The Classical Circuit

Ella Lee
  • 5.0 (13)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A deep-dive into the intricate world of classical music and all that comes with working in it. Host Ella Lee chats to a bunch of brilliant guests from across the profession, discussing their best career high, their worst career low, and other things that show you a different side to the one you might see on their website. Instagram: @theclassicalcircuit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 55. Michael Beek on celebrating film music, meeting John Williams, and mistakes that live on in print

    1 DAY AGO

    55. Michael Beek on celebrating film music, meeting John Williams, and mistakes that live on in print

    In Episode 55, Ella chats with Michael Beek: writer, journalist, and Director of the London Soundtrack Festival. Michael has worked in and around film and TV music for more than twenty years, interviewing some of the industry’s most important composers, writing album sleeve notes for major labels and programme notes for the likes of the BBC Proms and the Royal Albert Hall. He was previously BBC Music Magazine's Reviews Editor and Editor of musicfromthemovies.com. Ahead of his first London Soundtrack Festival - now in its second year - he talks about 'accidentally' building a career from his greatest passion, meeting and interviewing John Williams, the flourishing of film music concerts, and mistakes that still make him cringe many years later... The London Soundtrack Festival is the capital’s very first festival dedicated to celebrating the music of film, TV and games. Running from 9-12 April, this year's festival takes place in the city's biggest cultural venues - the Barbican, Cadogan Hall, Central Hall Westminster - with a fantastic line-up of talent including David Arnold, Rachel Portman, John Lunn and Julian Nott. ------------------- London Soundtrack Festival 2026 ------------------- Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram Did you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot with visibility, if you have a spare moment... *bats eyelashes* No offence taken if not. -------------------- Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les Maillotins Performed by Daniel Lebhardt -------------------- The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  2. 54. Nicholas McGegan on a six-decade career and leading with joy

    4 FEB

    54. Nicholas McGegan on a six-decade career and leading with joy

    In Episode 54 of The Classical Circuit, Ella welcomes conductor Nicholas McGegan. As we approach spring, when he receives a Lifetime Achievement Award recognising 35 years transforming the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra into one of the world’s leading period ensembles, Nicholas reflects on his six-decade-long career, and discusses the differences found in audiences across the world, rethinking orchestral hierarchies, and leading with joy. ------------------- Nicholas McGegan ------------------- Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram Did you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot with visibility, if you have a spare moment... *bats eyelashes* No offence taken if not. -------------------- Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les Maillotins Performed by Daniel Lebhardt -------------------- The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  3. 53. Lizzie Ball on eclectic careers, juggling work with single-parenting, and networking with integrity

    28 JAN

    53. Lizzie Ball on eclectic careers, juggling work with single-parenting, and networking with integrity

    In Episode 53 of The Classical Circuit, Ella chats to violinist Lizzie Ball about her career shift away from constant touring, balancing a freelance musical life with being a single parent, and networking with integrity. Lizzie is also co-director of Ronnie Scott’s Classical – with the iconic jazz club's new venue Upstairs at Ronnie's opening on Friday 6th February, she tells us about the three different strands on offer at the weekly classical night, and why the experience will feel special - for audiences and performers alike. ------------------- Lizzie Ball Ronnie Scott's Classical ------------------- Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram Did you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot with visibility, if you have a spare moment... *bats eyelashes* No offence taken if not. -------------------- Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les Maillotins Performed by Daniel Lebhardt -------------------- The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  4. 52. Jeneba Kanneh-Mason on musical fulfilment, performance anxiety, and social media

    21 JAN

    52. Jeneba Kanneh-Mason on musical fulfilment, performance anxiety, and social media

    In Episode 52 of The Classical Circuit, Ella welcomes pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason. Following last month's release of her 'Jane Austen's Piano' EP on Sony Classical, she discusses the story behind the project, performance anxiety, her thoughts on competitions, and the most fulfilling part of her career to date. ------------------- Jeneba Kanneh-Mason Jane Austen's Piano Instagram ------------------- Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram Did you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot with visibility, if you have a spare moment... *bats eyelashes* No offence taken if not. -------------------- Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les Maillotins Performed by Daniel Lebhardt -------------------- The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min
  5. 51. Bill Barclay on the story of Carlo Gesualdo and mid-career mentorship

