Tea with Netty Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

OAE’s Head of Digital Zen Grisdale spills the tea as he joins Netty in the latest episode. Zen is responsible for delivering all the wacky and wonderful digital content, from our distinctive instrument videos to paying homage to Coldplay and everything in between. He shares his creative thought process and how it all began in the least expected way! Be prepared for an episode of funny stories, soup comps, sheds and more!

Stellar Zen Grisdale takes us on a behind-the-scenes into the bustling world of the OAE through his lens. Netty reflects on the ‘magic’ of his editing style that is now recognised as the unique ‘Zen’ style. He also shares his intriguing past from pre-OAE days in a galaxy not too far away which involved telescopes, Saturn and Jupiter. Zen talks about the freedom in his work which allows him to experiment with different ideas to create entertaining and unconventional videos that are enjoyed by viewers as well as having the versatility to switch to different styles such as the Beethoven Piano Concertos with Sir András Schiff which was very well-received.

Tune in for guaranteed fun, chuckles, and smiles!
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Tea with Netty is the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment’s podcast hosted by viola player Annette Isserlis (Netty). Over a cuppa (or something a little stronger…), Netty chats with a variety of conductors, players and other guests as she ‘spills the tea’ on the side of classical music you don’t normally hear.
Available as Apple podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, TuneIn+Alexa

In the latest episode, OAE Co-Principal Cello Luise Buchberger joins Netty for tea. Tuning in from her home in Frankfurt, Luise talks about more travels between her projects with the OAE and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Find out what makes gut strings ‘crunchy peanut butter’ like and whether cellists really do have the best seats in the house!

Having been with the OAE for over 10 years, Luise reflects on her time before joining and how her experience with the then newly founded group, Spira Mirabilis, influenced her approach to rehearsals and understanding the score. She also shares her surprising discoveries while transitioning from modern to early music on the cello, such as using "funny bows", and the freedom of movement and expression that came with it.

Catch her performing with us in our Bach Easter Oratorio concert (27 March) and Sibelius concert (3 April)! 
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Tea with Netty is the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment’s podcast hosted by viola player Annette Isserlis (Netty). Over a cuppa (or something a little stronger…), Netty chats with a variety of conductors, players and other guests as she ‘spills the tea’ on the side of classical music you don’t normally hear.
Available as Apple podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, TuneIn+Alexa

Conductor, composer and arranger John Wilson joins Netty for tea in the latest episode. They delve into themes that are close to the heart of the OAE. John also recalls some interesting memories including his revelational trips to HMV, and his (nervous) first encounter with the OAE… 

John Wilson, who joined us in the summer as conductor for our Princess Ida production, shares his journey into the world of music. There are compelling conversations about his skilful ability to piece back together scores that were destroyed, experiences of orchestrating a film and the intersection of discipline, expression and freedom in performance and composition. 
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Tea with Netty is the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment’s podcast hosted by viola player Annette Isserlis (Netty). Over a cuppa (or something a little stronger…), Netty chats with a variety of conductors, players and other guests as she ‘spills the tea’ on the side of classical music you don’t normally hear.
Available as Apple podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, TuneIn+Alexa

 The first Tea with Netty episode of 2024 features a Viola combo with Principal Violist Max Mandel joining fellow Violist Netty for tea and chats. They dive deep into a range of topics, including quirky ensemble names, a story on a quick costume change, Max's top five conductors, and more! 

Max tells his story of coming from Toronto and what inspired him to join the OAE. He also shares a significant pivotal moment when he transitioned to playing the viola, which may surprise some, and other riveting insights into the transformation, vision and practices within the Classical music world that will enlighten you.
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Tea with Netty is the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment’s podcast hosted by viola player Annette Isserlis (Netty). Over a cuppa (or something a little stronger…), Netty chats with a variety of conductors, players and other guests as she ‘spills the tea’ on the side of classical music you don’t normally hear.
Available as Apple podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, TuneIn+Alexa

In the latest episode, we bring you a Christmas treat of not just one but two Cuttings in a sibling special with Guy Cutting (tenor) and Hugh Cutting (countertenor). They touch base in Netty’s lair (hotel room) during the Christmas Oratorio tour with Masaaki Suzuki. There are talks of chaotic travelling, funny audience encounters, an unusual request for a Sony Ericsson charger and many more amusing stories.

Captivating brothers Guy and Hugh Cutting, who grew up together and are now touring together share their learnings of the voice, family inspirations and the transition from choral to solo singing. They discuss the significance of training to sing at a young age and there are humorous childhood tales of recreating movies at home, such as their two-person version of Harry Potter and moments of sibling mix-ups that many may find relatable. 
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Tea with Netty is the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment’s podcast hosted by viola player Annette Isserlis (Netty). Over a cuppa (or something a little stronger…), Netty chats with a variety of conductors, players and other guests as she ‘spills the tea’ on the side of classical music you don’t normally hear.
Available as Apple podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, TuneIn+Alexa

In this episode, OAE Principal Oboe Katharina Spreckelsen joins Netty for tea and chats. She recalls her first encounters with the oboe at a Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, where she discovered the joy of Bach's chorales in the Christmas Oratorio and the energetic oboe parts. You can catch her performing and experience the same musical delights in our upcoming concerts with Masaaki Suzuki. Also, find out how to fit three cellos, violas, flutes, and a family in one car.

Katharina traces her roots back to Germany to studying and launching her career as a baroque oboist in the UK. She reminisces on her involvement in various programming projects such as The Rime of the Ancient Mariner from our previous Songs of Travel season in 2022/23, and the delights of rehearsing with actor and friend, Rory Kinnear. Katharina shares her love for learning and teaching throughout the years which continues to grow.
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Tea with Netty is the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment’s podcast hosted by viola player Annette Isserlis (Netty). Over a cuppa (or something a little stronger…), Netty chats with a variety of conductors, players and other guests as she ‘spills the tea’ on the side of classical music you don’t normally hear.
Available as Apple podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, TuneIn+Alexa