a mic on the podium

Episode 124 - Bernard Labadie

Over the course of making this podcast, I have encountered conductors who just want to tell you everything and my chat with Bernard Labadie was one such encounter. It is a deeply frank, honest, and candid interview!

We discuss the perils of conducting accompanied recitatives, he was brutally honest about his career as an opera conductor, and his answer to Question 8 went down a very dark path indeed!

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 2nd January 2023 via Zoom.

Episode 123 - Nigel Short

It had been a very long time since I had spoken to a choral conductor and I think I made the perfect choice to interview. Nigel Short was a joy to chat with and what an interesting career journey he has had!

We talked about the difficulties of recording sessions, I discovered how a skiing trip changed his career path completely, and we have a good chuckle over one particular word that has a very different meaning on either side of the Atlantic!

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 11th November 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 122 - Otto Tausk

Otto Tausk and I are born a few months apart but it seems that we also had a few other things in common. A lovely chat with a very warm and open person!

We discussed how important it is to do your homework when assisting Valery Gergiev, I discovered which orchestra he likens to a Ferrari, and I also discovered which particular food item has been named after him in Vancouver!

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 28th November 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 121 - Nicholas McGegan

Having played for Nicholas on many occasions, I knew he would be fun to chat with given his ebullient nature. I also found out how open and honest he is and also how much he has thought about his craft!

With many anecdotes and stories, I heard his thoughts on many conductors, both past and present, we discussed how important it is as a conductor to "read the room", and I discover what he has in common with David Beckham!

If you would like to hear the bonus mini-episode attached to this interview and discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 12th September 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 120 - Anja Bihlmaier

Anja Bihlmaier and I seemed to have a lot in common right from the outset and it made this an extremely enjoyable chat. Lots of warmth, honesty and humour!

I heard her describe the differences between conducting opera and symphonic work in terms of skiing, I discovered that we had a similar childhood experience whilst playing Dvorak's New World Symphony, and I found out why she took some coca-cola into the opera pit once!

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 15th September 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 119 - Mark Heron

This was a truly fascinating chat! As one of the foremost conducting teachers of today, I hoped Mark Heron would be good to chat with and I was not disappointed - I learned a lot and I know you will as well. It was such a warm and thoughtful discussion.

We discussed strategies when faced with guest conducting an orchestra for the first time, I discovered which famous ex-pupil was "pretty rubbish" at conducting two pianos and why it didn't matter, and I discovered which sport he likes which, given his Scottish roots, might be quite surprising?!

If you would like to hear the bonus mini-episode attached to this interview and discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 3rd November 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 118 - Gábor Takács-Nagy

As two ex-violinists, Gábor and I had quite a lot in common and we seemed to hit it off immediately. He is such a warm and thoughtful person to chat with!

I discovered how music helped him cope with living in a communist regime, we discussed in depth how conductors should talk to an orchestra, and he told me how a joke told to him by his violin teacher changed his life.

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 10th September 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 117 - Grant Llewellyn

This is a deeply touching and personal episode. Grant Llewellyn was so open and candid about his experiences of having suffered a stroke in 2021 and how it has impacted his life and career.

I heard his honest opinions of four of the greatest conductors of the past who mentored him, we quickly got sidetracked talking about football (well, it is a World Cup year?!), and I allow him to "break the rules" in the ten questions at the end!

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 11th October 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 116 - Eva Ollikainen

My chat with Eva Ollikainen started with us noticing our studies have the same coloured walls and it carried on being a very relaxed and fun interview to make!

We discuss fixing problems in rehearsals and whether we should, we got very geeky about metronome markings, and I discover which very famous conductor she once had to ask to be quiet in her rehearsal!

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 24th October 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 115 - Nicholas Buc

Having heard Nicholas Buc's podcast, it was great to put a face to the voice. We also had a lot in common and it made this a really enjoyable interview!

I discovered how his podcast came into being and why the chemistry between his co-presenters and himself works, we discuss the similarities between "footballs" and "eggs", and you will discover which avid listener to this podcast will be rather pleased with his answer to Question 5!

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

Here is the link to Nicholas's excellent podcast about film music, 'The Art of the Score' - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/art-of-the-score/id1207181678

This interview was recorded on 27th September 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 114 - Leslie Suganandarajah

Some interviews feel good from the very start and my chat with Leslie Suganandarajah felt like that immediately - such a thoughtful and humble person to chat with!

We agree that conducting opera when you cannot actually see the singers is extremely difficult, he told me which specific rehearsal always gives him "goosebumps", and I hear how, at an early age, a dentist changed his life!

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 30th August 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 113 - Stéphane Denève

Having worked with Stéphane Denève on a project together in the summer of 2022, I knew he would be a brilliant guest and a very interesting person to chat with. It helped that we had become friends very quickly indeed!

I discovered who his "Yoda" was, he gave a really brilliant answer to Question 7 that I just did not see coming, and I heard how an experience in the "night bar" of the Ritz Hotel, Paris, changed his life!

Here is a link to Stéphane's website to see the video we discuss of him assisting Sir Georg Solti in London -https://www.stephanedeneve.com/video/

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 15th August 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 112 - Jamie Phillips

I have probably known Jamie Phillips for more of his life than any other conductor I have interviewed! I knew, therefore, that he would be perfect to chat with and interview.

