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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

49:22

54. Nicholas McGegan on a six-decade career and...

The Classical Circuit ·

2026/02/04

In Episode 54 of The Classical Circuit, Ella welcomes conductor Nicholas McGegan. As we approach spring, when he receives a Lifetime Achievement Award recognising 35 years transforming the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra into one of the world’s leading period ensembles, Nicholas reflects on his six-decade-long career, and discusses the differences found in audiences across the world, rethinking orchestral hierarchies, and leading with joy.-------------------Nicholas McGegan-------------------Follow

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45:24

53. Lizzie Ball on eclectic careers, juggling work...

The Classical Circuit ·

2026/01/28

In Episode 53 of The Classical Circuit, Ella chats to violinist Lizzie Ball about her career shift away from constant touring, balancing a freelance musical life with being a single parent, and networking with integrity. Lizzie is also co-director of Ronnie Scott’s Classical – with the iconic jazz club's new venue Upstairs at Ronnie's opening on Friday 6th February, she tells us about the three different strands on offer at the weekly classical night, and why the experience will feel special - for

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26:55

52. Jeneba Kanneh-Mason on musical fulfilment,...

The Classical Circuit ·

2026/01/21

In Episode 52 of The Classical Circuit, Ella welcomes pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason. Following last month's release of her 'Jane Austen's Piano' EP on Sony Classical, she discusses the story behind the project, performance anxiety, her thoughts on competitions, and the most fulfilling part of her career to date.-------------------Jeneba Kanneh-MasonJane Austen's PianoInstagram-------------------Follow The Classical Circuit on InstagramDid you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot

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37:14

51. Bill Barclay on the story of Carlo Gesualdo and...

The Classical Circuit ·

2026/01/14

In Episode 51 of The Classical Circuit, Ella speaks to director, composer and writer Bill Barclay, Artistic Director of Concert Theatre Works. Bill talks about the inspiration and process behind his new production, Death of Gesualdo, in collaboration with The Gesualdo Six, which uses tableau-vivant and puppetry to superimpose the composer-prince's troubled pysche onto his darkest music. He also discusses the lack of 'script' for mentorship beyond the student years.The world premiere of Death of

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39:21

50. Gaetan le Divelec on getting to know your...

The Classical Circuit ·

2025/11/19

In Episode 50 of The Classical Circuit, Ella welcomes Gaetan Le Divelec, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Vice President of Artistic Planning, about a collaborative artistic process, and the importance of getting to know his audience closely. Having previously spent two decades in artist management, Gaetan also talks about his experience of the transition from freelance musician to full-time office life. He discusses the role of an artist manager, whether there are in-built imbalances of power, and

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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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