Best Australian Youth Orchestra Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 27: Julia Fredersdorff: Founder of Van Diemen's Band on building a world-leading baroque ensemble from the heart of Tasmania 53:30

2h ago53:30

53:30

In this episode, Sam speaks with Julia Fredersdorff, founder and artistic director of Van Diemen's Band, about: - Julia's journey from studying baroque violin in Europe to founding Van Diemen's Band in Tasmania - The challenges and rewards of starting a period instrument ensemble in Tasmania - Van Diemen's Band's mission to introduce audiences to l…

1
Episode 26: Professor Peter Tregear - Thought leader, writer and academic on confronting change, mythology and meaning in classical music 59:38

6d ago59:38

59:38

My guest today is Professor Peter Tregear. A renowned scholar, performer, and cultural leader in the Australian arts landscape, Peter has had an incredibly varied and distinguished career. After completing his doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge, he went on to hold prestigious appointments as a Fellow at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, …

1
Episode 25: Professor Jo Caust: acclaimed academic talks art, politics and contemporary discourse 1:01:25

13d ago1:01:25

1:01:25

In this insightful conversation, Professor Jo Caust shares her remarkable journey from dedicated arts practitioner to renowned academic and author. Caust discusses her early experiences grappling with gender inequality in the arts industry, which motivated her to delve deeper into issues of leadership and power dynamics. Key Takeaways: Caust's traj…

1
Episode 24: Brian Ritchie: Violent Femmes bassist and Mona Foma artistic director on playing a pivotal role in creating a cultural powerhouse in Tasmania 1:14:31

20d ago1:14:31

1:14:31

Guest: Brian Ritchie, bassist of the Violent Femmes and Artistic Director of Mona FOMA Summary: Brian Ritchie first came to Tasmania in 1989 when the Violent Femmes played a sold-out show at the Hobart City Hall, sparking his long-standing connection to the state. He and his wife Varuni later moved to Tasmania in 2005, initially drawn by Varuni's r…

1
Episode 23: Dr Megan Burslem: broadcaster, violist, educator and communicator leading the charge in fresh conversation about music in the contemporary landscapb 1:10:48

27d ago1:10:48

1:10:48

This week, Sam sits down with Dr. Megan Burslem, presenter at ABC Classic. Megan has had an incredible journey in music, from her studies as a classical violist to her current role as a leading voice in Australian classical radio. Megan speaks candidly about her path into broadcasting, the imposter syndrome she felt coming from a regional backgroun…

1
Episode 22: Kimbali Harding: Australian Youth Orchestra CEO on the the power of youth orchestras: shaping lives through musical participation. 54:55

1M ago54:55

54:55

As the CEO of the iconic Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO), Kimbali Harding has a unique vantage point on shaping the future of classical music in Australia. In this insightful conversation, Harding shares her own remarkable journey - from a dedicated piano prodigy to a passionate music educator - and the transformative role of mentors like the lege…

1
Episode 20: Joanne Kee: National Theatre of Paramatta's Executive and Creative Producer on creating theatre and leadership in the rich cultural landscape of Sydney's Western suburbs 1:06:52

1M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

This week's guest on Decoding Cultural Leadership is Joanne Kee, Executive and Creative Producer of the National Theatre of Parramatta, Joanne shares her fascinating journey into arts management, from her family's early love of performance to gaining invaluable experience at major institutions like the Sydney Opera House and a period in London. We …

1
Episode 21: Kim Goodwin: How do we inoculate against Zombie leadership in our sector? Tropes and traps of the leadership obsession. 1:08:02

1M ago1:08:02

1:08:02

This week's guest is Dr. Kim Goodwin, An academic at the University of Melbourne, her research focuses on career development, employability, and human resources in the arts. Kim shares her journey from early leadership challenges in the corporate world to shifting her focus to professional development in the arts sector, which led to her PhD resear…

1
Episode 19 Julian Louis: NORPA's artistic director on leadership and reframing purpose in crisis 1:10:04

2M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

Julian Louis, CEO and Artistic Director of NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts), shares his journey of leading a regional theatre company through major challenges, including floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. Key points from the conversation include: NORPA's unique approach to creating place-based, site-specific theatre that is deeply connected t…

1
Episode 18: Greta Bradman: Psychologist, researcher, writer, broadcaster, and performing artist on the true meaning of finding values 59:17