We discussed when and why you should stop entering conducting competitions, I discover what the "golden rule" was when he attended CBSO rehearsals as a child, and I find out what sporting event he has been training for!

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 5th July 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 111 - Eduardo Strausser

I had been told that I would enjoy chatting with Eduardo Strausser and that proved to be correct - he was both fascinating and fun in equal measure!

Eduardo explained to me how Brazilian musical life changed after the fall of the Berlin Wall, he explained how he feels that score learning has to be like archeology, and we both discuss being caught in a tropical rainstorm!

If you would like to hear the bonus mini-episode and the fascinating chat about Eduardo's tattoos, then why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 2nd June 2022 via Zoom.

SPECIAL EPISODE - Bramwell Tovey (1953 - 2022)

On July 12th, 2022, the music world lost the much-loved conductor, pianist, and composer Bramwell Tovey.

I had the great pleasure to chat with him back on 15th May 2020, when the world was in lockdown and in the full grip of the Covid pandemic. Much to my regret, it was the only time we chatted and I loved every second of our time together. 

There have been countless heartfelt tributes to him since the sad news was announced that his cancer had returned and that he had lost his battle with it. I have decided that the best way to pay tribute to him is to re-release our chat and add on the six-minute chat we had after we had finished recording the episode.

I found him to be a lovely man - ready to tell his story, not afraid to voice his opinions, and, as so many have also said, a great raconteur. Our chat has been one of my personal favourite episodes ever since I released it and honestly, I have probably listened to it again at least five times since!

Farewell Bram - I know that wherever you are, you will be making friends, making music, and making everyone laugh.

Episode 110 - Marta Gardolińska

Marta Gardolińska is the first Polish conductor interviewed for the podcast and was a joy to chat with - very open and honest about her life and career and had a warm and chatty nature.

I discovered what was the "best school" she encountered on her way through her studies, we get rather geeky about espresso coffee, and I discovered which work, composed in her homeland, gets her rather emotional when she has to conduct it!

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 7th June 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 109 - Pietari Inkinen

Pietari Inkinen is the epitome of a busy conductor and it was fascinating chatting with him about his life, career, and much more. You couldn't wish to meet a more charming person!

We discussed Wagner & Bayreuth, the Finnish attitude to young conductors, and the massive benefits of some local knowledge when you are guest conducting and want to eat well!

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 26th May 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 108 - Roy Goodman

As a recently retired conductor, Roy Goodman and I had a lot of things to talk about and I think we covered most of them! We seemed to hit it off immediately and I loved his warmth and honesty.

We talk about the beginnings of the HIP movement and how he got involved, one year in particular crops up on a regular basis, and we chatted about one rather famous recording he participated in having just finished a rugby match!

The attached photo on Podbean is taken on Striding Edge, Helvellyn, which, as you will discover, is very apt indeed!

If you would like to hear the bonus mini-episode attached to this interview and discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 16th May 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 107 - Enrique Arturo Diemecke

Having met him once before, I knew Enrique Arturo Diemcke would be a very interesting person to interview and I was proved correct!

We discussed the differences between Anglo-Saxon and Latin people and orchestras, I discovered what the most important factor is when he considers which drink to choose in Question 10, and I hear which LP he and his siblings bought when they were young and why it wasn't the sort of quartet they were expecting!

The biography I mention in the outro can be found here - 'A Biography with music by Mahler' written by Jose Angel Leyva -https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enrique-Arturo-Diemecke-Biograf%C3%ADa-Spanish-ebook/dp/B08RRVW4ZY

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 1st March 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 106 - Jonathan Bloxham

Jonathan Bloxham and I have known each other for 6 years now and I knew he would be perfect to interview - we get along very well and I knew he would be open, honest, and interesting as he has a real passion for what he does.

As an example of that, he was very open about his experiences as Assistant Conductor with the CBSO, I discovered how a nightmare set of circumstances meant that his debut at Glyndebourne was very memorable indeed, and we discuss accents, not musical accents either!

The festival that Jonathan is the founder of, Northern Chords, can be found here - https://northernchords.com/

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 20th April 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 105 - François-Xavier Roth

I have been so lucky to have met such lovely people during the course of making this podcast and François-Xavier Roth was no exception - we had a lovely warm and open chat!

I discovered how Janos Furst's pragmatic approach to teaching conducting taught him so much, he explained his vision & ethos for his orchestra, Les Siecles, and I found out that he is a podcast fan but not necessarily this one?!

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 21st February 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 104 - Lina Gonzalez-Granados

Lina Gonzalez-Granados had been on my radar to interview for a long time and when we finally chatted, we seemed to hit it off immediately - such a lovely person to chat with and very honest about her experiences so far.

I discovered where she was "a guinea pig', who is the "most badass woman" she has ever met, and she was the first conductor for a very long time to mention a specific restaurant in her answer to question 10!

If you would like to access the bonus mini-episode attached to this podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 1st February 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 103 - James Gaffigan

James Gaffigan was another conductor who I had not met previously yet we seemed to get on with each other immediately. An episode with a lot of laughter and a lot of food for thought!

I discovered who was the first person to make him cry as an adult, we debated how orchestras used to sound compared to today and why things have changed, and we laugh a lot about our experiences accompanying certain types of soloists!

