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Pitch Me Classical

London Philharmonic Orchestra

Saxophonist and presenter YolanDa Brown and players from the London Philharmonic Orchestra pitch their thoughts on some of classical music’s most-asked questions, with plenty of chit-chat and laughter along the way.

 

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  • 22 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 32 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • S10 · E7
    September 17 · 34 min

    Rinse and repeat. Orchestras just play the same old stuff, right?

    Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Brahms... classical music's biggest names appear on concert programmes again and again. But does that mean orchestras are stuck in the past? YolanDa is joined by violinist Kate and cellist Henry to challenge one of the most common assumptions about classical music. Together, they unpack the idea that classical music is endlessly recycling the same repertoire and ask whether that criticism really holds up. Along the way, they explore some big questions: how much new music do orchestras actually perform? Why do some pieces become classics while others disappear? Should audiences be tempted in with familiar favourites before discovering something new? And what responsibility do orchestras have to champion overlooked composers and commission the masterpieces of the future? They also reveal how a different conductor, a fresh interpretation, or simply hearing a piece live can make even the most familiar music feel completely new. Plus, in the quiz, Kate and Henry test their knowledge of BBC Proms history, composer-led conservation efforts, and the pieces of music they could happily hear on repeat forever. #PitchMeClassical Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestra Bluesky: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S10 · E6
    September 3 · 32 min

    Is it ok to be bored in a concert?

    Classical music is often treated with a kind of reverence that suggests you should be captivated every second. But what if your mind wanders? YolanDa is joined by LPO trombonists Tempo and Dave to explore whether boredom is really something to fear – or simply part of the listening experience. Mahler symphonies, shopping lists, sleeping opera-goers, and a trip to Tesco might seem unrelated. But according to YolanDa, Tempo, and Dave, they can all tell us something about how we listen to music. Together, they tackle a surprisingly taboo question: is it actually okay to be bored at a concert? Drawing on psychology, personal experience, and life inside the orchestra, they unpack the difference between boredom, distraction, daydreaming, and deep listening. Along the way, they explore some big questions: does mind-wandering mean you've disengaged, or are you simply experiencing music in your own way? Can challenging music be rewarding even if it isn't immediately entertaining? And is a concert hall one of the few places left where we're allowed to sit still and let our thoughts roam? #PitchMeClassical Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestra Bluesky: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S10 · E5
    August 20 · 33 min

    Classical music rituals (or who made all these classical music rules?)

    From clapping etiquette to curtain calls, classical music is full of traditions that can seem mysterious to newcomers. YolanDa is joined by brass players Lee (tuba) and Lyndon (trombone) to explore which rituals still matter, which ones are misunderstood, and whether some deserve a rethink. They delve into the strange, wonderful, and sometimes baffling rituals that surround classical music performance. Together, they unpack the hidden rules that audiences and musicians often follow without even thinking about them, from tuning notes and standing ovations to page-turning, applause, and the mysterious role of the personnel manager. Along the way, they debate some big questions: should audiences clap whenever they feel moved to? Are standing ovations becoming meaningless? Has the post-Covid habit of musicians drifting on stage before a concert changed the sense of occasion? And which traditions are essential to creating the magic of a live performance? And in the quiz, Lee and Lyndon test their knowledge of Beethoven's coffee habits, Grieg's lucky charm, and a surprisingly specific pre-concert ritual involving red wine, crumpets, and dates. #PitchMeClassical Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestra Bluesky: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S10 · E4
    August 6 · 31 min

    Lisztomania vs Swifties

    Taylor Swift has the Swifties. Back in the 1800s, Franz Liszt inspired a phenomenon known as Lisztomania. YolanDa is joined by violinist Minn and violist Martin to explore fame, fandom, and the possibility of a new generation of classical celebrities. They dive into the surprisingly rich history of classical music fandom, uncovering stories of nineteenth-century audiences who fought over Liszt's possessions, collected his cigarette stubs, and reportedly fainted at his concerts. Together, they ask whether classical music is really as separate from celebrity culture as it can sometimes seem to be. Along the way, they discuss some big questions: what turns a musician into a superstar? Is it artistry, personality, social media, or clever self-promotion? Why do some classical performers attract devoted followings while others remain admired but anonymous? And could today's classical stars spark a new era of Lisztomania? Plus, in the quiz, Minn and Martin test their knowledge of Taylor Swift's pets, celebrity conductors, and the concert innovations that helped make Liszt one of music's first global icons. #PitchMeClassical Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestra Bluesky: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S10 · E3
    July 23 · 32 min

