Musical Roots

If you've ever been interested in what goes on behind the stage of the classical music industry, this episode is for you! Lydia Connolly is Senior Director and Head of Inclusion & Access at leading management agency Harrison Parrott and in this episode, she shares how she got started in the industry, what her day-to-day life involves and the changing trends in the industry from programming to gender inclusivity. We also chat about her work as a Trustee of the HarrisonParrott Foundation and hear about her upbringing in a very musical household.HarrisonParrott website: https://www.harrisonparrott.com/Personal Blog article by Lydia: https://www.harrisonparrott.com/news/2023-04-14/lydia-connolly-my-relationship-with-music Follow Musical Roots on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicalrootspodcast/

In this episode, learn all about the work of music charity Brass for Africa through a series of interviews that Matilda conducted during her trip to Uganda in February 2024! As an Ambassador for the charity, Matilda visited many of the different programs in and around Kampala, learning about how Brass for Africa provides Music and Life Skills education for around 2000 disadvantaged youths across Sub-Saharan Africa.Find out more about Brass for Africa here: https://www.brassforafrica.org/Follow Musical Roots on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicalrootspodcast/

In this conversation, Matilda interviews Owain Park: conductor, composer, organist, singer and the founder of the Gesualdo Six vocal consort. They discuss the group's formation, the challenges of singing one to a part and the importance of maintaining a mailing list to directly communicate with their audience. Owain shares his first introduction to classical music and how he became an organ scholar. They discuss the educational work and outreach that the Gesualdo Six does, as well as the importance of professional choirs like the BBC Singers. Owain also talks about his compositional process and the different approach he takes when writing for instruments. He introduces the Gesualdo Six's latest album, Morning Star, which features works for Epiphany. Owain's Website: https://www.owainpark.co.uk/ The Gesualdo Six Website: https://www.thegesualdosix.co.uk/Follow Musical Roots on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicalrootspodcast/

Meet Rakhi Singh, co-founder of the Manchester Collective, violinist, composer and more! In this week's episode we chat to the extremely creative Rakhi, who explores her identity through music in many ways, including composing, performing as a solo violinist (on her new album Purnima) and touring the country with her ensemble. She delves deep into the realities of being a touring musician: rest and recuperation, performance preparation, adrenaline, finding the balance, and also shares with us how and why she helped form the ensemble. Rakhi's website: https://rakhisinghmusic.co.uk/Listen to Purnima on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4uw6q4ogsRCtXAnS7nRkhH?si=C6uoKC5TQGeXuP-wCKhv1AManchester Collective tour: https://manchestercollective.co.uk/events

This week's guest is British conductor Duncan Ward, who makes his Barbican debut with the London Symphony Orchestra later this month - more details below! Alongside touring the world guest conducting top orchestras, Duncan is Chief Conductor of the South Netherlands Philharmonic and Music Director of the Mediterranean Youth Orchestra. In this chat, find out why he is so passionate about working with youth orchestras, the craziness of jump-ins, the unconventional path of being a conductor and how he rests and recuperates away from the podium.Duncan's website: http://www.duncan-ward.co.uk/16th November LSO Concert: https://www.lso.co.uk/whats-on/a-world-of-possibilities-duncan-ward-abel-selaocoe/ 23rd November LSO Concert: https://www.lso.co.uk/whats-on/bartok-janacek-debussy/ Keep up to date with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicalrootspodcast

Everyone working in the music industry (in any capacity) needs to hear this awesome episode with Vick Bain, Past President of the ISM. We discuss all of the challenges of being a woman in the industry, especially in a leadership role, including being looked over for promotions, imposter syndrome, her experience at Henley Business School and more. We also delve deep into all of Vick's important research, including Counting the Music Industry: The Gender Gap, the ISM's Dignity at Work 2022 report, her ongoing PHD and her non-profit directory of female musicians: The F-List.Counting the Music Industry: The Gender Gap Report - https://www.ukmusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Counting-the-Music-Industry-full-report-2019.pdfISM Dignity at Work 2022 Report - https://www.ism.org/images/files/ISM-Dignity-2-report.pdfThe F-List: https://thef-listmusic.uk/The F-List Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/ka6zto60tlvre9fug8cxx4mi0

