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PODCAST

The Classical Circuit

A deep-dive into the intricate world of classical music and all that comes with working in it. Host Ella Lee chats to a bunch of brilliant guests from across the profession, discussing their best career high, their worst career low, and other things that show you a different side to the one you might see on their website.Instagram: @theclassicalcircuit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

music music interviews

All Episodes

39:42

49. Bob Riley on 20 years of running an orchestra:...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/11/12

In Episode 49 of The Classical Circuit, Ella is joined by Bob Riley, CEO of the Manchester Camerata. As he approaches his 20th anniversary in charge of the orchestra, he reflects on its transformation over the years, innovation versus originality, getting clear on what your values are as an organisation, and cultivating a good culture for the people within it.-------------------More on the Manchester Camerata-------------------Follow The Classical Circuit on InstagramDid you enjoy this episode? If

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28:35

48. Fran Matthews on celebrating contemporary...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/11/05

In Episode 48 of The Classical Circuit, Ella talks to Fran Matthews, Director of Awards at the Ivors Academy. Ahead of the 2025 Ivors Classical Awards next week, Fran shares what it is about working so closely with songwriters and composers that has kept her at the Academy for twenty years, and the importance of celebrating contemporary classical music.-------------------The Ivors AcademyIvors Classical Awards 2025-------------------Follow The Classical Circuit on InstagramDid you enjoy this

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46:48

47. Tom Herring on redefining the choral experience...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/11/03

In Episode 47 of The Classical Circuit, Ella chats to Tom Herring, conductor and Artistic Director of SANSARA, about prioritising the wellbeing of the group, remaining true to its values, and his struggles with burnout. Ahead of SANSARA's performance at Britten Weekend at Snape Maltings this Friday, Tom also talked about their Traces of the White Rose project, engaging with political ideas in artistic spaces, and what it is about music that prods us to think critically.-------------------Sansara at

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1:10:43

46. Pallavi Mahidhara: The Conscious Artist X The...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/10/27

In Episode 46 of The Classical Circuit, Ella is joined by pianist Pallavi Mahidhara, host of The Conscious Artist podcast, for a candid conversation about their pathways into music, growing up as children of immigrants in western countries, and what eventually led them to podcasting.-------------------Pallavi MahidharaThe Conscious Artist-------------------Follow The Classical Circuit on InstagramDid you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot with visibility, if you have a spare

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39:14

45. Sir James MacMillan on The Cumnock Tryst and the...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/10/01

In Episode 45 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to Sir James MacMillan, best known as one of today's most successful living composers (and also internationally active as a conductor). He is also the Founder and Artistic Director of The Cumnock Tryst, now an integral part of the small East Ayrshire town which is still finding its identity amidst the economic challenges of a post-coal landscape. With this year's festival kicking off tomorrow, James discusses his reasons for setting up the

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51:12

44. Sam McShane on class and accessibility in the...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/08/19

In Episode 44 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to Sam McShane, Artistic Director of King’s Place in London, on the various factors that make up the picture of class and how they can affect accessibility to and experiences in the classical music industry. She also shared the highs of watching a performance that brought together different relationships she’d nurtured throughout her career, and how the time she didn’t get a job she desperately wanted ended up being one of the best things

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38:09

43. Jeffrey Biegel on embracing the evolution of...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/08/12

In Episode 43 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to pianist Jeffrey Biegel about his pathway into music, shaped by a significant hearing deficit until undergoing corrective surgery aged 3; the evolution of music; and the importance of ‘following your own yellow brick road’.-------------------Jeffrey Biegel-------------------Follow The Classical Circuit on InstagramDid you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot with visibility, if you have a spare moment... *bats

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48:18

42. Chris Lloyd on evolving attitudes to the...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/08/05

In Episode 42 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to pianist and writer Chris Lloyd, co-founder of the 1781 Collective, about his pathway into music, the evolution of his feelings towards the music industry over the years, closing Berlin’s biggest techno festival, and how a missed opportunity resulted in his resolve to never leave his fate in the hands of others.-------------------Chris Lloyd1781 Collective-------------------Follow The Classical Circuit on InstagramDid you enjoy this

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31:30

41. Anna Clyne on exploring multiple art forms,...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/07/29

In Episode 41 of The Classical Circuit, composer Anna Clyne chats about her penchant for bringing different art forms together in her work; from painting, to dance, to electronics. She reflects on the importance of the creative community around her, all things Augmented Orchestra and its potential, writing 'Masquerade' to open the Last Night of the Proms, and how one email from fellow composer Steve Reich stopped her from throwing in the towel...-------------------Anna

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41:02

40. Dominique Vleeshouwers on finding his voice as a...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/07/22

In Episode 40 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to percussionist Dominique Vleeshouwers (aka DOMNIQ) about his new album, A New Dawn, created in response to his experience of diagnosis, treatment and recovery from melanoma skin cancer. He discusses the mental and creative impact of being ill, using composing as a means to process his emotions, and creating a sense of balance between his professional and personal lives. -------------------Listen to A New

