Pitch Me Classical

Episoder

• 
  Is it ok to be bored in a concert? 03.09.2026 32min

  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? #PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Classical music rituals (or who made all these classical music rules?) 20.08.2026 33min

  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.#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Lisztomania vs Swifties 06.08.2026 31min

  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.#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  The flute gives main character vibes 23.07.2026 32min

  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.#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Classical music is just so straight-laced 09.07.2026 35min

  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?#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Tchaikovsky: classical music’s most overrated composer? 25.06.2026 33min

  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?#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Is classical music dead? 30.10.2025 29min

  Is classical music dying, or is it just evolving? Most of its composers lived and died in centuries past, and the bulk of its repertoire is well over 100 years old, but does that mean classical music is on its last legs? For some, the tradition is losing relevance, but it’s also quietly thriving in surprising and unexpected ways. YolanDa, Claudia and Hugh explore why the genre carries such a reputation for decline, discuss ways in which classical music is reinventing itself, and wonder what its future might look like. Plus, in the quiz, Claudia and Hugh debate who gets more streams on Spotify - Mozart or the musical Hamilton? #PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Nobody likes contemporary music, do they? 16.10.2025 31min

  Contemporary music: bold, baffling, and often accused of scaring audiences away. But is it really as unlovable as its reputation suggests? In this episode, we explore why new music can feel alienating, and whether it’s actually unpopular - or just misunderstood. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of extended techniques, a curious newcomer to the contemporary world, or you’ve always wondered why a piece of music might sound like a typewriter falling down the stairs, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on why contemporary music matters. Plus, Helen and Stewart do their best to come up with a sequel for John Cage’s legendary 4’33”...#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Is Mahler having a moment? 02.10.2025 36min

  Mahler’s music holds a towering place in classical music today, but that wasn’t always the case. So what changed? How did he explode into the classical zeitgeist in the 1960s - and stay there? Is he really related to Beyoncé? And will his music continue to be popular, or will our dwindling attention spans make it harder to appreciate his epic symphonies? Perhaps Mahler’s appeal isn’t about passing trends, but about the raw emotion in his music and its deep connection with listeners... Plus, Andy reveals his go-to beverage for the ultimate Mahler symphony marathon.#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  All orchestras sound the same 18.09.2025 33min

  When you listen to an orchestra, what makes its sound distinctive? Is it the concert hall, the conductor, the players, or even their instruments? While some argue that most orchestras end up sounding alike, others insist each ensemble has its own unmistakable voice. In this episode, we dive into the subtle details that shape an orchestra’s sound and explore how different orchestras can sound worlds apart. Juliette and Lasma take on a listening challenge where they guess the conductor of a piece the LPO has recorded twice, and try to spot the differences between the two recordings. And in the quiz, we get to the bottom of a big question - what does the word ‘orchestra’ actually mean?#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Is Ravel’s Bolero the worst piece ever written? 04.09.2025 30min

  Today, we’re unravelling a piece that’s as simple as it is spellbinding - one of the most well known and oddly mesmerising compositions of the 20th century. Some call it brilliant, others find it unbearable, and few sit on the fence. And the piece that’s at the heart of this marmite reputation? Ravel’s Bolero. We explore what makes this 15-minute loop so unforgettable, from its relentless snare drum rhythm to its slow-burning crescendo to determine what it is that keeps listeners hooked (or drives them mad). Plus, things get very heated between Andy and Sue in the end-of-episode quiz…#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Are some violinists more equal than others? 21.08.2025 33min

  The violin section of an orchestra is split into two halves: first violins and second violins. Do the firsts really get all the glory while the seconds do the heavy lifting, or are the seconds the orchestra’s unsung heroes? In an effort to decide whether some violinists are more equal than others, we explore the history behind this division, unpack stereotypes, and examine the unique challenges of playing in each section. We also look at how this structure can shape careers, and what it’s like to transition from one section to the other. Plus, Emma and Cassi face a violin-themed quiz, covering everything from calories burned while playing to musical world records set on bicycles…#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  I’ll enjoy it more if I’m allowed my phone out 07.08.2025 33min

  It’s a battle between technology and tradition: should mobiles phones be banned, tolerated, or even embraced in concert halls? Are phone-friendly performances the future of classical music, or are they a threat to the sacred concert ritual? We’ve all heard a phone go off at the most inopportune moment, but increasingly the classical music world is finding more creative ways to integrate phones into the concert experience. In this episode, we explore how concert halls, composers, and performers are adapting - or resisting - the presence of mobiles phones and in concert venues. Plus, Minn and Martin reveal their ringtones (or lack thereof) and face off in a challenge: who can come up with the best phone-related superpower?#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  By 2050, will all new pieces of classical music be written by AI? 06.03.2025 37min