Our guest this week is star guitarist Miloš! In our conversation with Miloš, we track his incredible journey from Montenegro to arriving at the Royal Academy of Music in London aged 17. He shares with us the challenges that came with this (including awful British canteen food!) and other barriers that he faced early on in his career as a guitar soloist. Having recovered from a debilitating hand injury, Miloš has now signed with Sony Classical and his first album with them, BAROQUE, will be released on Friday 13th October 2023!Pre-order Miloš' new album BAROQUE: https://milos.lnk.to/baroqueMiloš' website: http://milosguitar.com/Follow our podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicalrootspodcast

In this week's episode we chat to composer Deborah Pritchard! We learn all about her compositional process, and her unique synaesthetic connections between colour and music that cause so much of her music to be inspired by visual artworks. We also discuss creating art from music, finding a balance in life, how nature inspires her and her advice for young composers.Find out more about Deborah: https://naomibelshaw.com/deborah_pritchard_2 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicalrootspodcast

Even though you haven't met him yet, you've already heard Giles' fabulous work... we proudly present an episode with the composer of our podcast jingle that begins and ends every episode! This week we sit down with Giles, who mainly works as an orchestrator and arranger on films and TV in studios like Abbey Road and AIR for Netflix, Disney, Jules Buckley and more. Come behind the scenes of these famous studios and learn about Giles' work, his passion for sailing, and his career advice for young musicians.Giles' website: https://www.gilesthorntonmusic.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicalrootspodcast

This week's guest is freelance violinist Ellie Consta, who founded Her Ensemble in 2020: a free-form group that aims to dismantle gender stereotypes and address the gender gap in classical music. In this episode, we discuss the differences between the pop and classical music worlds, self-expression through concert clothes, the difficulties of being a freelance musician, the challenges of stepping into a role as a director, how to research music by female composers, burnout and more! Her Ensemble Website: https://www.herensemble.org/ 

If you haven't heard of Through The Noise, you will want to go and be a part of one of their Noisenights after this conversation! This week we chat to co-founder Jack Bazalgette about the unusual concerts sweeping through the UK, bringing classical music to clubs and bars with crowdfunded events that have an informal, social element - think standing gigs, drinks and after parties. Jack tells us about the creative process and the work that goes on behind the scenes of the events, the importance of positivity in the classical music world, DJing and his fun hobbies outside music. Find out about upcoming gigs at: https://www.throughthenoise.co.uk/

Meet David Taylor: the go-to innovator in the world of classical music marketing, publicity and branding! Named as one of Forbes' 30 under 30 Europe List in 2018, David is one of the leading entrepreneurs in his field: coaching and consulting with musical organisations and individuals alike. Keep listening to hear all of his secrets and top tips on topics such as personal branding, social media and the importance of technology.David's Website: https://www.david-taylor.org/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicalrootspodcast/

If you have ever experienced musical performance anxiety, otherwise known as nerves or stage fright, or know someone who has, this episode is essential listening for you! We chat to freelance cellist Bex Herman, whose debilitating performance anxiety caused her to take a 5-year hiatus from playing. During that time, she was compelled to research more into her anxiety and is now completing a PHD at the Royal College of Music, and has now successfully started performing again! Listen on to hear about Bex's journey and for a comprehensive chat about performance anxiety, from its causes, effects, and for tips on how to manage it and 'befriend' your anxiety!More info about Bex: https://www.rcm.ac.uk/research/people/details/?id=HER17024389 

For our 10th episode, we are celebrating the Royal Philharmonic Society, who have generously sponsored this podcast with their Enterprise Fund and Harriet's Trust! Our guest this week is James Murphy, CEO of the RPS, who previously worked at the Royal College of Music, National Youth Orchestra (with Matilda!) and Southbank Sinfonia. We chat about his work at all of these different organisations, particularly delving deep into the future of classical music and how important young musicians are, and discussing topics such as how to present yourself onstage and tips for a career in music management. Find out more about the RPS: https://royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk/

This week, Helen and I have a chatty catch-up about all the things we've been up to over the last month or so, from travelling and performing, to reading, writing, studying and more! Join us back here in 2 weeks time when the service will resume as normal, with our next guest on Musical Roots.