2M ago59:17

59:17

My guest today is Greta Bradman. Greta has made significant contributions across multiple fields. A registered psychologist, researcher, writer, broadcaster, and performing artist, Greta's diverse background is truly impressive. As an exclusive artist for Universal Music (Decca Classics), Greta released four No.1 solo albums, showcasing her incredi…

1
Episode 17: Esther Anatolitis: Influential thought leader and Meanjin editor on cultural leadership 1:04:44

2M ago1:04:44

1:04:44

My guest today is Esther Anatolis. With an impressive career spanning various art forms and practices, including literature, publishing, broadcasting, visual arts, craft and design, museums and galleries, performing arts, and festivals, Esther has made a massive contribution to Australia’s arts and cultural landscape. Throughout her extensive caree…

1
Episode 16. Richard Evans: One of Australia's foremost cultural leaders on career, current issues and leading change and innovation 1:02:31

2M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

This week’s guest is Richard Evans AM A highly respected arts leader, Richard has had an extensive career in arts management, leading some of Australia's most prominent cultural institutions. He is currently the Managing Director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) and President of Live Performance Australia (LPA). In this wide-ranging conver…

1
Episode 15: Greg Barns: Celebrated Lawyer, Leader and Author Talks Cultural Leadership and Social Justice 49:15

3M ago49:15

49:15

This week, we catch up with renowned barrister, spokesperson, and human rights advocate Greg Barns SC, as he shares how music has been a driving force in his life and how he sees music playing a huge role in public debate, reform and dialogue. In this discussion, we touched on some of the controversial debates taking place at the time, focusing on …

1
Episode 14. Bourby Webster: Perth Symphony Orchestra Founder Reflects on Her Journey and radically transforming the world through music 1:09:35

3M ago1:09:35

1:09:35

This week, Sam connects with Perth Symphony Orchestra founder, cultural visionary, and innovator Bourby Webster. Bourby discusses her trajectory from Oxford graduate to being part of one of the world’s most well-known classical crossover groups, Bond, to setting up a groundbreaking orchestra on the other side of the world. She shares her commitment…

1
Episode 13. Tjanara Goreng Goreng: Sacred Leadership and How We Can Learn From First Nations Cultural Leadership 55:39

3M ago55:39

55:39

Today, we are privileged to be joined by the remarkable Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng, an accomplished author, academic, and cultural leader. Tjanara will be sharing her fascinating research into Sacred Leadership and the valuable lessons contemporary organisations and leaders can learn from indigenous cultural and leadership practices. In this episode,…

1
Episode 12. Paul Grabowsky: Cultural Leadership Across Genres 1:08:53

3M ago1:08:53

1:08:53

This week, Sam is joined by one of Australia’s most distinguished artists: Paul Grabowsky, pianist, composer, arranger, and conductor. Paul has had a huge career in Australia. He became a household name as musical director of Tonight Live with Steve Vizard (where he was an inspiration to me as a young, aspiring jazz pianist in Tasmania!), was Commi…

1
Episode 11. QSO's Yarmila Alfonzetti: Redefining Cultural Leadership 1:11:17

4M ago1:11:17

1:11:17

It was great to catch up with Queensland Symphony Orchestra CEO Yarmila Alfonzetti, during the monumental Brisbane production of (not just) the Ring Cycle but also Aida (which was being performed on alternate nights). This was a mammoth undertaking for both organisations and a landmark performance event in recent history. Yarmila has held some majo…

1
Episode 10: BBC Orchestras and Choirs' Simon Webb: Change and Innvovation across BBC's orchestral landscape 1:03:06

4M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

In today's episode, we're continuing our exploration of the fascinating world of international orchestras and the leaders who guide them. If you haven't already, I highly recommend checking out our previous episode featuring Simon Woods, President and CEO of the League of American Orchestras, In this episode we speak with Simon Webb, Head of BBC Or…

1
Episode 9. League of American Orchestra's Simon Woods: Cultural Leadership and the Contemporary American Orchestra 49:07

4M ago49:07

49:07

This week Sam spoke to Simon Woods, President and CEO of the League of American Orchestras. Simon has led an ambitious change agenda for American orchestras, particularly in the areas of diversity and inclusion - an area which he is personally very passionate about. Simon talks about the League’s work with its (over) 650 member orchestras and some …

