual property of Katie A. Berglof, unless otherwise noted. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is strictly prohibited without prior written consent.
Contact Us
For questions, corrections, or concerns about published content, or to submit a tip or personal story, please contact us via the contact form below.