PODCAST · music
The Classical Circuit
by Ella Lee
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.
Episodes
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62. Benjamin Woodroffe: supporting young artists embarking on a professional career
In Episode 62 of The Classical Circuit, Ella chats to Benjamin Woodroffe, Ambassador Programme Director at Classeek, who comes brimming with practical advice for young artists navigating the classical music industry. They discuss career development, communication, social media, self-management,...
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61. Barnaby Smith on on the VOCES8 family dynamic, his most bizarre synaesthesia experience, and learning from other directors
In Episode 61, Ella chats to Barnaby Smith, countertenor and Artistic Director of VOCES8, one of the world's leading vocal ensembles. He reflects on their journey of more than 20 years: dream venues and projects, group dynamics, how he programmes for concerts vs digital content, and rebuilding…
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60. James Baillieu on a changing landscape for young artists and art song as a wellness experience
In Episode 60, Ella chats to pianist James Baillieu ahead of the 77th Aldeburgh Festival, which marks 50 years since the death of its founder, Benjamin Britten. In James' first year as Associate Director of the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme (alongside Ryan Wigglesworth), he reflects on...
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59. Polly Graham on an eccentric approach to opera and the importance of music-making opportunities from the ground up
In Episode 59, Ella chats to Polly Graham, Artistic Director of Longborough Festival Opera, about the festival’s fascinating history and unique place within the UK opera scene. Polly also discusses her unconventional route into the opera world, and reflects on how experiencing the instability of...
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58. Steve Long on lasting artistic partnerships, surviving major changes in the audio market, and how *not* to pitch a recording project
In Episode 58, Ella chats to Steve Long, Managing Director of Signum Records. Steve reflects on steering the label through the changing landscape of recorded music and listening habits, from the rise and fall of CDs to the shift into streaming. He also discusses Signum’s enduring relationships…
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57. Helen Charlston on her evolving relationship with Schumann’s Dichterliebe, exploring other sides of her artistic identity, and the precarious nature of singing careers
In Episode 57, Ella chats to mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston about her new album 'A Poet's Love', a project in which she explores her artistic identity beyond the baroque repertoire she’s so often associated with. Describing herself as 'a German Romantic at heart', Helen reflects on her long and...
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56. Isata Kanneh-Mason on on recording Prokofiev, representation in the industry, and rediscovering her musical voice
In Episode 56, Ella chats to pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason about her latest album 'Prokofiev': a project that not only represents her reaching a long-held goal, but is the product of taking time to figure out who she is as an artist, how she functions best and what she needs in order to facilitate...
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55. Michael Beek on celebrating film music, meeting John Williams, and mistakes that live on in print
In Episode 55, Ella chats with Michael Beek: writer, journalist, and Director of the London Soundtrack Festival. Michael has worked in and around film and TV music for more than twenty years, interviewing some of the industry’s most important composers, writing album sleeve notes for major labels...
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54. Nicholas McGegan on a six-decade career and leading with joy
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...
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53. Lizzie Ball on eclectic careers, juggling work with single-parenting, and networking with integrity
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…
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52. Jeneba Kanneh-Mason on musical fulfilment, performance anxiety, and social media
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...
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51. Bill Barclay on the story of Carlo Gesualdo and mid-career mentorship
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…
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50. Gaetan le Divelec on getting to know your audience, two decades in artist management, and the role of power
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...
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49. Bob Riley on 20 years of running an orchestra: innovation vs originality, getting clear on values, and creating a good culture
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...
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48. Fran Matthews on celebrating contemporary classical composers
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…
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47. Tom Herring on redefining the choral experience and prioritising musicians' wellbeing
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...
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46. Pallavi Mahidhara: The Conscious Artist X The Classical Circuit
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....
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45. Sir James MacMillan on The Cumnock Tryst and the power of music for regeneration
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...
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44. Sam McShane on class and accessibility in the classical music industry
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...
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43. Jeffrey Biegel on embracing the evolution of music and 'following your own yellow brick road'
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’....
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42. Chris Lloyd on evolving attitudes to the industry, closing Berlin's biggest techno festival, and not leaving his fate in the hands of others
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...
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41. Anna Clyne on exploring multiple art forms, leaving a legacy, and the email that changed her life
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…
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40. Dominique Vleeshouwers on finding his voice as a composer, recovering from melanoma, and learning to create balance
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...
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39. Alison Buchanan on the importance of mentoring, making opera accessible, and how organisations should reflect the communities they serve
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...
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38. Harry Christophers on 25 years of the Choral Pilgrimage, nurturing a new generation of talent, and the power of human connection
Recorded March 2025 In 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…
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37. Benjamin Appl on his friendship with Kurtág, honouring Fischer-Dieskau, and the vulnerability of personal projects
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...
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36. Simon Wales on taking on a newly reopened venue, his love of choirs, and the importance of support networks
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…
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35. Charlotte Scott on cultivating the right mindset for performance, balancing motherhood with a career, and rediscovering her love for Mozart after 35
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...
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34. Calum Huggan on inspiring young musicians, branching out from his classical training, and being taken seriously as a young professional
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'...
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33. Jane Mitchell on orchestral theatre, empowering musicians on stage, and communication within organisations
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...
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32. Andrew Keener on the role of a recording producer, working with different personalities, and messing up his first ever session
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…
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31. Holly Mathieson on her decision to step back from performing
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...
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30. Rafael Payare on the importance of access to music, artistic programming as a Music Director, and his first time conducting the Vienna Philharmonic
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…
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29. Jack Bazalgette: defining the term 'classical music', getting projects off the ground, and bringing classical music to gig venues
In Episode 29 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to Jack Bazalgette, co-founder and Artistic Director of through the noise, and Artistic Director of the Cheltenham Music Festival. Jack talks about the appetite for classical music in intimate venues, and how there is a lot of crossover...