1
Episode 8. Frances Rings: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director and Co-CEO on new horizons, continuing conversations and starting where you stand 49:24

4M ago49:24

49:24

8. Frances Rings: Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director and Co-CEO on new horizons, continuing conversations and starting where you stand "Choreography is a connection to the unseen, in the same way Aboriginal people see the world as part-physical, part-spiritual... when we step into the rehearsal studio, it's a sacred space." Frances Rings Ou…

1
Episode 7. Claire Spencer and Ali Mirza: Cultural Transformation at the Barbican 58:08

4M ago58:08

58:08

Claire Spencer AM left her role at Arts Centre Melbourne in 2022 to become the first-ever CEO of the world-renowned Barbican Centre. Claire joined us from London along with Ali Mirza, the Barbican’s Chief People Officer, who found his natural home in the arts after experience in senior roles in other industries. The Barbican is going through a mass…

1
Episode 6. Aubrey Bergauer: How to Run it Like a Business 56:12

4M ago56:12

56:12

Aubrey Bergauer is a true changemaker in the world of performing arts management. Hailed as ‘the Steve Jobs of classical music’ (Observer) and ‘the Sheryl Sandberg of the symphony’ (LA Review of Books), Aubrey Bergauer is known for her results-driven, customer-centric, data-obsessed pursuit of changing the narrative for the performing arts. Her leg…

1
Episode 5. Wesley Enoch: Revisiting Cultural Leadership Perspectives 56:42

5M ago56:42

56:42

Our guest on this episode is a true luminary of Australia’s arts landscape, theatre director, playwright, festival director and thought leader Wesley Enoch. Wesley always has clear, captivating views on the state of cultural leadership and the relationship between the arts and society. In this conversation, Wesley gives his views on recent controve…

1
Episode 4. Sydney Opera House's Louise Herron: Cultural Leadership and the Opera House at 50 34:23

5M ago34:23

34:23

This week, we welcome Louise Herron AM, CEO of the Sydney Opera House, who talks about the multiple cultural leadership considerations of running the most iconic building in Australia. We were privileged to speak with Louise following the celebrations of the SOH’s 50th anniversary (she also oversaw its 40th). Louise talks about politics, stakeholde…

1
Episode 3. Conductor Benjamin Northey: Music is About Joy 56:39

5M ago56:39

56:39

Celebrated Australian conductor Benjamin Northey talks to Sam just after the 20th anniversary of his association with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Ben talks about the intersection between orchestras and social change. He also shares some of the initiatives and approaches to cultural leadership in another orchestra close to his heart, the Chris…

1
Episode 2. Opera Australia's Fiona Allan: Cultural Leadership and Opera in Australia 1:02:19

5M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

In this episode of Decoding Cultural Leadership, we meet Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan, who talks about cultural change and transformation at one of Australia’s flagship performing arts companies. Fiona reflects on her 18-year career in the UK, where she led one of the most important cultural centres, the Birmingham Hippodrome. Fiona gives her pe…

1
Episode 1. Michael Lynch: Legendary Australian Arts Leader is Looking to His Next Challenge 1:09:17

6M ago1:09:17

1:09:17

This week’s guest is renowned arts leader Michael Lynch, AO CBE. Michael talks about his long and celebrated career, running some of the most iconic cultural institutions in Australia and overseas. Michael’s achievements and contributions to our cultural life are almost too extensive to list here. In Australia, as well as a fundamental role in the …

1
Episode 0. Introduction to Decoding Cultural Leadership 6:51

6M ago6:51

6:51

Unlock the secrets of Cultural Leadership with our preview episode. Dive into the pulse of what the podcast is all about with our preview episode. Join Sam as he talks about the inspiration behind the podcast and gives an overview of what's coming up. Please join us as we start the season by interviewing some of the most influential organizational …

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AYO Podcast – The Question Of Privilege: In Conversation With Lauren McCormick and Zinia Chan 35:53

12M ago35:53

35:53

The Question Of Privilege: In Conversation With Lauren McCormick and Zinia ChanIn her own words, Maddie Hammond is a Perth-based ‘composer, trumpet player, music educator, and above all music enthusiast’. In January 2023, Maddie was one of three participants of the Words About Music program at AYO National Music Camp. During camp, (between writing …

