

Gramophone Classical Music Podcast
Gramophone
Weekly conversations about classical music with leading musicians and writers
Episodes
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Sep 26, 2025 • 42min
Ian Page on the music of Gluck
In this week's Gramophone Podcast, the conductor Ian Page joins Editor Martin Cullingford to talk about the music of the 18th-century composer Gluck, setting him in the context of musical developments of his time. The conversation marks the release of the new album from his ensemble The Mozartists - a recording of arias from Gluck operas, sung by Ann Hallenberg, and newly released on Signum Classics.

Sep 19, 2025 • 38min
Anastasia Kobekina on Bach's Cello Suites | Gramophone Podcast
In this week's Gramophone Podcast, cellist Anastasia Kobekina talks about her new recording of one of the most revered series of works for her instrument - Bach's Solo Cello Suites. While the album isn't released by Sony Classical until next Friday (September 26), three movements are already available as singles, and in this side ranging conversation with Editor Martin Cullingford Kobekina talks about interpreting music from the Baroque through to the present day. The Gramophone Podcast will now be included in The British Library Sound Archive, catalogued and preserved for future generations as part of the nation's audio and cultural heritage. Gramophone Magazine is a leading monthly publication for classical music, offering expert reviews, in-depth interviews, and industry insights. Available in print and online, it connects enthusiasts with the best recordings, artists, and trends in classical music worldwide.

Sep 10, 2025 • 56min
Composer John Rutter: a birthday conversation
One of the most-performed composers of our time, Sir John Rutter, celebrates his 80th birthday on September 24. To mark the occasion Harmonia Mundi has released an album of his choral music sung by the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, directed by Graham Ross – ‘John Rutter: A Clare College Celebration’. And next week Decca releases an all-orchestral collection, ‘Reflections’, that includes a performance of Rutter’s piano concerto, which gives the album its title. Rutter himself conducts the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Steven Osborne the piano soloist. James Jolly went to visit Sir John at his home to talk about the new releases but also reflect on his long association with Clare College, and much else.

Sep 2, 2025 • 29min
Rowan Pierce on recording Bach, Handel and Vivaldi | Gramophone Podcast
Soprano Rowan Pierce joins Jonathan Whiting to reflect on the intimacy of making chamber-scale Baroque music without a conductor, the challenges of Bach’s expansive recitatives, and the almost operatic drama of Handel’s 'Tra le fiamme'. She also speaks about her long collaboration with Ashley Solomon, the ensemble’s director, and about finding new colours and meaning in these works – music that, though written three centuries ago, resonates with striking relevance today. We were also incredibly honoured to recently learn that the Gramophone Magazine Podcast will now be included in The British Library Sound Archive, catalogued and preserved for future generations as part of the nation’s audio and cultural heritage. To hear other Gramophone podcasts, or to subscribe for free to new editions, search for 'Gramophone' in your Podcast App of choice, or visit Gramophone's page on Apple or Spotify.

10 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 33min
Composer Jake Heggie on 25 years of writing operas
Jake Heggie, an acclaimed American composer known for his operas like 'Dead Man Walking', joins to discuss his recent work 'Intelligence', inspired by Civil War spies. He shares insights into its eight-year creative journey and the importance of emotional storytelling. The conversation also reflects on the 25th anniversary of 'Dead Man Walking', celebrating its impact as a leading contemporary opera. Heggie highlights the moral complexities of capital punishment and the transformative power of art in humanizing difficult narratives.

Aug 22, 2025 • 24min
Cellist Alisa Weilerstein on recording new concertos by Gabriela Ortiz and Richard Blackford
During the 2024-25 season, Alisa Weilerstein premiered three new cello concertos – Richard Blackford’s The Recovery of Paradise (which she has recorded for Pentatone with the Czech Philharmonic conducted by Tomáš Netopil), Gabriela Ortiz’s Dzonot (recorded for Platoon with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel) and Thomas Larcher’s Returning into Darkness (premiered with the New York Philharmonic). James Jolly caught up with Alisa to talk about the two new recordings and also hear about her Fragments project that she’s bringing to London as part of a South Bank Centre residency later this year. The Gramophone Podcast will now be included in The British Library Sound Archive, catalogued and preserved for future generations as part of the nation's audio and cultural heritage.

Aug 15, 2025 • 36min
The Dover Quartet on recording Woodland Songs | Gramophone Podcast
Joel Link and Camden Shaw, members of the renowned Dover Quartet formed at the Curtis Institute, delve into their latest album, Woodland Songs. They explore the fascinating fusion of Dvořák's 'American' Quartet with contemporary works inspired by Indigenous music. The duo reflects on their musical evolution, the emotional journey of debuting new compositions, and the creative challenges of arranging diverse cultural elements. Their insights reveal a deep commitment to blending classical and modern narratives while mentoring the next generation of musicians.

Aug 8, 2025 • 31min
Mandolinist Avi Avital on his new album 'Song of the Birds' | Gramophone Classical Music Podcast
Avi Avital, a renowned mandolinist and leader of the ensemble Between Worlds, shares insights from his latest album, 'Song of the Birds.' He discusses the mandolin's rich history and unique role in various musical traditions. The conversation highlights how the album blends classical and folk music across Iberia, Southern Italy, and the Black Sea. Avital also explores the cultural connections fostered through music and the exciting spontaneity of live performances that bring audiences and musicians together.

Aug 1, 2025 • 37min
Live from 2025 Three Choirs Festival
Join Hattie at the 2025 Three Choirs Festival in Hereford as she speaks to performers, composers, clergy and audience members to discover what makes the festival such a place of pilgrimage 300 years since its foundation

Jul 25, 2025 • 29min
Cellist Guy Johnston on the Bliss Cello Concerto | Gramophone Classical Music Podcast
Guy Johnston, a celebrated cellist known for winning the BBC Young Musician Competition, delves into his latest recording of the challenging Arthur Bliss Cello Concerto. He shares fascinating insights on its historical context and the technical intricacies involved, all while reflecting on his teaching journey. Johnston also discusses balancing life as a parent with his musical career and hints at upcoming projects showcasing English works. His passion for pedagogy shines through, revealing the joy of mentoring the next generation of musicians.