The Classical Circuit

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 Circuit on InstagramDid you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot with visibility, if you have a spare moment... *bats eyelashes*No offence taken if not.--------------------Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les MaillotinsPerformed by Daniel Lebhardt--------------------The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).

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 and FutureWebsiteFacebookInstagram-------------------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 eyelashes*No offence taken if not.--------------------Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les MaillotinsPerformed by Daniel Lebhardt--------------------The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).

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 the LSO choir and the impact it has had on his life.-------------------Bristol Beacon:WebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTube-------------------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 eyelashes*No offence taken if not.--------------------Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les MaillotinsPerformed by Daniel Lebhardt--------------------The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).

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 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 eyelashes*No offence taken if not.--------------------Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les MaillotinsPerformed by Daniel Lebhardt--------------------The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).

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 transformative three-day orchestral and musicianship workshops that put leading music educators in front of young people, students, teachers and adults. As well as providing a common goal to work towards, the workshops are a brilliant place to make connections, and collectively share the greatest examples of music education. Sign up here-------------------Calum's links:The Benedetti FoundationInstagram-------------------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 eyelashes*No offence taken if not.--------------------Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les MaillotinsPerformed by Daniel Lebhardt--------------------The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).

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, discusses the intention of 'revealing' all the music has to offer, and offers her insights into bringing musicians and management closer together. -------------------Aurora Orchestra:WebsiteFacebookInstagramTikTok-------------------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 eyelashes*No offence taken if not.--------------------Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les MaillotinsPerformed by Daniel Lebhardt--------------------The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).

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 attitudes towards live performance, and his ongoing fascination for working with musicians.-------------------Andrew's links:Website-------------------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 eyelashes*No offence taken if not.--------------------Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les MaillotinsPerformed by Daniel Lebhardt--------------------The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).

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 than on the podium, and recounted a project in which classical music met thrash metal (an apparent loophole which, should opportunity arise, has potential to draw her out of retirement).Recorded December 2024-------------------Holly's links:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInScordatura:InstagramFacebook-------------------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 eyelashes*No offence taken if not.--------------------Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les MaillotinsPerformed by Daniel Lebhardt--------------------The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).

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 first time.-------------------Rafael's links:WebsiteInstagramFacebook-------------------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 eyelashes*No offence taken if not.--------------------Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les MaillotinsPerformed by Daniel Lebhardt--------------------This podcast is also available to listen to via The Violin Channel--------------------The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).