If you would like to discover a whole lot more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners.

If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 2nd March 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 102 - Ben Palmer

Ben Palmer has quite a multi-faceted career and that makes him fascinating to chat with. He is also a fan of this podcast so that made it doubly joyful!

I found out how he first got to meet Sir Roger Norrington, I discover that conducting music live to film and the world of historically informed performance has more in common than you might at first think, and we agree that Sibelius' Symphony No.7 is extremely difficult to conduct!

If you would like to access the bonus mini-episode attached to this podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 11th January 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 101 - Kwamé Ryan

Kwamé Ryan was a joy to chat with - easy, open, and honest, exactly how I like an interview to go!

I discovered that Bartok's Duke Bluebeard's Castle seemed to appear at major moments of his career, that conducting one work in a birthday concert changed his life, and I heard about his very interesting system for marking dynamics in his scores and how technology sometimes plays a role in score learning!

Here is the link to Kwamé Ryan's podcast, '8 Minute Idea' -https://kwameryan.com/8-minute-idea/

If you would like to find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 11th February 2022 via Zoom.

BONUS EPISODE 3: After 100 episodes, what next?

After reaching a century of episodes, what is next? In this short bonus episode, I let you know what the future holds for the podcast.

If you would like to find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 21st February 2022.

Episode 100 - Sir Roger Norrington

In this special feature-length episode to celebrate reaching the century of episodes, I was lucky enough to chat with one of the biggest names in conducting over the last few decades, Sir Roger Norrington. He was charming, open, honest, fascinating and a joy to spend 90 minutes in the company of.

I discovered how being sent to Africa made him decide that he wanted to try to become a professional musician, he was very honest about his system for learning a score, especially his feelings and thoughts on harmony, and it wouldn't have been a discussion with Sir Roger without us becoming very detailed about metronome markings, especially Beethoven's!

If you would like to find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and, for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 17th January 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 99 - Han-Na Chang

Having met Han-Na Chang in October 2021, I knew she would be perfect for the podcast and I was proved correct - what a bubbly character and a really open and honest person!

I discovered how a potential "typo" helped change her life forever, we talked about how to fix ensemble problems "in the moment" and what surprising "move" often works best, and we get very geeky about Carlos Kleiber!

If you would like to find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 31st January 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 98 - Asher Fisch

Asher Fisch was a joy to chat with - open, honest, and full of opinion. The sound of this podcast is a little different from the norm as we had to use his phone to record him but you hear every word, as clear as a bell and they are well worth hearing!

I hear his views on how a conductor's attitude needs to change from country to country, we chat about a mutual friend with who we have shared a stage countless times, and I discover what two "bugs" he has tested positive for!

If you would like to find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 10th January 2022 via Zoom.

Episode 97 - Alexander Shelley

Alexander Shelley was a fascinating person to chat with as he really has thought long and hard about a conductor's role both on and off the podium.

I discover who told him that it only takes 6 months to learn stick technique if you are taught by the right person, we discuss learning to conduct in silence versus with two pianos, and I rather surprisingly try to change his mind about the sound he hates!

If you would like to hear the bonus mini-episode attached to this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 23rd November 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 96 - Roberto González-Monjas

As violinists who went on to become conductors, Roberto González-Monjas and myself had an awful lot in common and, it seems, we also enjoyed discussing food as well!

We also discussed how scheduling can affect your health and lifestyle, I heard about the wonderful education project he co-founded in Columbia, and he told me what surprising full score he chose to spend 100 Euros on as a child!

If you would like to find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 22nd December 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 95 - Andrew Gourlay

I loved chatting with Andrew Gourlay, possibly due to discovering so many things we have in common and how many shared experiences we have?

I discovered we had a shared history in our musical youth, we had both been a rehearsal conductor for one particularly busy maestro, and that we both find conducting one particular piece of Britten's music very difficult!

If you would like to hear the bonus mini-episode attached to this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 5th November 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 94 - Alice Farnham

Alice Farnham and I seemed to have quite a few things in common and I really enjoyed chatting with her - we had a very warm and open conversation together.

She had so many fond memories of studying with the great Ilya Musin, we had a fascinating discussion about teaching young women conducting, and I discovered what her multi-instrumental "party trick" used to be!

This is the link I mentioned on the podcast episode of Musin conducting Strauss' Don Juan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-NDx2cOYMc

If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 20th December 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 93 - Chad Goodman

Chad Goodman and I had already chatted before we did this interview and I knew he would be a perfect addition to the podcast! Open, funny, and extremely interesting.

We discuss the differences between a Cover Conductor, Assistant Conductor, Resident Conductor, and Conducting Fellow, we chat about the future for young conductors and their career paths, and we get extremely nerdy about our shared passion for all things horological!

If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 21st December 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 92 - Sir George Benjamin

It was a real pleasure to chat with a composer and conductor I have admired for so long - Sir George Benjamin was so open and honest and I found him to be such a warm person to chat with.

We discussed how a composer/conductor must learn to distance themselves from their own music in performance, he had so many fond memories and stories about his dear friend, the late, great, Oliver Knussen, and I hear about an awful "birthday present" he once received!

