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.
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.
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.
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Podcast - Traces of the White Rose
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Did you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot with visibility, if you have a spare moment... *bats eyelashes*
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Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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.
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Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Tryst in the first place - closely linked to his own early musical experiences, having grown up in the same town - and reflects on the profound impact the festival has had on the local community.
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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.
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Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 that could have happened at the time.
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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...
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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Pegasus' Double Bill: Fete Galante / The Dark Lady of the Sonnets
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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, discusses the importance of nurturing future talent, and emphasises the important presence of community and connection throughout his career.
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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Benjamin's links:
Lines of Life: Schubert and Kurtág
For Dieter: The Past and Future
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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Bristol Beacon:
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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Charlotte's links:
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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
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Calum's links:
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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Aurora Orchestra:
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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Andrew's links:
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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
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Holly's links:
Scordatura:
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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Rafael's links:
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
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This podcast is also available to listen to via The Violin Channel
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 between the ‘noisenights’ demographic and that of conventional classical concerts. We talk about ‘classical music’ as an umbrella term, the future of classical music, and how through the noise initially got off the ground. Jack also shares his advice for others starting independent projects.
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through the noise:
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
--------------------
This podcast is also available to listen to via The Violin Channel
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 starting the series and how those goals have developed over the years; his observations around what his audience wants to see, the resistance the series has faced on the internet, and why the human elements of the stories remain at the centre of each video.
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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram
Did 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 Maillotins
Performed by Daniel Lebhardt
--------------------
This podcast is also available to listen to via The Violin Channel
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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