    14 JAN

    51. Bill Barclay on the story of Carlo Gesualdo and mid-career mentorship

    In Episode 51 of The Classical Circuit, Ella speaks to director, composer and writer Bill Barclay, Artistic Director of Concert Theatre Works. Bill talks about the inspiration and process behind his new production, Death of Gesualdo, in collaboration with The Gesualdo Six, which uses tableau-vivant and puppetry to superimpose the composer-prince's troubled pysche onto his darkest music. He also discusses the lack of 'script' for mentorship beyond the student years. The world premiere of Death of Gesualdo takes place at St Martin in the Fields on Friday 16th January, with future performances in London, York and New York. Tickets here: LONDON / YORK / NEW YORK ------------------- Death of Gesualdo Bill Barclay Concert Theatre Works ------------------- Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram Did you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot with visibility, if you have a spare moment... *bats eyelashes* No offence taken if not. -------------------- Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les Maillotins Performed by Daniel Lebhardt -------------------- The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  6. 50. Gaetan le Divelec on getting to know your audience, two decades in artist management, and the role of power

    19/11/2025

    50. Gaetan le Divelec on getting to know your audience, two decades in artist management, and the role of power

    In Episode 50 of The Classical Circuit, Ella welcomes Gaetan Le Divelec, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Vice President of Artistic Planning, about a collaborative artistic process, and the importance of getting to know his audience closely. Having previously spent two decades in artist management, Gaetan also talks about his experience of the transition from freelance musician to full-time office life. He discusses the role of an artist manager, whether there are in-built imbalances of power, and a failed contract negotiation in his early career... ------------------- Atlanta Symphony Orchestra ------------------- Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram Did you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot with visibility, if you have a spare moment... *bats eyelashes* No offence taken if not. -------------------- Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les Maillotins Performed by Daniel Lebhardt -------------------- The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
  7. 49. Bob Riley on 20 years of running an orchestra: innovation vs originality, getting clear on values, and creating a good culture

    12/11/2025

    49. Bob Riley on 20 years of running an orchestra: innovation vs originality, getting clear on values, and creating a good culture

    In Episode 49 of The Classical Circuit, Ella is joined by Bob Riley, CEO of the Manchester Camerata. As he approaches his 20th anniversary in charge of the orchestra, he reflects on its transformation over the years, innovation versus originality, getting clear on what your values are as an organisation, and cultivating a good culture for the people within it.  ------------------- More on the Manchester Camerata ------------------- Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram Did you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot with visibility, if you have a spare moment... *bats eyelashes* No offence taken if not. -------------------- Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les Maillotins Performed by Daniel Lebhardt -------------------- The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
  8. 48. Fran Matthews on celebrating contemporary classical composers

    05/11/2025

    48. Fran Matthews on celebrating contemporary classical composers

    In Episode 48 of The Classical Circuit, Ella talks to Fran Matthews, Director of Awards at the Ivors Academy. Ahead of the 2025 Ivors Classical Awards next week, Fran shares what it is about working so closely with songwriters and composers that has kept her at the Academy for twenty years, and the importance of celebrating contemporary classical music. ------------------- The Ivors Academy Ivors Classical Awards 2025 ------------------- Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram Did you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot with visibility, if you have a spare moment... *bats eyelashes* No offence taken if not. -------------------- Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les Maillotins Performed by Daniel Lebhardt -------------------- The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

A deep-dive into the intricate world of classical music and all that comes with working in it. Host Ella Lee chats to a bunch of brilliant guests from across the profession, discussing their best career high, their worst career low, and other things that show you a different side to the one you might see on their website. Instagram: @theclassicalcircuit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Ella Lee
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ella Lee
  • Show Website
    The Classical Circuit