If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 18th October 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 91 - Harry Christophers

Sometimes you meet someone who seems to be a kindred spirit and Harry Christophers and I just got on instantly - maybe a love of football and a good pint of English bitter helped?

We discussed the art of programming and how much we enjoyed it, I found out which famous conductor was his first inspiration after seeing him conduct on TV, and I discover what rather surprising profession he would like to do!

If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 1st November 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 90 - Eímear Noone

Eímear Noone is someone who seems to love chatting about music and conducting and I loved chatting with her about all manner of subjects and was especially fascinated to find out many things I didn't know about Film, TV & Video Game sessions from her.

I discovered how a visit to her school from the Army Band changed her life, what surprising comments she sometimes receives from fans of video game music, and what item "saved her life" when she toured while in the third trimester of pregnancy!

If you would like to hear the Patreon bonus episode attached to this podcast all about conducting at The Oscars and want to find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 6th September 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 89 - John Adams

What a pleasure and a joy it was to chat with one of my favourite composers! John Adams was so nice to chat with and such a lovely warm and open person.

I discovered that his first job was a rather surprising one, what extremely unusual item he always takes with him when he travels abroad, and how a Hamburg taxi driver brought him crashing down to earth!

If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 9th October 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 88 - David Afkham

David Afkham is obviously a serious thinker about his conducting and music-making and that made for a fascinating chat!

I found out what the difference is between a Principal Conductor and a Chief Conductor / Artistic Advisor, we discussed the important topic of whether to use a stool in rehearsals, and he tells me his memories of working with and assisting the late, great, Bernard Haitink.

If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 16th August 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 87 - Enrique Mazzola

Enrique Mazzola is a conductor who is now at the top of the operatic conducting world yet a humble and honest person to chat with - a lovely chat with a genuinely nice guy.

I discover how singing as a boy at La Scala changed his life, why we can thank the composer Hans Werner Henze for him having the skills to run a major opera house, and, since reading one particular newspaper review, what has now become his "trademark"?!

If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 6th August 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 86 - Paul Murphy

I have known Paul Murphy for quite a while, always loved chatting with him and this was no different - such a charming man and fascinating to chat with him about conducting ballet!

I discover how playing in youth orchestras during the Northern Ireland "troubles" brought young people together, we discussed whether conductors should conduct youth orchestras and amateurs, and we both agree that we find one particular conductors technique "baffling"!

If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 25th August 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 85 - Jessica Cottis

Jessica Cottis is definitely a conductor who has thought long and hard about what conducting is and what conductors do - it was really enjoyable chatting with her!

We discussed the pros and cons of demonstrating when you teach conducting, she gives a unique answer to how she would like to spend her 24 hours free, and I discover what hobby she shares with my own father!

If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 18th August 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 84 - David Greilsammer

David Greilsammer was so much fun to chat with! A really passionate musician who also loves to think out of the box.

I found out how and when music was taken away from him and the positive impact that followed, we discussed how important it is to trust the orchestra, and how to set up an orchestra from scratch when you want your musicians to play, improvise and dance!

If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 27th August 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 83 - Alexander Joel

One of the joys of this podcast has been how honest the conductors have been and Alexander Joel is no different at all! Despite a poor connection between Nancy & Birmingham, he was fun to chat with and always ready to give an opinion.

We discuss the differences between opera and symphonic conductors, how to get an orchestra to stop playing on "auto-pilot", and I discover what huge item he once took with him on a tour of Europe!

If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 30th June 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 82 - Stephanie Childress

Stephanie Childress has already made great strides in her career in such a short period of time. She was a joy to chat with and I enjoyed hearing her views and thoughts on a whole range of topics.

We discussed sexism, not only in the world of conducting but across society as a whole, we also discussed the pitfalls of watching yourself conduct on video, and we found out that we had a very similar experience with Brahms' Symphony No.2!

If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 3rd June 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 81 - Lionel Bringuier

Lionel Bringuier was such a nice guy to chat with - full of life and a really positive outlook on life and music-making!

We had a discussion about which is harder to conduct, The Rite of Spring or Petrouchka, we discussed if conductors can be likened to tennis players, and I discovered why he was not allowed to celebrate with everyone else when he was at a dinner to announce his appointment at the Los Angeles Philharmonic!

If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 14th April 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 80 - George Jackson

George Jackson is a wonderful person to talk to - not only about conducting but all manner of topics. I really enjoyed chatting with him and hope to again very soon.

I discovered how going to a party as a teenager helped him find orchestras, how he found a conducting mentor in the most entrepreneurial way, and we discussed one particularly momentous jump-in which started in a London pub and included a potential April Fools joke!

If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 11th April 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 79 - Thomas Dausgaard

Thomas Dausgaard is obviously a deep thinker and takes his music-making very seriously which, of course, led this to be a fascinating chat!

I discovered that his earliest musical experiences were not in the classical music world, we discussed how the long, slow romance approach to becoming a Music Director is one he prefers, and I hear how he got Norman Del Mar into trouble when he auditioned at the Royal College of Music!

If you would like to join the supporters club for this podcast and find out more about the world of conducting and conductors, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

As I promised in the interview, here is the link to Thomas' YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/ThomasMusicRoom/videos

This interview was recorded on 18th May 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 78 - Anthony Hermus

Anthony Hermus has such a bubbly character and I really enjoyed chatting with him! It is no surprise to me that he is widely in demand as a conductor.

