EPISODE · Mar 27, 2026 · 30 MIN
Podcast #05: THE PROGRAM DIRECTORS - How to keep Audiences away from Concert Halls
from Classical Discoveries · host Capriccio Records | Classical Music Podcast
In this episode of Classical Discoveries, we welcome Dr. Christoph Becher — former dramaturg and general director — to unpack the art and challenges of curating a concert season. Dr. Becher outlines the three-pronged approach involving the orchestra chief, guest conductor, and presenter, each bringing distinct goals and perspectives.The discussion explores how radio symphony orchestras balance their mission to promote contemporary music with the need to attract audiences. Dr. Becher shares engaging anecdotes from his career — from championing Henze’s Raft of the Medusa to navigating hesitant presenters — while reflecting on audience resistance to modern and even some romantic composers like Dohnányi.The hosts also discuss Dr. Becher’s upcoming book on Schoenberg, designed to make the composer’s music more accessible, alongside his innovative programming work at leading institutions. Highlights include his Hamburg concert series featuring surprise modern pieces and collaborations on major performances such as Dvořák’s The Spectre’s Bride.Chapters0:21 Introduction1:06 Introducing our Guest – Christoph Becher1:50 How to Prepare a Seasonal Concert Program5:12 A Mission for Non-Standard Repertoire13:19 Ideas Out of the Bathtub14:43 The Schoenberg Problem19:32 The Schoenberg Book22:32 The Role of a Program Director27:40 Recordings with the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra29:29 Conclusion💿 Featured Recordings 💿Hans Werner Henze: Floß der Medusa — Capriccio C5482🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5482!PodcastErnst von Dohnányi: The Veil of Pierrette — Capriccio C5388🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5388!PodcastAntonín Dvořák: The Spectre’s Bride — Capriccio C5315🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5315!PodcastKurt Weill: Propheten — Capriccio C5500🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5500!PodcastDohnányi / Weiner — Capriccio C5380🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5380!PodcastZemlinsky: Sinfonietta — Capriccio C5377🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5377!PodcastHosts: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist), Johannes Kernmayer (Producer), and Dr. Christoph Becher (Program Director)Follow Capriccio:► YouTube► Facebook► Instagram► Twitter► Website#classicalmusic #contemporarymusic #contemporaryclassical #musicmanagement #sponsorship #classicaldiscoveries #arnoldschoenberg
What this episode covers
In this episode of Classical Discoveries, we welcome Dr. Christoph Becher — former dramaturg and general director — to unpack the art and challenges of curating a concert season. Dr. Becher outlines the three-pronged approach involving the orchestra chief, guest conductor, and presenter, each bringing distinct goals and perspectives.The discussion explores how radio symphony orchestras balance their mission to promote contemporary music with the need to attract audiences. Dr. Becher shares engaging anecdotes from his career — from championing Henze’s Raft of the Medusa to navigating hesitant presenters — while reflecting on audience resistance to modern and even some romantic composers like Dohnányi.The hosts also discuss Dr. Becher’s upcoming book on Schoenberg, designed to make the composer’s music more accessible, alongside his innovative programming work at leading institutions. Highlights include his Hamburg concert series featuring surprise modern pieces and collaborations on major performances such as Dvořák’s The Spectre’s Bride.Chapters0:21 Introduction1:06 Introducing our Guest – Christoph Becher1:50 How to Prepare a Seasonal Concert Program5:12 A Mission for Non-Standard Repertoire13:19 Ideas Out of the Bathtub14:43 The Schoenberg Problem19:32 The Schoenberg Book22:32 The Role of a Program Director27:40 Recordings with the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra29:29 Conclusion💿 Featured Recordings 💿Hans Werner Henze: Floß der Medusa — Capriccio C5482🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5482!PodcastErnst von Dohnányi: The Veil of Pierrette — Capriccio C5388🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5388!PodcastAntonín Dvořák: The Spectre’s Bride — Capriccio C5315🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5315!PodcastKurt Weill: Propheten — Capriccio C5500🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5500!PodcastDohnányi / Weiner — Capriccio C5380🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5380!PodcastZemlinsky: Sinfonietta — Capriccio C5377🎧 Listen: https://Naxos.lnk.to/C5377!PodcastHosts: Jens F. Laurson (Journalist), Johannes Kernmayer (Producer), and Dr. Christoph Becher (Program Director)Follow Capriccio:► YouTube► Facebook► Instagram► Twitter► Website#classicalmusic #contemporarymusic #contemporaryclassical #musicmanagement #sponsorship #classicaldiscoveries #arnoldschoenberg
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Podcast #05: THE PROGRAM DIRECTORS - How to keep Audiences away from Concert Halls
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