  In this episode, YolanDa and Francis are joined by AI expert Lora Aroyo to discuss artificial intelligence and its place in classical music. Their conversation covers everything from how AI developed to what its current capabilities of composing classical music are. They touch on the ethical and artistic implications of AI-generated music, evaluate its strengths and limitations, and try to define what makes music composed by humans unique. Plus, in the quiz, Lora and Francis tell us how they would like AI to be used to improve their day to day musical lives…#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Do the brass really have the most fun? 20.02.2025 31min

  What makes a typical brass player? What really happens on a ‘viola night’? Can the saxophone truly be considered a brass instrument? And just how do you clean a tuba? YolanDa, Lee and Claudia dive into the world of brass, weighing the pros and cons of being part of the brass section and comparing it to the rest of the orchestra. They share favourite brass moments, discuss the sometimes notorious reputation of brass players, and attempt to pinpoint the characteristics that make brass players unique. Plus, in the quiz, Lee and Claudia take a shot at guessing the collective noun for a group of brass players… Any guesses?#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Ba-ba-ba-baaaa… Does Beethoven 5 have the best opening? 06.02.2025 25min

  It’s one of the most famous pieces of classical music, but why? The beginning of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony has an iconic status, but is it one of the best openings to a piece of music? YolanDa, Tom and Cassi dig deeper into those famous four notes and along the way they share other opening bars which are just as recognisable, arresting, or scary. It’s a tricky passage to play in sync with other players, so they discuss tips and tricks to ensure it gets off to a successful start. Plus, in the quiz Tom makes a fruit-related promise he’s surely going to live to regret…#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Viola - what’s the joke? 23.01.2025 30min

  Why is the viola the butt of so many jokes? Does the viola deserve to be mocked, or is it the unsung hero of the orchestra? YolanDa Brown is joined by Martin and Minn to unpack the origins of viola jokes and demystify why violas so often get the short end of the stick - or should we say bow? But for Martin and Minn the viola’s status as a comedic goldmine sometimes has wider implications that aren’t necessarily positive, for example putting people off learning the instrument, affecting the way composers write for it, and annoying viola players on a regular basis. If you like a good viola joke, you’ll find plenty in this episode, proving that the viola can absolutely play first fiddle in the world of comedy…#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  All classical music sounds the same, right? 09.01.2025 32min

  What makes classical music sound like classical music? And what does the word ‘classical’ mean anyway? YolanDa Brown is joined by Kristina and Mark to give their take on these big questions. They do their best to figure out where the line is between classical and non-classical music, whether film music is classical, and what makes classical music classical. And they attempt to pin down why the word ‘classical’ came to be used to describe this genre of music in the first place. Plus, Mark and Kristina each share three recommendations that they think demonstrate the breadth and variety of classical music - pieces that are ideal for anyone new to it! #PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  What should I wear? 26.12.2024 21min

  Tails? Long black? Stilettos? A dinner jacket? Concert dress is an important part of the visual appearance of an orchestra, but what is the dress code, how flexible is it, and is it old-fashioned? YolanDa, Mark and Alice all have their preferences when it comes to what they like to wear on stage. This conversation covers everything from what happens when you ask a tailor to make you a new set of tails, whether you need to iron a shirt when only a sliver of it is visible, why orchestras dress the way they do, and common misunderstandings when it comes to pants and pop socks. Plus, how what you choose to wear on stage can give you confidence as a performer…#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  When do I need to clap? 12.12.2024 33min

  Round of applause, please! YolanDa, Hugh and Simon evaluate the pros and cons of applause, sharing their experiences both in the concert hall and beyond. Why do we clap, when should we clap, and what’s the etiquette? Together they cover pieces where people clap when they shouldn’t, pieces where it simply feels wrong to show your appreciation by clapping, and rock and jazz concerts where it’s common to clap every few minutes. But this episode isn’t just about putting your hands together - they also discuss whether fish should be allowed in concert halls and the simplistic beauty of painting a shed. Plus, there’s fierce competition to work out who has the best-sounding clap in the end-of-episode quiz…#PitchMeClassicalInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestraBluesky: @lporchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.