I discovered that he went to university to study a subject that, at first, seems to have no common link to conducting, I heard how Jac van Steen (Episode 4) changed the direction of his career, and I jealously discover that he has conducted an opera which I am desperate to conduct!

If you would like to hear the Patreon exclusive bonus mini-episode that comes attached to this episode, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 30th April 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 77 - Robert Spano

I am going to go out on a limb and say that this is possibly my favourite interview so far!

Robert (or is that Bob?!) Spano was everything one could hope for - wise, open, honest, and very funny. We found out that we shared a bad habit when we were students, we discussed how an assistant conductor "should" observe a rehearsal, we get very geeky looking at the scores on my shelves and he tells a funny story about score marking involving Oliver Knussen, Reinbert de Leeuw and himself, as well as many other funny stories!

If you would like to hear the Patreon exclusive bonus mini-episode that comes attached to this episode, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

If you listen via Apple podcasts, please do leave a rating and review - it really helps the podcast get noticed and attract more listeners. If you want to get involved on social media, you can via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/amiconthepodium) or Twitter (@amiconthepodium).

This interview was recorded on 14th June 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 76 - Jordan de Souza

Yet another conductor who spoke passionately, honestly, and openly about what we do and how we do it!

Jordan de Souza and I discussed so many topics - what seemingly mundane things can "piss people off" in an orchestra, what advice to listen to and ignore, how to say No to a debut with an orchestra for the right reasons, and after hearing his answer, what item will I now not be leaving home without when I travel?!

If you would like to know more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation to financially support this podcast, then go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 2nd May 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 75 - Omer Meir Wellber

After interviewing Juanjo Mena last week, it made sense to me to follow him with his successor at the BBC Philharmonic?

Omer Meir Wellber was fascinating to chat with - direct, open, honest, and never shy to let me know his thoughts. I discovered what very unusual instrument he started with as a child, we discussed whether it is possible to conduct music you hate, and he also had a very interesting theory about contemporary music and its relationship to sex!

If you would like to know more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation to financially support this podcast, then go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 5th May 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 74 - Juanjo Mena

Juanjo Mena was such a charming person to chat with - softly spoken, open, warm, and honest.

I discovered what it is like studying with someone as intense as Sergiu Celibidache, what difficult task he sets any conductor who assists him, and he gives the most shocking answer to one of the ten questions ever - I was almost speechless when I heard it!

If you would like to know more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation to financially support this podcast, then go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 23rd February 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 73 - Sir James MacMillan

I am always humbled when I get the chance to chat with someone so influential in the world of classical music and find that they are so warm, honest, and fascinating.

Sir James MacMillan was a real joy to chat with - I discovered what music he likes to "champion" when he conducts abroad, we chat about the pitfalls of social media, and we discuss why it is problematic when a composer won't "let go" in the rehearsal process!

If you would like to know more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation to financially support this podcast, then go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 15th March 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 72 - Valentina Peleggi

This was another chat I really enjoyed having with a lot of laughter between the two of us!

Valentina Peleggi is a conductor who is really making strides in the conducting world. We discovered that we had both been to a little-known music festival in the mountains of Brazil, she was the first person to give the same answer to questions 1 & 2, and she was extremely forthright about what toppings should go on pizza!

If you would like to know more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation to financially support this podcast, then go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 11th February 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 71 - Ben Glassberg

It is always a pleasure when you meet someone for the first time and you instantly have a rapport - this was one of those occasions!

Ben Glassberg and I chatted about diversity in the world of conducting, how important your relationship with the Leader or Concertmaster is, and how conducting must be "in the moment" and not a "dance routine" - and despite Ben worrying that "you will think that he is alcoholic", he did mention alcohol in five of his answers to the ten questions at the end!

If you would like to know more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation to financially support this podcast, then go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 31st October 2020 via Zoom.

Episode 70 - Christian Baldini

I love Argentina and have visited many times and it was a pleasure to chat with my first Argentinian conductor on the podcast!

Christian Baldini and I discussed cover conducting and what that entails, I discovered which composer's full score was so large that the music stand had to be rebuilt, and, of course, the subject of England vs Argentina and football didn't take too long to come up!

If you would like to know more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation to financially support this podcast, then go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 13th January 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 69 - Paul Daniel

Paul Daniel had been on my list of conductors I was desperate to chat with for a long time and what a joy it was to get to speak with him!

Despite some connection issues between the UK and France (and I do mean the internet!) I discovered how being a chorister at Coventry Cathedral really inspired him to conduct, I heard his very candid and honest reflections on the differences between Opera North and English National Opera, and I heard his wonderful impersonation of one of the conducting greats! 

If you would like to know more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation to financially support this podcast, then go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 3rd February 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 68 - Jaime Martín

Jaime Martín is definitely a conductor who is going places! Along with his titled positions in Sweden, Spain, Eire, and the US, since we recorded this interview, he has been appointed the next Chief Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra starting in 2022.

I discovered why he stayed as a student in The Hague for as long as possible, which conductor seemingly never gave any upbeats, and he is the first person to "politely decline" to answer one of the ten questions at the end!

