Journeys of Discovery: Change Makers x RPO
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is delighted to host a special podcast series with partners and collaborators Seven Hills x BPI: Journeys of Discovery.
The podcast series continues the themes of our Journeys of Discovery series of concerts in London, and explores the life stories and passions of special guests from a range of careers, and delves into how music has shaped their journeys.
The series is produced in collaboration with Change Makers, a podcast for people with a passion to delve into what makes them tick and the joy, difference and contribution that empowers them to bring to the world.
Episode six: Cathy Newman
Best known as one of Channel 4’s leading broadcasters, Cathy shares the lesser-known story of her lifelong love affair with music - and it’s one with strings attached. From a childhood spark - a stray violin brought home during a bout of chickenpox - to performing in the parliamentary String Quartet, music remained a constant companion.
Yet journalism became her stage, and Cathy reflects on the rhythm, focus, and listening both disciplines demand. Recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in collaboration with Seven Hills x BPI, Cathy reflects on her early musical experiences, the challenges of being a woman in media, and her advocacy for music education through Music for All. Along the way, she shows how passion, perseverance, and listening deeply - whether to a piece of music or a person - can shape both life and work.
Listen to the specially-curated playlist that accompanies the podcast.
Episode five: Min Kym
In this episode of Journeys of Discovery, Michael Hayman sits down with internationally renowned violinist and author, Min Kym. A child prodigy who found her voice through the violin, Min shares the extraordinary story of her deep connection to music – from growing up in a traditional South Korean home to the devastating theft of her beloved Stradivarius.
Min reflects on the pressures of early success, the identity crisis that followed the loss of her violin, and how she ultimately found her way back to music. She and Michael discuss the profound relationship between musician and instrument, the emotional weight of artistry, the reality of perfectionism, and the cathartic process of writing her memoir, Gone: A Girl, a Violin, a Life Unstrung.
Recorded at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's home of Cadogan Hall, this is a conversation about music, talent, and what it takes to begin again.
Listen to the specially-curated playlist that accompanies the podcast.
Episode four: Petroc Trelawny
In this episode of Journeys of Discovery, Michael Hayman sits down with Petroc Trelawny, classical music broadcaster, and the voice behind BBC Radio 3’s Breakfast programme.
Petroc reflects on the influence of music and music performance, classical and otherwise, on identity and emotions, and discusses his new book, Trelawny’s Cornwall, a part history, part memoir, which explores the past, present and future of the region.
Listen to the specially-curated playlist that accompanies the podcast.
Episode three: George Clarke
Journeys of Discovery podcast host Michael is joined by George Clarke, the architect, TV presenter, lecturer and writer, best known for his work with Channel 4, including The Restoration Man and George Clarke's Amazing Spaces.
Growing up on a Sunderland council estate, George was inspired to become an architect, spending summers on building sites with his grandfather. While studying at Newcastle University School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, and London’s Bartlett School of Architecture, George supported himself by renovating people’s homes in his spare time, before turning his attention to TV and programmes that demonstrate the opportunity of space and the vital importance of the home.
Episode two: Redemption and Freedom
We are excited to bring you the second episode of Journeys of Discovery, Redemption and Freedom, the latest in Change Makers' collaborative series with the Royal Philharmonic Orchesta. Over the course of these interviews, Michael explores fundamental questions about what it means to be human that accompany nine incredible concerts.
As Founding Director of Fine Cell Work, Katy speaks to Michael about how she is helping to transform the lives of prisoners and ex-prisoners through needlework.
Prisons can be "places of soul, spirit and connection", says Katy. Rather than carrying out their sentences "full of rage and self hate", prisoners should be permitted to embark on a journey of "self-understanding and self-acceptance". Through needlework, Fine Cell Work is opening one of the few doors of opportunity available to prisoners – allowing them both a glimpse of freedom, and a chance for redemption.
Episode one: Awakening
The first theme of the season is Awakening. Wagner, Grieg and Strauss provide the soundtrack, as host Michael Hayman is joined by Kamal Ahmed, Co-Founder and Editor-in-chief, The News Movement, to offer the commentary.
Hear Kamal’s words of reflection there from his outstanding memoir, The Life and Times of a Very British Man, and a very personal take on his own journey of discovery.
With special thanks to our audio partners at RØDE whose equipment was used to record this podcast. Visit their website below to find out more:
Thank you to the BBC for providing the soundtrack, Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra performed by the RPO and Vasily Petrenko and recorded live in London at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall.
RPO Extra
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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