1
AYO Podcast – New Music Part 2: In Conversation with Anne Cawrse, Phillip Cullen and Nick Kyrikakis 32:46

12M ago32:46

32:46

New Music Part 2: In Conversation with Anne Cawrse, Phillip Cullen and Nick KyrikakisIn her own words, Maddie Hammond is a Perth-based ‘composer, trumpet player, music educator, and above all music enthusiast’. In January 2023, Maddie was one of three participants of the Words About Music program at AYO National Music Camp. During camp, (between wr…

1
AYO Podcast – New Music Part 1: In Conversation with Umberto Clerici and James Judd 33:22

12M ago33:22

33:22

New Music Part 1: In Conversation with Conductors Umberto Clerici and James JuddIn her own words, Maddie Hammond is a Perth-based ‘composer, trumpet player, music educator, and above all music enthusiast’. In January 2023, Maddie was one of three participants of the Words About Music program at AYO National Music Camp.During camp, (between writing …

1
Worlds Apart: From Nirvana to Mozart | Olivia Aquilina 22:50

3y ago22:50

22:50

What can producing an orchestral concert teach you about engineering a live punk rock show? In today’s episode we chat to musician, sound engineer, and Sound Production alumna, Olivia Aquilina. Coming from a background of producing live gigs in Adelaide, Oliva talks to us about about what it’s like to come to an AYO program without possessing a cla…

1
Facing Challenges 12:53

3y ago12:53

12:53

Have you ever wondered how our musicians deal with the challenges of approaching difficult repertoire? We sat down with AYO flautist, Jemima Drews, and AYO flute tutor, Lisa-Maree Amos to talk a little bit about how they tackled Debussy’s notoriously tricky “Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune” (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun) earlier this year a…

1
My Introduction to Classical 13:18

3y ago13:18

13:18

What was that first piece you heard that made you love classical music? What does the music mean to you now and how can we make it accessible to more audiences? We asked the next generation of young musicians at AYO Autumn Music Camp about their introduction to classical music and a rundown of their favourites from then to now. Hear from violinist …

1
Tricks of the Trade | Orchestral Managing with Elissa Seed and Warren Lenthall 10:34

3y ago10:34

10:34

For our third and final mini-series exploring tricks of the trade and what it takes to be a multi-faceted artist in the 21st century we had a glimpse into the world of orchestral managing.What kind of personality is best suited to arts administration? How do you react to changing situations? Do you think you could handle the role? Find out in our l…

1
Tricks of the Trade | Sound Recording with Haig Burnell and Nathan Walton 8:12

3y ago8:12

8:12

On our second part of this mini series on forging a multi-faceted career as an artist, we spoke to two industry specialists about sound production, musical recording and creating the experience of a classical concert through technology.We'd like to acknowledge we’ve recorded this podcast on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nations and pay our res…

1
Tricks of the Trade | Musical Communication with Phillip Sametz and Katy Rogers-Davies 15:14

3y ago15:14

15:14

Forging a multi-faceted career as an artist in the 21st century requires a broad understanding of the arts sector, from putting on a production to gathering an audience.We chatted to two experts in the field of communication and music. They broke down how a musician can present themselves on stage, online and tell their story to an audience. We'd l…

1
Bringing Chamber Music to Regional Australia | Frances Evans 16:43

3+ y ago16:43

16:43

On the latest episode of the podcast we welcomed AYO violin alumna Frances Evans, who is set to host the inaugural Warren Chamber Music Festival in the Central West of NSW. The festival will feature a line-up packed with AYO alumni and hopes to attract locals and travellers to experience chamber music in a rural setting. Frances chats to us about h…

1
Meet the AYO Episode 27 | Weber’s ‘Der Freischütz’ Overture, with Miriam Cooney 15:12

4y ago15:12

15:12

In our next episode of the AYO podcast we chatted to oboist Miriam Cooney about a memorable performance from National Music Camp earlier this year — Weber’s ‘Der Freischütz’ Overture. The German opera has a dramatic and dense storyline which the orchestra workshopped throughout the week. Listen to Miriam on our latest podcast chatting all about her…

1
Meet the AYO Episode 26 | Arensky's Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky, with Adrian Biemmi 25:00

4y ago25:00

25:00

On the latest episode of the AYO podcast, violinist Adrian Biemmi chats to us about his favourite memory on an AYO program. Last year at National Music Camp 2019, the Weiss Chamber Orchestra performed Anton Arensky’s Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky. The piece evoked an immediate emotional response for Adrian, who had played it for the first ti…