If you would like to know more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation to financially support this podcast, then go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 29th January 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 67 - Joshua Weilerstein

This was a chat I really enjoyed with a fellow conductor and podcaster! Joshua Weilerstein is a joy to interview and we had a lot to chat about.

We discussed his amazing lockdown project, how he started his podcast, 'Sticky Notes', and what he didn't even bother to pack in his suitcase when he entered the Malko Conducting Competition in 2009!

If you would like to know more about conductors and conducting, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation to financially support this podcast, then go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 13th July 2020 via Zoom.

Episode 66 - Carlo Rizzi

I am lucky that so many of the conductors have been a joy to chat with and this week's episode is no different! Carlo Rizzi was very interesting and such a warm and genial person.

I discovered that Carlo studies his opera scores differently from symphonic scores, he tells me exactly what it takes to be a successful Music Director of an opera house, and I discover what he might start doing when he reaches his seventies?!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 12th October 2020 via Zoom.

Episode 65 - Robert Trevino

American conductor, Robert Trevino, is definitely making his mark on the world of conducting and classical music, having jobs in both Spain and Sweden, and since we recorded this chat, he's added another position in Italy.

Despite some poor internet connections at times, we discussed how a conductor should treat and interact with orchestral musicians, I found out who "beat the incompetence" out of him, and we had a very amusing moment sparked by the difference between US English and UK English!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 10th August 2020 via Zoom.

Episode 64 - Fabien Gabel

This was another chat I thoroughly enjoyed - but then I have always seemed to get along well with brass players?!

Fabien Gabel was great to chat with and I found out how much of an influence Pierre Boulez was on him, we discussed how to get over being nervous when working with and assisting conductors that you admire, and I discover that Fabien, like myself, is a Berlioz fan!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 8th October 2020 via Zoom.

Episode 63 - Kerem Hasan

Sometimes you chat with someone and very quickly realise that it is going to be a very interesting conversation!

Kerem Hasan is a conductor who is really going places and it is not hard to see why. We discussed our mental attitudes towards conducting, I found out that he was taught in a very unusual way whilst studying in Weimar, and I get to tell a story about a famous conductor conducting a motorbike!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 17th September 2020 via Zoom.

Episode 62 - Matthias Bamert

Sometimes you get to chat with someone who has so many fascinating stories to tell and tells them so brilliantly!

It was wonderful to chat with Matthias Bamert, a most charming man and also open, honest, and candid.

I found out how two "fairytale meetings" with two of the giants of conducting changed his life forever, we discussed recording Mozart and Korngold, and I find out how filming concerts can sometimes be just like filming a game of football?!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 25th October 2020 via Zoom.

 

 

Episode 61 - Gemma New

One of the bonuses of making this podcast is meeting new people and finding out how lovely they are in person. Gemma New definitely falls into this category!

We discussed the difficulties we have both encountered when conducting Schools, Family, and Pops concerts, she gave the most creative answer yet to the question "when traveling abroad, what item could you not leave home without", and is it Hamilton, Hamilton, or Hamilton?!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 5th November 2020 via Zoom.

 

Episode 60 - Sir Andrew Davis

It was a joy to chat with one of the true giants of the British classical scene. Sir Andrew Davis was very warm and extremely chatty, with a real willingness to be open and honest.

I discovered which very surprising work was the first orchestral piece he ever conducted, why Janáček's Glagolitic Mass was a pivotal work for him, and which other conducting knight, when he was introduced to him as an "aspiring conductor", told him that he "must be mad"!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 4th August 2020 via Zoom.

 

Episode 59 - Håkan Hardenberger

Having met Håkan Hardenberger before, I knew this was going to fun!

Håkan told me the brilliant story about how he came to have lessons with Leif Segerstam, how a 50th birthday present really opened his eyes to another profession, and who told him he should have half of his brain removed!

A lovely chat with one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet.

 

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 26th October 2020 via Zoom.

 

Episode 58 - Hugh Wolff

Sometimes when I chat with a conductor, we just get along straight away and this interview was definitely one of those!

Hugh Wolff is wonderful to chat with, intelligent, warm, and funny. I discovered what he had learned from Rostropovich and how he had benefitted from his "generosity", why he was locked in a room in Paris for eight hours, and we discover that we have very different views on the sound of a "babbling brook"!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 7th November 2020 via Zoom.

 

Episode 57 - Simone Young

Today is 25th April 2021 and also Anzac Day. It seems therefore appropriate to interview my first Australian conductor, probably the most prominent Australian conductor working today.

Simone Young was a joy to chat with - I discovered what pressures there may have been as a "trailblazer", we discussed conducting off-stage and how scary that can be, and I discover what criterion she uses when choosing her hairdressers!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 29th January 2021 via Zoom.

 

Episode 56 - Dima Slobodeniouk

Dima Slobodeniouk was a fascinating person to chat with. We discussed how to cope with "first dates" with the world's top orchestras, I found out that the first piece he ever conducted at the Helsinki Academy was a rather surprising one, and I also discovered which symphony always "emptied him completely" and that he has decided not to conduct anymore!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 7th September 2020 via Zoom.

