Pitch Me Classical

London Philharmonic Orchestra
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Saxophonist and presenter YolanDa Brown and players from the London Philharmonic Orchestra pitch their thoughts on some of classical music’s most-asked questions, with plenty of chit-chat and laughter along the way.   Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Youtube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Is classical music dead?

    30/10/2025

    Is classical music dead?

    Is classical music dying, or is it just evolving? Most of its composers lived and died in centuries past, and the bulk of its repertoire is well over 100 years old, but does that mean classical music is on its last legs? For some, the tradition is losing relevance, but it’s also quietly thriving in surprising and unexpected ways. YolanDa, Claudia and Hugh explore why the genre carries such a reputation for decline, discuss ways in which classical music is reinventing itself, and wonder what its future might look like. Plus, in the quiz, Claudia and Hugh debate who gets more streams on Spotify - Mozart or the musical Hamilton?  #PitchMeClassical Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  TikTok: @lporchestra Bluesky: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  2. Nobody likes contemporary music, do they?

    16/10/2025

    Nobody likes contemporary music, do they?

    Contemporary music: bold, baffling, and often accused of scaring audiences away. But is it really as unlovable as its reputation suggests? In this episode, we explore why new music can feel alienating, and whether it’s actually unpopular - or just misunderstood. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of extended techniques, a curious newcomer to the contemporary world, or you’ve always wondered why a piece of music might sound like a typewriter falling down the stairs, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on why contemporary music matters. Plus, Helen and Stewart do their best to come up with a sequel for John Cage’s legendary 4’33”... #PitchMeClassical Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  TikTok: @lporchestra Bluesky: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min
  3. Is Mahler having a moment?

    02/10/2025

    Is Mahler having a moment?

    Mahler’s music holds a towering place in classical music today, but that wasn’t always the case. So what changed? How did he explode into the classical zeitgeist in the 1960s - and stay there? Is he really related to Beyoncé? And will his music continue to be popular, or will our dwindling attention spans make it harder to appreciate his epic symphonies? Perhaps Mahler’s appeal isn’t about passing trends, but about the raw emotion in his music and its deep connection with listeners... Plus, Andy reveals his go-to beverage for the ultimate Mahler symphony marathon. #PitchMeClassical Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  TikTok: @lporchestra Bluesky: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  4. All orchestras sound the same

    18/09/2025

    All orchestras sound the same

    When you listen to an orchestra, what makes its sound distinctive? Is it the concert hall, the conductor, the players, or even their instruments? While some argue that most orchestras end up sounding alike, others insist each ensemble has its own unmistakable voice. In this episode, we dive into the subtle details that shape an orchestra’s sound and explore how different orchestras can sound worlds apart. Juliette and Lasma take on a listening challenge where they guess the conductor of a piece the LPO has recorded twice, and try to spot the differences between the two recordings. And in the quiz, we get to the bottom of a big question - what does the word ‘orchestra’ actually mean? #PitchMeClassical Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  TikTok: @lporchestra Bluesky: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  5. Is Ravel’s Bolero the worst piece ever written?

    04/09/2025

    Is Ravel’s Bolero the worst piece ever written?

    Today, we’re unravelling a piece that’s as simple as it is spellbinding - one of the most well known and oddly mesmerising compositions of the 20th century. Some call it brilliant, others find it unbearable, and few sit on the fence. And the piece that’s at the heart of this marmite reputation? Ravel’s Bolero. We explore what makes this 15-minute loop so unforgettable, from its relentless snare drum rhythm to its slow-burning crescendo to determine what it is that keeps listeners hooked (or drives them mad). Plus, things get very heated between Andy and Sue in the end-of-episode quiz… #PitchMeClassical Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  TikTok: @lporchestra Bluesky: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
  6. Are some violinists more equal than others?

    21/08/2025

    Are some violinists more equal than others?

    The violin section of an orchestra is split into two halves: first violins and second violins. Do the firsts really get all the glory while the seconds do the heavy lifting, or are the seconds the orchestra’s unsung heroes? In an effort to decide whether some violinists are more equal than others, we explore the history behind this division, unpack stereotypes, and examine the unique challenges of playing in each section. We also look at how this structure can shape careers, and what it’s like to transition from one section to the other. Plus, Emma and Cassi face a violin-themed quiz, covering everything from calories burned while playing to musical world records set on bicycles… #PitchMeClassical Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  TikTok: @lporchestra Bluesky: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  7. I’ll enjoy it more if I’m allowed my phone out

    07/08/2025

    I’ll enjoy it more if I’m allowed my phone out

    It’s a battle between technology and tradition: should mobiles phones be banned, tolerated, or even embraced in concert halls? Are phone-friendly performances the future of classical music, or are they a threat to the sacred concert ritual? We’ve all heard a phone go off at the most inopportune moment, but increasingly the classical music world is finding more creative ways to integrate phones into the concert experience. In this episode, we explore how concert halls, composers, and performers are adapting - or resisting - the presence of mobiles phones and in concert venues. Plus, Minn and Martin reveal their ringtones (or lack thereof) and face off in a challenge: who can come up with the best phone-related superpower? #PitchMeClassical Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  TikTok: @lporchestra Bluesky: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  8. By 2050, will all new pieces of classical music be written by AI?

    06/03/2025

    By 2050, will all new pieces of classical music be written by AI?

    In this episode, YolanDa and Francis are joined by AI expert Lora Aroyo to discuss artificial intelligence and its place in classical music. Their conversation covers everything from how AI developed to what its current capabilities of composing classical music are. They touch on the ethical and artistic implications of AI-generated music, evaluate its strengths and limitations, and try to define what makes music composed by humans unique. Plus, in the quiz, Lora and Francis tell us how they would like AI to be used to improve their day to day musical lives… #PitchMeClassical Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  TikTok: @lporchestra Bluesky: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra  YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
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About

Saxophonist and presenter YolanDa Brown and players from the London Philharmonic Orchestra pitch their thoughts on some of classical music’s most-asked questions, with plenty of chit-chat and laughter along the way.   Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra TikTok: @lporchestra Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Youtube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    London Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    108
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © London Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Show Website
    Pitch Me Classical