RPO Extra is a podcast series performed and curated by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and BBC Northampton's John Griff offering insights into the people behind the music, information about upcoming concerts, and excerpts from the RPO's extensive back catalogue of recordings.
Click here to play episode 10. In our 10th and final podcast in this series, John Griff talks to RPO’s Community and Education Director Ruth Currie and Natasha Zielazinski, Workshop leader, about the benefits to young participants of RPO Resound online workshops in lockdown. In addition, James Williams RPO’s Managing Director discusses the present and future role of the Orchestra in the Arts re-emerging post COVID-19.
Click here to play episode 9. In Episode 9 of RPO Extra host John Griff is joined by Principal Associate Conductor Alexander Shelley to discuss a new virtual performance of Britten’s ‘Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra’ by the RPO, and how an orchestra can use the medium to reach out, perform and educate when concert halls are empty. Vice Chair and trombonist Matt Knight goes through the technical challenges bringing a virtual orchestra to life.
Click here to play episode 8. This latest edition, was recorded especially for Mental Health Awareness Month and explores a new roundtable discussion format, with a number of RPO musicians joining directly from their own homes. Katy Ayling (Principal Bass Clarinet), Erik Chapman (First Violin) and Sali-Wyn Ryan (Second Violin) speak to BBC Radio Northampton's John Griff about life in lockdown from the perspective of professional musicians and performers.
Click here to play episode 7. In this episode of RPO Extra we turn the spotlight on the #RPOatHome campaign with insights from Chris Evans, RPO's Director of Press and Marketing and interviews with two musicians. The RPO’s Co-Principal Cello Jonathan Ayling (pictured) talks about the luxury and necessity of having more time to practice whilst social distancing and RPO viola section leader Abigail Fenna talks about the viola section, its quirky home video and describes how she thinks the Orchestra will sound once they are reunited in the concert hall.
Click here to play episode 6. In this special feature edition of RPO Extra, Episode 6 offers an insight into the mind and future plans of the Orchestra’s Music Director Designate from August 2020, Vasily Petrenko. Host John Griff speaks to Vasily from his home about what he plans to bring to the Orchestra and what the future of music could be like after the current unprecedented situation.
Click here to play episode 5. In the 5th episode of RPO Extra we explore the backstory to a special re-orchestration of Handel's Messiah through a conversation with the American conductor Dr Jonathan Griffith who played a significant role in uncovering the story and bringing the music to life. Plus, we speak with pianist Daniel Ciobanu on his approach to performing as well as the RPO's Chair and double bass player Benn Cunningham on the inner workings of a national orchestra.
Click here to play episode 4. In the 4th episode of RPO Extra, Valentina Peleggi talks to John Griff about how she began her career as a conductor. We shine a light on the life and times of composer of Antonin Dvořák. Plus, RPO second violin Sali-Wyn Ryan speaks about the community and education work of RPO Resound.
Click here to play episode 3. How does the Orchestra choose what to play?” In this episode of RPO Extra, Louise Badger the Orchestra’s Concert Director talks about who chooses the music and why. Plus, RPO flautist Jo Marsh introduces the role of the flute in large scale symphonic repertoire.
Click here to play episode 2. Which region of the UK keeps the biggest CD collection? Plus, find out how RPO Principal Cello Richard Harwood likens the cello to a very demanding relative. All this and more in the second episode of RPO Extra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s seasonal podcast hosted by John Griff.
Click here to play episode 1. In the first episode of the RPO podcast, John Griff interviews James Williams, Managing Director of the RPO about the future of orchestral music following the publication of the YouGov report 2018; Violinist Francesca Dego describes what it is like to perform with the nation’s favourite orchestra ahead of her national tour and a moving tribute to the late Andre Previn.
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