 

Episode 55 - Kevin John Edusei

What a delightful person Kevin John Edusei is and a joy to chat with! In an episode full of "firsts", I discovered how studying to be a sound engineer really helped him as a conductor, I heard everything I wanted to know about the German Kapellmeister system and found out what subject he is very happy to be "nerdy" about.

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meetings with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles, photos, videos and even conducting lessons from myself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 26th January 2021 via Zoom.

 

Episode 54 - Manfred Honeck

Manfred Honeck is such a lovely person to chat with - funny, serious, honest, and fascinating. I got to hear about his days playing in the Vienna Philharmonic and his thoughts on being conducted by Karajan, Bernstein, Kleiber & Harnoncourt, why fruit yoghurt was an early influence on his musical life and his choice of final meal is very apt for this Easter Sunday episode!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meeting with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles and much more.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 16th September 2020 via Zoom.

 

 

Episode 53 - Sir Antonio Pappano

I have been wanting to chat with Sir Antonio Pappano since the podcast began and he was simply wonderful to interview! I discovered why passing his Grade 5 Piano exam was so important to him, we discuss his work for BBC TV and what that entails and I found out which work "finishes him" after every performance and he thinks that "Götterdämmerung is nothing in comparison"!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meeting with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles and much more.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 19th February 2021 via Zoom.

 

 

Episode 52 - Hannu Lintu

Chatting with Hannu Lintu turns out to be great fun and what a charming man he is. We discussed personal repertoire choices, especially "awkward" works, I found out what it is was like to be taught by the "two popes" of conducting, Jorma Panula & Ilya Musin, and I discover which job would be difficult for him to attempt due to his "temper"!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meeting with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles and much more.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 18th September 2020 via Zoom.

Episode 51 - Marin Alsop

It was a real joy to sit and chat with one of the biggest names in the conducting world, Marin Alsop, for an hour. We discussed whether either of us actually liked learning the violin, why she once thought she should go into rock & roll, and I discovered she has a rather surprising choice of alternative career! A really special chat with a lovely person.

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meeting with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles and much more.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 21st January 2021 via Zoom.

Episode 50 - Michael Seal

After quite a few requests from listeners as to when I might interview myself, to celebrate the podcast reaching Episode 50, I asked CBSO Chorus Director, Simon Halsey, to interview me instead.

Simon and I discussed what it means to be "part of the CBSO furniture", I am frank and honest about some of my early conducting trips away from the UK and I tell the complete story about standing in for Andris Nelsons at very short notice and how that led to an extremely memorable concert with Jonas Kaufmann in Baden Baden!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meeting with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles and much more.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 11th September 2020 via Zoom.

Episode 49 - Osmo Vänskä

Osmo Vänskä has been at the top of the conducting world for nearly 40 years. I found out why the ensemble of an orchestra is so important for him, why his relationship with BIS has been so successful and fruitful, and we had a particularly funny Finnish moment. A lovely chat with a lovely man!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meeting with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles and much more.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 4th July 2020 via Zoom.

Episode 48 - Chloé van Soeterstède

Chatting with Chloé van Soeterstède was a real delight! I found out what it means to be the current Taki Concordia Alsop Fellow and how it all works, what language surprisingly she thinks she is "not good" at, and which composer's music might not be suitable to set a ballet to?!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meeting with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles and much more.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

This interview was recorded on 22nd December 2020 via Zoom.

BONUS EPISODE 2: The past, the present & the future.

In this special "bonus" episode, I tell you how the podcast was recorded, why the episodes appear in the order they do, and what you might expect in the future from the podcast. I also discuss how you can help the podcast in the future and how long you can expect to hear new episodes.

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meeting with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles and much more.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

Episode 47 - Trevor Pinnock

Chatting with Trevor Pinnock was both fascinating and fun and what a lovely person he is. I discovered some of his very interesting views on period performance and orchestral seating, what he learned by watching Leonard Bernstein teach at Tanglewood, and I found out how he got into trouble at school with Sir Mark Elder!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for a monthly fee starting from just £5 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meeting with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles and much more.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated and help the podcast live on into the future.

Episode 46 - Miguel Harth-Bedoya

Miguel Harth-Bedoya was a total joy to chat with! I discovered that he was given his job at the L.A.Philharmonic in a very surprising way, why it is so important to train the next generation of conductors in the correct way and why I should have been asking "Why?"!

If you would like to financially support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for just £10 a month, you can access two new series of interviews, group Zoom meeting with other fans of the podcast and myself, a monthly bulletin about the podcast and my own career as well as articles and much more.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated!

Episode 45 - Michael Francis

This was such a lovely chat and an interview I really enjoyed. Michael Francis and I chatted about our shared experiences as ex-professional players and what we have learned from them. I also learned about his incredible journey from the LSO to the podium, we agreed on which is the best of all sports and I found out that he used to have a rather surprising hairstyle!

If you would like to hear the Patreon exclusive mini-episode and support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for the price of a glass of wine once a month, you can access two new series of interviews, articles, and much more.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated!

Episode 44 - Dalia Stasevska

Dalia Stasevska is a young Finnish conductor who is a rising star of the conducting world who came to the world's attention in 2020. We, of course, discussed her conducting the Last Night of the Proms, we also discussed why conducting the music of Magnus Lindberg is so hard and I found out what Leif Segerstam wanted her to do on her own in a forest!!

