Gramophone Classical Music Podcast

Chandos was named Gramophone's Label of the Year at the 2022 Gramophone Classical Music Awards last October – a perfect excuse for a series of podcasts focusing on some of the label's key artists and the people who steer and shape the label. The conductor John Wilson, whose recordings feature regularly in Gramophone's monthly Editor's Choice listings, has amassed a sizeable catalogue for Chandos and it continues to grow with recordings with his own Sinfonia of London, the BBC Philharmonic and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. James Jolly caught up with John recently to talk about the Sinfonia of London and the recording plans he has with them, as well as his series focusing on the music of Eric Coates, Aaron Copland and Richard Rodney Bennett.

Rosalind Ventris's new album for Delphian, 'SOLA', finds her in the company of both contemporary and 20th century women composers who wrote solo repertoire for the viola. An album like this, showcasing works for solo viola written by women, is the first of its kind, taking us through the folk landscapes of Amanda Feery and Sally Beamish to Elisabeth Lutyens's defiant style and a beautiful solo suite by Imogen Holst. Hattie Butterworth caught up with Rosie in Foyles to learn more about the album and why she thinks it's important to advocate for this music. Credits: Mixing and mastering - Katy Ehrlich Photo of Rosalind - Oxford Atelier

Today's Gramophone Podcast takes us through the world of Stephen Sondheim in the company of Edward Seckerson and Sarah Kirkup. Exploring the power of newer musicals and how to be a successful musical theatre writer, the contemporary world of musical theatre comes alive through discussions, stories and musical excerpts, including Wicked, SIX and The Secret Garden. Gramophone's sister publication, Musicals, will become a bi-monthly publication from March.

In this special in-depth exploration of the music of Handel, Richard Wigmore, Gramophone writer and Handel expert, talks to Editor Martin Cullingford about the composer, one of the most dominant cultural figures of 18th-century London life. From his early years in Germany and Italy, to his success in London with both opera and, later, oratorios, we trace the development of his extraordinary career and music, and hear excerpts from some of the finest recent recordings.

Chandos was named Gramophone's Label of the Year at the 2022 Gramophone Classical Music Awards in October – a perfect excuse for a series of podcasts focusing on some of the label's key artists and the people who steer and shape the label. In this third podcast, James Jolly met up with Chandos's Managing Director, Ralph Couzens, and the producer Brian Pidgeon who has made hundreds of recordings for Chandos. The conversation took place in St Augustine's, Kilburn, North London, during a run of recording sessions with the Sinfonia of London and John Wilson.

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College, Cambridge is one of the world's most famous choral occasions. Taking place on Christmas Eve in the iconic chapel, the reflective, moving and ultimately joyful journey through music and scripture is broadcast annually to millions. For this special edition of the Gramophone Podcast, Editor Martin Cullingford met with Director of Music Daniel Hyde to explore what makes this service so beloved, and to talk more generally about the acclaimed choir.

As is traditional, Gramophone's reviewers have named their favourite recordings of the year (in the December issue and online). Now Gramophone's Editor, Martin Cullingford, Reviews Editor, Tim Parry, and Editor-in-Chief, James Jolly, each nominate three albums that they've enjoyed over the past 12 months.

Christmas has long inspired composers to write works of great beauty, reflectiveness and drama, and the new album from acclaimed choir Tenebrae explores a diverse and wonderful range of them. Placing Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols at its heart, 'In Winter's House' begins its journey in Advent, embracing composers including Bob Chilcott, Joanna Marsh, Owain Park, Vaughan Williams, Sally Beamish, Elizabeth Poston and many more in a wonderful celebration of seasonal works. In the latest Gramophone podcast, Editor Martin Cullingford meets with Tenebrae's artistic director Nigel Short to talk about the recording.

The pianist Mark Bebbington continues his invaluable service to British music with a new album for Resonus that gathers together four rarities from Vaughan Williams's output, ranging from the Piano Quintet of 1903 to the Fantasia on the 'Old 104th' Psalm Tune of 1949. Joined by members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for three of the works, and by the entire orchestra plus the City of London Choir and conductor Hilary Davan Wetton for the Fantasia, this album fills in some major gaps in the VW recorded catalogue. James Jolly caught up with the pianist to talk through the album's four works.

Chandos was named Gramophone's Label of the Year at the 2022 Gramophone Classical Music Awards in October – a perfect excuse for a series of podcasts focusing on some of the label's key artists. The violinist Tasmin Little was central to the Chandos roster from 2009 until her retirement two years ago. James Jolly caught up with her to reflect on the role that recording played in her long career – from her first concerto album made when she was in her early twenties to her final concerto and chamber recordings, both of British music. She also talks about her life after stepping away from performance.