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45:05

39. Alison Buchanan on the importance of mentoring,...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/07/15

In Episode 39 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee chats to soprano Alison Buchanan, Artistic Director of Pegasus Opera. Alison shares the impact that joining the Glyndebourne chorus at sixteen had on her; the importance of mentoring and the transformative effects it can have on whose who need it most; and how she chooses to lead with real, practical action when it comes to encouraging diversity in the sector. -------------------Pegasus OperaPegasus' Double Bill: Fete Galante / The Dark Lady of

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47:19

38. Harry Christophers on 25 years of the Choral...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/07/01

Recorded March 2025In Episode 38 of The Classical Circuit, conductor Harry Christophers reflects on 25 years of The Sixteen's 'Choral Pilgrimage', this year's 'Angel of Peace' theme, and the power of sacred music in historic venues. He also shares a glimpse into his programming process, discusses the importance of nurturing future talent, and emphasises the important presence of community and connection throughout his career.-------------------The Sixteen-------------------Follow The Classical

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41:08

37. Benjamin Appl on his friendship with Kurtág,...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/05/13

In Episode 37 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to German baritone Benjamin Appl about collaborating with György Kurtág, and honouring his friend and mentor Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau in his centenary year. He also discusses the vulnerability that comes with putting deeply personal projects out into the world, the future of art song, and having less chances to fail once out of 'rising star' territory.-------------------Benjamin's links:Lines of Life: Schubert and KurtágFor Dieter: The Past

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38:05

36. Simon Wales on taking on a newly reopened venue,...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/05/06

In Episode 36 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to Simon Wales, Chief Executive of Bristol Beacon, about the challenges of taking on a newly reopened venue. Having only stepped into the role in August 2024, Simon shares his observations of the appetite for classical music in Bristol so far, and his vision for the Beacon going forward. He also discusses keeping the talent pipeline front of mind so future generations can find their way into similar roles; and he reflects on singing with

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47:48

35. Charlotte Scott on cultivating the right mindset...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/04/29

In Episode 35 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to violinist Charlotte Scott. Charlotte talks about the process of cultivating a solid mindset that allows her to not only cope with the pressures of performing, but also find real joy in it. She also discusses balancing motherhood with her career, the guilt of messing up in a quartet competition, and her passion for Mozart clicking into place when she was 35.-------------------Charlotte's links:WebsiteInstagram-------------------Follow The

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37:24

34. Calum Huggan on inspiring young musicians,...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/04/22

In Episode 34 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to Scottish percussionist Calum Huggan about supporting and engaging the next generation of young musicians in his role as Head of the Benedetti Foundation's Youth Ambassador Programme. He also discusses the idea of the word 'classical' pertaining primarily to a training, his passion for creative learning, and the time a critic compared him to Coldplay.The London Benedetti Sessions are now open for sign up! The Live Sessions are

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43:36

33. Jane Mitchell on orchestral theatre, empowering...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/04/15

In Episode 33 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to Jane Mitchell, Creative Director of the Aurora Orchestra (and also their Principal Flautist), about the ensemble’s fresh approach to performance. Jane talks about the evolution of the Aurora ‘orchestral theatre’ format, which involves the orchestra playing from memory, and their upcoming project 'Carnival', part of their 20th anniversary celebrations this year. She also reflects on their groundbreaking Beethoven 9 at the 2024 Proms,

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47:24

32. Andrew Keener on the role of a recording...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/04/08

In Episode 32 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to award-winning producer and legend of the classical music recording industry, Andrew Keener. Andrew discusses the responsibilities of a producer, of both the musical and interpersonal kind, and his initally-bumpy venture into producing, which began with a disastrous first session. He also reflects on the lengths to which he was able to refine his ear through listening to recordings for pleasure, the impact of developments in technology on

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52:37

31. Holly Mathieson on her decision to step back from...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/04/01

In Episode 31 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to conductor (and software engineer!) Holly Mathieson about her decision to take an open-ended sabbatical from performing: the various factors that played a role, the mixed reactions from those around her, and the unexpected community found in those that came forward to share their stories with her in the wake of her announcement. She also reflected on what drew her to conducting in the first place, attending concerts in the audience rather

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37:23

30. Rafael Payare on the importance of access to...

The Classical Circuit ·

2024/11/20

In Episode 30 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee chats to conductor Rafael Payare: his rapid introduction to the music world at the age of 14; and how strongly he feels that amidst huge unrest in his home country of Venezuela, today’s children should have the same musical opportunities and the chance to ‘dream big’, as he did. He also spoke about his approach to artistic programming as a music director, and shared the touching story of how he came to conduct the Vienna Philharmonic for the very

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44 results

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