Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

In Episode 9 of RPO Extra host John Griff is joined by Principal Associate Conductor Alexander Shelley to discuss a new virtual performance of Britten’s ‘Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra’ by the RPO, and how an orchestra can use the medium to reach out, perform and educate when concert halls are empty. Vice Chair and trombonist Matt Knight goes through the technical challenges of bringing a virtual orchestra to life.

This latest edition, Episode 8, was recorded especially for Mental Health Awareness Month and explores a new roundtable discussion format, with a number of RPO musicians joining directly from their own homes. Katy Ayling (Principal Bass Clarinet), Erik Chapman (First Violin) and Sali-Wyn Ryan (Second Violin) speak to BBC Radio Northampton's John Griff about life in lockdown from the perspective of professional musicians and performers. Find out how these musicians are passing and valuing their time, at home and away from the concert hall.

In the seventh episode of the RPO Extra podcast series we turn the spotlight on the #RPOatHome campaign. We also interview the RPO’s Co-Principal cellist Jonathan Ayling and RPO viola section leader Abigail Fenna about social distancing and new video projects.

In this special feature edition of RPO Extra, Episode 6 offers an insight into the mind and future plans of the Orchestra’s Music Director Designate from August 2020, Vasily Petrenko. Host John Griff speaks to Vasily from his home about what he plans to bring to the Orchestra and what the future of music could be like after the current unprecedented situation.

In this episode we explore the backstory to a special re-orchestration of Handel's Messiah through a conversation with the American conductor who played a significant role in uncovering the story and bringing the music to life. Plus, we speak with pianist Daniel Ciobanu on his approach to performing as well as the RPO's chair and double bass player Benn Cunningham on the inner workings of a national orchestra.

In the 4th episode of RPO Extra, Valentina Peleggi talks to John Griff about how she began her career as a conductor. We shine a light on the life and times of composer o Antonin Dvořák. Plus, RPO second violinist Sali-Wyn Ryan speaks about the community and education work of RPO Resound.

“How does the Orchestra choose what to play?” In this episode of RPO Extra, Louise Badger the Orchestra’s Concert Director talks about who chooses the music and why. Plus, RPO Flautist Jo Marsh introduces the role of the flute in large scale symphonic repertoire.

Which region of the UK keeps the biggest CD collection? Plus, find out how RPO Principal Cellist Richard Harwood likens the cello to a very demanding relative. All this and more in the second episode of RPOExtra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s seasonal podcast hosted by John Griff.

In the first episode of the RPO podcast, John Griff interviews James Williams, Managing Director of the RPO about the future of orchestral music following the publication of the YouGov report 2018; Violinist Francesca Dego describes what it is like to perform with the Nation’s favourite orchestra ahead of her national tour and a moving tribute to the late Andre Previn

In a guest episode from our friends from the fantastic 'Above the Basement', RPO's Lisa Rodio and Fraser Gordon talk to Chuck Clough and Ronnie Hirschberg about RPO Resound's community work: including Strokestra and the Lullaby Project. Search 'Above the Basement' in your podcast provider to check out the rest of their episodes.

Exactly what does an Orchestra's Librarian do? In Episode 6 Patrick Williams talks us through his role in supporting the RPO. We also hear an interview with violinist Sali-Wyn Ryan, and music from Sondheim, Holst, Rutter and Respighi.

For Episode 5 we meet Hilary Davan Wetton, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the City of London Choir, as well as music from Offenbach, Haydn, Vaughan Williams and Tchaikovsky.

In Episode 4 we finally meet a few of the Orchestra's musicians, as well as hearing music from Rossini, Mascagni, Parry and Elgar.

For Episode 3 we present an interview with James Williams, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's Managing Director, as well as music from Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Beethoven and Burt Bacharach.

In the second episode of the RPO Podcast, we interview Tom King, Head of Show and Facilities at the Royal Albert Hall. We also feature music from Fauré, Bach and the Beatles, and an exciting announcement about an upcoming concert in St Paul's Cathedral.