If you would like to support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for the price of a glass of wine once a month, you can access two new series of interviews, articles, and much more.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated!

Episode 43 - Ben Gernon

I have known Ben Gernon since he was a teenager and have always loved chatting to him about music and conducting. I discovered what lessons with Sir Colin Davis were like, which orchestra saw him through his "nappy years and on to being a toddler", and which famous conductor once gave him invaluable advice whilst he was eating a doner kebab!

If you would like to hear the Patreon exclusive mini-episode and support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for the price of a glass of wine once a month, you can access two new series of interviews, articles, and much more.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated!

Episode 42 - Ludovic Morlot

Ludovic Morlot and I had such a lovely time chatting and what a charming gentleman he is. I discover what rather unconventional methods he was taught in his very first conducting lessons, how the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland had an effect on his career, and which two conductors he likens to Federer and Nadal!

If you would like to support the podcast, why not subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/amiconthepodium, and for the price of a glass of wine once a month, you can access two new series of interviews, articles, and much more.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make a one-off donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/a-mic-on-the-podium and any donation you make will be greatly appreciated!

 

Episode 41 - Nicholas Collon

Nicholas Collon is a very popular conductor across the UK, Europe, and beyond. He is also very enjoyable to chat with. I found out why he took up the viola, why the Aurora Orchestra first decided to play from memory and he has a very surprising and rather apt choice of final drink! 
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Episode 40 - Karl-Heinz Steffens

Karl-Heinz Steffens played the clarinet in two of the greatest orchestras in the world before becoming a highly successful conductor. I found out what advice Daniel Barenboim gave him, why playing for Claudio Abbado was so special and I hear possibly my favourite answer so far to the question "what item could could you not leave home without when travelling abroad?"!

Episode 39 - Sian Edwards

A very honest and candid chat with a lovely person - Sian Edwards and I discussed so many topics from her successful conducting and teaching career. I discovered how Neeme Järvi shaped her early career, why she still has a piece of broken chair in her study and I got to hear an amazing story about Carlos Kleiber that I had never heard before!

Episode 38 - Domingo Hindoyan

The Venezuelan conductor, Domingo Hindoyan, is rising quickly to the top of the conducting profession. I found out what is was that made him fall in love with Liverpool, what he has had with him ever since he left Venezuela at the age of 19 and how his parent's background helped him become Assistant to Daniel Barenboim. A very pleasant chat to a fellow violinist!

Episode 37 - Rumon Gamba

I had such a lovely time chatting to the British conductor and fellow cricket fan, Rumon Gamba. He told me where his name comes from, he was very candid about his experiences as a Music Director and I found out what a "screaming party" is!

Episode 36 - Sakari Oramo

Sakari Oramo has been a friend since he became the Music Director of the CBSO in 1998. We reminisced about his 10 years in Birmingham and found out what "Bluffer's Guide" he wished had been written to prepare him for his time in the UK and I found out who called him "a terrible goose"! Two friends catching up and chatting about the past, the present and the future....

Episode 35 - Roderick Cox

Young American conductor, Roderick Cox, is definitely making a name for himself in the conducting world. We talk about his charitable foundation and its origins, we get really technical over one passage of The Rite of Spring and I found out how American Football had an influence on his conducting career path!

Episode 34 - Stephen Bell

Stephen Bell has been a friend for many years and always fun to chat with. I find out what we have to thank the National Youth Orchestra of Canada for, what method he uses to learn over 400 new works in a season and what his 6 year old daughter is better at than him! A really enjoyable chat with a lovely gent.

Episode 33 - Kirill Karabits

Kirill Karabits has been Principal Conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra since 2009 and loves them dearly. We discussed how important having the right agent at the beginning of your career is, what he learned from assisting Ivan Fischer and why conducting Beethoven Symphony No.5 is so bloody hard!

Episode 32 - Nicholas Daniel

Nicholas Daniel can be described as a musical polymath - conductor, oboist, teacher, commissioner of new music and a lovely friend to have a chat with. We discussed (among many topics!) why conducting at Snape Maltings can be tough, why Shostakovich is great for youth orchestras and how Sir Simon Rattle and a gamelan are linked to performing Sibelius Symphony No.5!

Episode 31 - Jonathon Heyward

What a charming person Jonathon Heyward is! We discussed the importance of the correct advice after winning a competition, what being a Dudamel Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic entails and how seeing a performance of Don Giovanni changed his career path forever!

Episode 30 - Ilan Volkov

I really enjoyed this chat as Ilan Volkov was fun, friendly and fascinating. We discussed what programming entails and how enjoyable it can be, what the demands of curating and producing your own festival are and we both agreed that performing Messiaen can be frightening!

Episode 29 - JoAnn Falletta

 

Chatting with JoAnn Falletta was a real joy - very warm, friendly and open. We discussed how rewarding it can be working with amateur musicians, how inspirational Leonard Bernstein was as a teacher and how working in Hawaii introduced her to one of her favourite pastimes! 

Episode 28 - Jiří Rožeň

Jiří Rožeň is a young Czech conductor who is a rising star in the music world. We chatted about his many years of study across Europe, what it was like to participate in a masterclass with Daniele Gatti and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and what it means to be a left-handed conductor! A charming young man to chat with.