Our guest this week is the wonderful trumpeter, teacher and Director of the Junior Royal Academy of Music, John Hutchins. Having both studied with John, Helen and I delve deeper into his life from his musical beginnings to playing on the West End and everything in between. John is an incredible educator and this episode will be of special interest to teachers, as we chat about building confidence in pupils, learning how to practice and how to rest, and the importance of an individual approach.

Scottish multi-award-winning percussionist Calum Huggan is our guest on this week's episode! Having studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and in Mannheim with Jasmin Kohlberg, Calum is now an international soloist, workshop leader and teacher at Trinity Laban Conservatoire. In our chat with him, we discuss all this and more - including important topics such as gender identity in music, the recording process and interdisciplinary art projects, and some fun topics like concert dress and gardening!Calum's Website: https://www.calumhuggan.comCalum's Album on Delphian Records: https://www.delphianrecords.com/products/calum-huggan-american-music-for-marimba 

If you haven't heard of Kirsty Matheson, we are sure that you've seen her artwork on social media or CD covers! Kirsty took the classical music world by storm in the pandemic lockdowns, with her 100 Days challenge in which she painted 100 pieces of classical music as abstract art in 100 days . She is also a freelance double bassist, based in Glasgow,  and teacher. In this episode with Kirsty, we discuss both her musical and artistic lives, how she paints music as art and delve into the difficulties she has faced, including dyslexia and finding balance in her life. Kirsty's website: https://www.kirstymatheson.com 

An absolutely inspiring conversation with double bass virtuoso Leon Bosch, following his journey from the townships of Johannesburg in apartheid to the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester to conducting, running two ensembles and founding his own publishing company! We cover topics such as curiosity and resilience, how to inspire your students and Leon teaches us his 'foolproof' practice algorithm. Leon's Website: https://www.leonbosch.comHenley Symphony Orchestra: http://www.henleysymphonyorchestra.co.uk

This week, we chat to Shiry Rashkovsky, daughter of famous violin teachers Izthak Rashkovsky and Ani Schnarch! Alongside discussing both the benefits and challenges of being raised in such a musical home, we talk about the inner critic, self worth, and Shiry's journey from school to Cambridge to Conservatoire. We also asked her lots of questions about starting her festival, Up Close and Musical, and all about her chamber music with Trio Klein. Shiry's website: https://www.shiryrashkovsky.comUp Close and Musical Festival: https://upcloseandmusical.comTrio Klein: https://www.trioklein.com

This episode we go in depth with CEO of Encore Musicians, James McAulay, also a cellist, pianist, singer-songwriter and two-time Ironman triathlete! Alongside finding out how he turned his business ideas into reality, we go deep with James to discuss topics such as anxiety, pressure and identity. We also discover the parallels between sports and music, including discipline, goal setting and preparation. Encore Musicians - the fastest way to find and book musicians: https://encoremusicians.com 

This week we talk to Judith Kleinman, double bassist and Alexander Technique teacher, author and extraordinaire! After a car accident left her with not only injuries, but also a loss of confidence, Alexander Technique helped her rebuild and she learnt the great effects it could have mentally and emotionally, as well as physically. In this episode, we talk to Judith about healthy practice, intentional breathing, writing books, constructive feedback and more.Judith's website: https://findingquietstrength.comThe Alexander Technique for Musicians (book): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alexander-Technique-Musicians-Kingfisher-Readers/dp/1408174588 

Many of you will know Pete as the youngest ever winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year (aged 12!), as a soloist, a professor or as the co-Principal of the London Symphony Orchestra. In this episode of Musical Roots, we delve beyond this incredibly impressive biography to learn more about Pete's beginnings in brass bands, the pressure of expectation, taking time off and his thoughts on musical identity.