1
Meet the AYO Episode 25 | Francesca Masel, cellist and Rachel Kelly, tubist. 10:44

4+ y ago10:44

10:44

Being part of an orchestra at AYO National Music Camp can be both rewarding and exhausting, playing all kinds of new repertoire in a fast-paced environment. We caught up with two participants from camp, tubist Rachel Kelly and cellist, Francesca Masel, who joined us to share their stories from the brass and string sections.We'd like to acknowledge …

1
Meet the AYO Episode 24 | Tzelaw Chan, conductor 6:11

4+ y ago6:11

6:11

We caught up with internationally celebrated conductor Tzelaw Chan to hear his perspective on the Australian music scene, and working with AYO musicians at National Music Camp.We'd like to acknowledge we’ve recorded this podcast on the traditional lands of the Kaurna Nations and pay our respects to Elders both past, present and future.…

1
Meet the AYO Episode 23 | Lachlan Skipworth, composer and Greg Barrett, photographer. 14:50

5y ago14:50

14:50

Last month, Momentum Ensemble premiered a newly commissioned work by composer Lachlan Skipworth and photographer Greg Barrett. We caught up with them both on the AYO podcast to discuss their creative process, and working together from a blank canvas.We'd like to acknowledge we’ve recorded this podcast on the traditional lands of the Eora Nations an…

1
Meet the AYO Episode 22 | Holly Harrison, composer 21:31

5y ago21:31

21:31

A unique part of touring overseas is having the opportunity to share Australian music with the rest of the world. Today AYO will perform Sydney-based composer Holly Harrison’s ‘Frumious’ at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. We caught up with Holly to discover more about the work.We'd like to acknowledge we’ve recorded this pod…

1
Meet the AYO Episode 21 | Daniel Carter, conductor 7:46

5y ago7:46

7:46

What is the role of an Associate Conductor? We caught up with Daniel Carter to find out more about his role in preparing the orchestra, and the process of passing the baton to the next conductor.By Australian Youth Orchestra

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Meet the AYO Episode 20 | Words About Music Feature: Josh Winestock, composer 21:53

5+ y ago21:53

21:53

Josh Winestock recently completed his composition studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and is a member of new music group ‘Spiral’. Words About Music participant Stella Joseph-Jarecki sat down with Josh to discuss how he found himself composing, the challenges of creating music, and his piece Long Nights. Written, produced and edited by St…

1
Meet the AYO Episode 19 | Words About Music Feature: Rhys Little, composer 18:23

5+ y ago18:23

18:23

Rhys Little is currently studying composition at Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and has worked with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. Words About Music participant Stella Joseph-Jarecki sat down with Rhys to discuss how he found himself composing, the challenges of creating music, and his piece 'Folded Sky'. Written, pr…

1
Meet the AYO Episode 18 | Words About Music Feature: Tom Misson, composer 19:26

5+ y ago19:26

19:26

Tom Misson is a composer from Tasmania who has had his music played on ABC Classic FM and performed by the Hobart Wind Symphony. Words About Music participant Stella Joseph-Jarecki sat down with Tom to discuss how he found himself composing, the challenges of creating music, and his work Three Pieces for Orchestra.Written, produced and edited by St…

1
Meet the AYO Episode 17 | Words About Music Feature: On Falla 23:03

5+ y ago23:03

23:03

An introduction to Manuel de Falla’s much-loved ballet score 'The Three-Cornered Hat', featuring a performance of Suite No.2, live from AYO National Music Camp 2019.Written and Produced: Christopher HealeyEditor: Christopher HealeyPresenter: Stella Joseph-Jarecki Falla 'The Three-Cornered Hat': Suite No.2Performed by:Bishop Orchestra 2019 conducted…

1
Meet the AYO Episode 16 | Words About Music Feature: Bringing Back the Melody 19:58

5+ y ago19:58

19:58

During National Music Camp, Christopher Healey, fellow composer and member of the Words About Music team, met with composer Melody Eötvös to discuss her music, the business of composing and the future of the art form.Producer: Christopher HealeyEditors: Jakub Gaudasinksi and Christopher Healey Presenter: Stella Joseph-JareckiMusic by Melody EötvösA…

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Australian Youth Orchestra Podcasts

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