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28: Benjamin Levy: Classics Explained
In Episode 28 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee talks to Benjamin Levy, creator of Classics Explained: a team of young content creators making animated videos that explain the stories and creative processes behind famous works of classical music. In this episode, Ben shares his reasons for...
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27: Adam Heron: identity as a 'third-culture kid', working outside of music, recovering from repetitive strain injury (RSI)
In Episode 27 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee chats to pianist Adam Heron about lacking a sense of belonging as a ‘third-culture kid’; how working outside the music world transformed his relationship with it; his long recovery from repetitive strain injury, which involved deconstructing…
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26. Freya Waley-Cohen: sustaining a career as a composer, setting creative parameters, and her song cycle 'Spell Book'
In Episode 26 of The Classical Circuit, host Ella Lee is joined by composer Freya Waley-Cohen to talk about building and sustaining a composing career in today’s world, her song cycle ‘Spell Book’ (the focal work and title of her debut album, out this Friday on NMC Recordings), being humiliated…
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25. John Suchet OBE on 'In Search of Beethoven: A Personal Journey'
John Suchet OBE is a well-loved radio and TV presenter, author, and journalist. For thirty years he was known primarily as a reporter and newscaster for ITN, covering major world events including the Philippines Revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall. In 2008, the Royal Television Society...
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24. Tess Jackson: challenging her self-perception, her Proms debut, and how the National Youth Orchestra shaped her
British Conductor Tess Jackson is the Associate Conductor of the National Youth Orchestra. Originally a violinist, Tess was inspired to take up conducting aged just fourteen, eventually going on to study music at Cambridge University and then a Masters in Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music....
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23. Claire Booth: Schoenberg, a project-based career, and bouncing back after nodule surgery
Soprano Claire Booth is internationally renowned for her dedication to a vast repertoire, as well as the vitality and musicianship that she brings to the stage. Opera highlights include the title roles in Handel's Berenice for the Royal Opera and Janacek's Cunning Little Vixen for Garsington…
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22. Kellen Gray: how folk music shaped him, why diverse programming is more than ticking boxes, and how beekeeping restored him after burnout
American conductor Kellen Gray currently holds the position of Associate Artist with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the first of its kind, but leads a vibrant professional life on both sides of the Atlantic. Recent engagements include the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the Minnesota...
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21. Alexandra Whittingham: online authenticity, classical guitar's growing popularity, and finding joy in informal concerts
Alexandra Whittingham is a prominent figure in the guitar world. At the age of 16, she began filming and editing videos of herself playing popular guitar repertoire and posting them online, rapidly catching the attention of viewers all over the world. Since then Alexandra’s online community...
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20. Guy Johnston: nurturing young talent, finding roots in community and reflections on his BBC Young Musician win at 18
British cellist Guy Johnston has had an exciting and varied career since winning the BBC Young Musician competition in the year 2000. He has performed with many leading orchestras worldwide, and collaborated with a host of illustrious conductors including the late Sir Andrew Davis, Sakari Oramo…
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19. Hattie Butterworth: performance anxiety, OCD, and psychological abuse in conservatoires
*This discussion touches on intrusive thoughts around death and suicide - please skip through if you need to* Hattie Butterworth is a journalist, cellist and founder of Things Musicians Don’t Talk About: a podcast, blog and online platform born in 2020 out of Hattie’s own struggles with her…
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18. David Skudlik: the importance of change, merging entrepreneurship with the arts, and learning to manage a team
David Skudlik is the co-founder and CEO of digital agency Sforzato, a company that provides a variety of digital marketing services to the classical music and wider performing arts sector. Their impressive client list to date has included the likes of Nicola Benedetti, Barbara Hannigan, Ray Chen...
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17. Chris O'Reilly: the classical recording industry, paying musicians fairly for streaming, and getting rejected from conducting programmes
Chris O'Reilly is the CEO of Presto Music, the UK's leading ecommerce site for classical and jazz recordings, sheet music, music books and musical instruments. With a background in music and musicology, Chris has run Presto Music since 2001. In this episode, he shared his observations of the...
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16. Florence Lockheart: her role as an editor, how to conduct an interview, and having difficult conversations
Florence Lockheart is the editor of Classical Music Magazine, the only magazine and website dedicated to the classical music industry in the UK. A Classics graduate from Durham University, Florence has always had a strong interest in classical music, which she nurtured over the years through both...
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15. Raffaello Morales: an alternative to concert halls, the commercial viability of classical music, and following his curiosity
Raffaello Morales is the founder and music director of the Fidelio Cafe in London, known and well-loved for their 'classical dinner-concert' series, comprising a one-hour concert by an established musician or ensemble, followed by a three-course menu specially curated for that evening's…
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14. Pierre-Laurent Aimard: what he learned from Ligeti, the expectations we have of performers, and why the piano world isn't his priority
French pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard is widely known as an authority figure in contemporary music, and also for shedding new light on music of the past. His international concert career has already spanned several decades, with an enormous discography to boot, all of which he has carried out...
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13. Alexandra Knight: the role of an artist manager, psychological models seen in high-level performers, and sexism in the workplace
Alexandra Knight is the founder and CEO of classical music agency Knight Classical. After reading Music and then Law at Oxford University, Alexandra joined the artist management world, working first at Harrison Parrott, then at International Classical Artists - where she later became a Director…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Ella Lee
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Classical Circuit have?
The Classical Circuit currently has 63 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Classical Circuit about?
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...
How often does The Classical Circuit release new episodes?
The Classical Circuit has 63 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Classical Circuit?
You can listen to The Classical Circuit on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Classical Circuit?
The Classical Circuit is created and hosted by Ella Lee.
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