    The flute gives main character vibes

    The flute often gets the big melodies, the soaring solos, and the spotlight. But does it really deserve its reputation as classical music's ultimate main character? YolanDa is joined by flautist Juliette and bassoonist Simon to settle the debate. The flute has the melodies, the solos and, some might argue, the best PR team in the orchestra. YolanDa, Juliette, and Simon explore the instrument's starring role in orchestral music, from its glittering appearance and bird-like melodies to the iconic solos that have made it a favourite with audiences and composers alike. Along the way, they ask some big questions: why do so many children start on the flute? Is it really easier to learn than other instruments? Does the flute's soaring sound automatically draw our attention? And where does that leave the bassoon – the dependable supporting character that can be everything from a romantic hero to a comic sidekick? Plus, in the quiz, Juliette and Simon tackle questions about giant flute families, medieval word origins, and the eye-watering value of one of James Galway's famous golden flutes. #PitchMeClassical Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestra Bluesky: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S10 · E2
    July 9 · 35 min

    Classical music is just so straight-laced

    Classical music is sometimes seen as serious, formal, and maybe even a little intimidating. But is that image fair? YolanDa is joined by London Philharmonic Orchestra violinist Alice and trombonist Tempo to uncover what really goes on behind the scenes of an orchestra. Pirates, karaoke, beer cans, and a trombone-playing wedding guest aren't usually associated with classical music. But according to YolanDa, Alice, and Tempo, they're all part of the surprisingly un-stuffy world of orchestral life. Together, they explore why classical music is sometimes seen as formal and intimidating, and whether that reputation still holds up today. Along the way, they reveal the hidden culture of the orchestra: from inside jokes and rehearsal pranks to foot-tapping applause, improvisation, and even Rite of Spring raves. They also tackle some big questions: are classical musicians really all that different from athletes? Does concert dress make orchestras seem more exclusive than they are? And can a genre built on centuries-old music still be spontaneous and adventurous? #PitchMeClassical Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestra Bluesky: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S10 · E1
    June 25 · 33 min

    Tchaikovsky: classical music’s most overrated composer?

    Tchaikovsky is one of classical music's all-time favourites. But does he deserve his enduring appeal, or is he massively overrated? YolanDa is joined by LPO double bassist Hugh and cellist Waynne to determine whether Tchaikovsky truly earns his place among the greats. Together, they unpack Tchaikovsky's music to decide whether he's a timeless genius or an overhyped crowd-pleaser. Along the way, they explore some big questions: was Tchaikovsky a good storyteller? Was he an innovator? Is he the Walmart of composers? And can taking a different approach breathe new life into his most frequently played works? It's all up for debate. Plus, in the quiz, Hugh and Waynne face a tough challenge: which of Tchaikovsky's works would they banish to Room 101? #PitchMeClassical Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestra Bluesky: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S9 · E7
    Oct 30, 2025 · 29 min

    Is classical music dead?

    Classical music is often declared “dead”, yet orchestras still play, and audiences still listen. So what’s really going on? YolanDa is joined by Claudia and Hugh to determine whether classical music is fading away or finding new life.

  • S9 · E6
    Oct 16, 2025 · 31 min

    Nobody likes contemporary music, do they?

    Why does contemporary music so often get a bad rap? YolanDa is joined by Helen and Stewart to explore the world of contemporary compositions.

  • S9 · E5
    Oct 2, 2025 · 36 min

    Is Mahler having a moment?

    Why is Mahler one of the all-time favourite composers in classical music? YolanDa is joined by Andy and Sue to discuss Mahler’s popularity.

  • S9 · E4
    Sep 18, 2025 · 33 min

    All orchestras sound the same

    Do all orchestras sound the same or do they each have their own individual sound? YolanDa is joined by Lasma and Juliette to settle the debate.

  • S9 · E3
    Sep 4, 2025 · 30 min

    Is Ravel’s Bolero the worst piece ever written?

    It’s one of the most recognisable pieces of classical music, but is it really a great composition? YolanDa is joined by Andy and Sue to explore it from every angle.

  • S9 · E2
    Aug 21, 2025 · 33 min

    Are some violinists more equal than others?

    Many see first violins as the stars of the orchestra and second violins as background players - but is that just the stereotype? YolanDa is joined by Emma and Cassi to settle the debate once and for all.

  • S8 · E7
    Feb 20, 2025 · 31 min

    Do the brass really have the most fun?

    The brass section in an orchestra sometimes has a bit of a reputation. Sure, they’re loud and their instruments are shiny - but are they the section who have the most fun? YolanDa is joined by Lee and Claudia to set the record straight.

  • S8 · E6
    Feb 6, 2025 · 25 min

    Ba-ba-ba-baaaa… Does Beethoven 5 have the best opening?

    Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony has an iconic beginning, but is it a good opening and does it deserve to be so well known? YolanDa is joined by Tom and Cassi to look into the significance of those famous four notes.

  • S8 · E5
    Jan 23, 2025 · 30 min

    Viola - what’s the joke?

    YolanDa Brown, Martin and Minn talk all things viola, and share some of their favourite viola jokes.

  • S8 · E3
    Dec 26, 2024 · 21 min

    What should I wear?

    YolanDa Brown, Mark and Alice evaluate the pros and cons of concert dress.

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes