Best Britten Pears Arts Podcasts (2024)

1
Janna Levin on Mozart’s Unfinished Ambitions 24:36

9d ago24:36

24:36

Janna Levin is a theoretical cosmologist and professor of astronomy and physics at Barnard College in New York City, specializing in the study of black holes. A Guggenheim Fellow, she’s authored several books on the topics of space, mathematics, and the impassioned people that study them; her latest book, “Black Hole Survival Guide,” allows readers…

1
Hanna Arie-Gaifman on Bach and Survival 15:52

16d ago15:52

15:52

Hanna Arie-Gaifman served as the director of the Tisch Center for the Arts at the 92nd Street Y for over 20 years, where she produced countless multidisciplinary projects, cementing 92NY’s place as a leading literary and performance art venue in New York City. Before then, Aire-Gaifman worked around the world as an arts administrator, linguist, and…

1
Caroline Shaw on Mendelssohn and Possibility 11:49

23d ago11:49

11:49

Caroline Shaw is a tireless musician, active as a violinist, vocalist, producer, and composer. She’s won multiple Grammy awards and, along with Kendrick Lamar, is one of the youngest recipients of the Pulitzer Prize in Music. Throughout her career, she has continuously experimented across genres, her collaborations spanning from the likes of Nas an…

1
Nick Ferrone on Why Barber’s “Adagio” Gets a Bad Rap 24:41

1M ago24:41

24:41

By day, Nick Ferrone is a Brooklyn real estate agent, but on most Saturday nights, he can be found playing the harmonica at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. As the seventh of eight kids, Ferrone reaped the benefits of being exposed to records that most kids his age weren’t listening to, including the one that inspired him to start playing the harmonica: “G…

1
Lucy Boynton on Chopin and Getting Into Character 13:44

1M ago13:44

13:44

You might know actress Lucy Boynton from the television mini-series “The Ipcress File” and films like “Chevalier” and “Murder on the Orient Express.” She grew up with a music-loving family who always had something playing in the background. Here, Boynton shares a favorite piano piece by Chopin and reflects on the power of music to establish tone in…

1
From The Red House: Curlew River and Sumidagawa 20:52

1M ago20:52

20:52

The extracts from Britten’s letters and other writings are read by Dr Nicholas Clark, Librarian at Britten Pears Arts. The extracts from Curlew River are from the 1966 Decca recording directed by Britten and Viola Tunnard (with grateful thanks to Decca and Faber Music). The extracts from the English language performance of Sumida River were kindly …

1
Martha Lane Fox on Perseverance and Beethoven 17:52

1M ago17:52

17:52

If anyone can claim the title of Renaissance Woman, it is Martha Lane Fox. Though she gained prominence during the dot-com boom of the 1990s, her career has since led her serve as the Chancellor of Open University in the United Kingdom; to sit on the boards of companies likeChanel, WeTransfer, and Twitter; and, in 2013, she became the youngest fema…

1
Steve Reich on Why Medieval Music Sounds So Fresh 25:31

2M ago25:31

25:31

Steve Reich is one of the most important composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. A leader in developing and popularizing what many describe as minimalist music — but which Reich has often preferred to describe as music that unfolds over a gradual process — his music helped reassert the value of tonality and sonority within newly composed concert …

1
Anne-Sophie Mutter on Why Bach Is Always the Answer 12:32

2M ago12:32

12:32

“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” is one of Bach’s best known works. For acclaimed violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, it has been part of her life since she was a child and has accompanied her through some of her life’s most important moments. As she puts it, “Bach is always the answer — for the joyous moments in life as much as for the moments where you do…

1
Víkingur Ólafsson on the Unpredictable Futurism of Rameau 16:21

2M ago16:21

16:21

All classical musicians are devoted to the art of reinterpretation — of trying to make the old feel new again. Pianist Víkingur Ólafsson actually manages to pull it off. Whether he’s performing keyboard music hundreds of years old or a piece hot off the press, one has the feeling that they’ve never heard this music before, or this music played in t…

1
Garth Greenwell on Finding Refuge in the Music of Britten and Pears 19:35

2M ago19:35

19:35

By now, Garth Greenwell is an award-winning author, poet, literary critic, and teacher of writing whose novels include “What Belongs To You” and “Cleanness.” But his first creative aspiration was as a musician: He attended the Interlochen Academy for the Arts and, later, the Eastman School of Music, focusing on vocal performance. In this episode, G…

1
Jennifer Egan on Chopin's Narrative Masterclass 21:44

3M ago21:44

21:44

Jennifer Egan has spent a lifetime thinking about what makes a good story — to good effect. Her novels have received many awards and recognitions, including the Pulitzer Prize for “A Visit From the Good Squad.” Its companion book and her latest work, “The Candy House,” was named one of The New York Times’s 10 Best Books of 2022. They say that one o…

1
Rowan Williams on Bach and the Daily Discipline of Silence 13:05

3M ago13:05

13:05

Rowan Williams is a British theologian and poet. From 2003-2012, he served as the Archbishop of Canterbury — a role that placed him, along with the British monarch, at the head of the Anglican Church. As one of today’s most influential religious leaders, Williams has often been the subject of both praise and controversy for his outspoken views, inc…

1
Dexter Filkins on Tension, Tenderness, and Ravel 21:03

3M ago21:03

21:03

Dexter Filkins is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, former Iraq War correspondent for the New York Times, and author of the bestselling book, “The Forever War.” He’s currently a staff writer for The New Yorker. In this episode, Filkins recalls how Ravel’s music gave him respite during his “nightmare years” covering the war in Iraq. He explains h…

1
Marin Alsop on Beethoven and Humanity’s Infinite Potential 25:34

3M ago25:34

25:34

As one of the leading conductors of our time, Marin Alsop has collected a lot of “firsts”: She’s the first woman to head a major orchestra in the United States, South America, Austria and the United Kingdom. Throughout her career, she has also tirelessly advocated for equitable music education and for professional opportunities for other female con…

1
Nathalie Joachim on the Connection Between Brahms and Haiti 20:44

4M ago20:44

20:44

Nathalie Joachim is a Grammy-nominated flutist, vocalist and composer. She is the co-founder of the acclaimed flute-meets-electronica duo Flutronix, as well as the composer of the evening-length work “Fanm d’Ayiti,” which explores her heritage and, more broadly, women’s voices in Haiti. Her recently-released album “Ki moun ou ye” (“Which person are…

1
Elizabeth Day on Jacqueline du Pré’s Elgar and Navigating Loss 11:07

4M ago11:07

11:07

Elizabeth Day is an author, broadcaster, and host of the podcast “How to Fail,” where she interviews guests about what they have learned from failure. In this episode, Day reflects on a performance that has guided her through different stages of her life: Jacqueline Du Pré’s rendition of Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E Minor. From the disappointment of…

1
Damien Sneed on Dreams, Family and Franz Liszt 25:23

4M ago25:23

25:23

Damien Sneed is an award-winning musician, conductor, composer and arts educator who works across classical, jazz, R&B and other genres. When he was five years old, Sneed’s parents told him he was adopted. He walks us through the story of how, through a series of dreams and coincidences, he eventually reunited with his biological family and learned…

1
Deborah Frances-White on Chance Encounters and Mozart 12:25

4M ago12:25

12:25

Deborah Frances-White is a comedian, writer, and host of “The Guilty Feminist” podcast, where she explores the balancing act between feminist idealism and human imperfection. In this episode, White reflects on her upbringing as a Jehovah’s Witness and shares a story about the first time she saw a performance of Mozart’s opera “Così fan tutte.” On t…

1
Tom Hiddleston on Arvo Pärt and the Infinite 19:54

5M ago19:54

19:54

Tom Hiddleston is an actor beloved around the world for his roles in film, television, and the stage, most notably for his portrayal of the Norse god Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Before all that, he was a student at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, balancing both high hopes and uncertainty for his future. For the debut episode of the …

1
The Open Ears Project Returns! 1:51

5M ago1:51

1:51

The Open Ears Project returns for a new season on February 12! From tales of memorable moments in nature and fleeting encounters with strangers – to recollections of music that helped in difficult times – The Open Ears Project features people sharing a personal story about the classical track that means the most to them, and why. This season’s gues…

1
Discovery Session: A Ceremony of Carols 33:19

7M ago33:19

33:19

The musical tracks in this podcast are all from A Ceremony of Carols. The recording is performed by the National Youth Girls Choir, with Vicky Lester on harp, conducted by Esther Jones. With grateful thanks to Delphian Records for allowing us to use extracts from this recording.By Miriam Keogh, Madeleine Holmes, Ben Vonberg-Clark, National Youth Girls Choir, Dr Lucy Walker

1
Discovery Session: Friday Afternoons 33:35

8M ago33:35

33:35

Lucy is joined by two of this year's composers - Roderick Williams and Kerry Andrew - and by Sophia Allen, our Head of Community. Tune in to find out how the Friday Afternoons songs - past and present - have reached thousands of schoolchildren, and inspired creative artists of all kind.By Britten Pears Arts

1
Discovery Session: English Song 28:20

9M ago28:20

28:20

In this month’s podcast we celebrate the fascinating subject of song and singing. We start with Benjamin Britten, and his lifelong attachment to song – inspired to explore it in multiple ways by his partner Peter Pears’ voice, by poetry, and by the occasion he was composing for. Following his example, Britten Pears Arts has song at the very centre …

1
The lives of William Byrd & Thomas Weelkes 29:42

1+ y ago29:42

29:42

In 2023 we mark the 400th anniversary of the deaths of two composers who wrote beautiful music, and who lived in extraordinary times. William Byrd (c.1540-1623) lived through a remarkably turbulent period of history, under no fewer than six monarchs. He wrote a huge amount of exquisite choral works, including Catholic masses which – depending who w…

1
Talking about Songs with Elise Caluwaerts 20:21

2+ y ago20:21

20:21

Tune in to the final podcast of Season 3 (recorded in June 2021) to hear about Alma Mahler's work, the potent combination of opera, film and fashion house (a link to the film Elise discusses can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhgwmZQVgJE), and the power of song to connect people in isolation. Plus, some beautiful tracks for the podca…

1
Talking about Creative Retreats with Hannah Honeywill 23:53

2+ y ago23:53

23:53

Tune in to hear more about Hannah's work, how she has been inspired by Britten's music, how the life and work of both Britten and Pears can still be sensed at The Red House, and what a Creative Retreat in the grounds of their former home has meant to her. Plus, further additions to the podcast playlist - four brilliant tracks that are all about cou…

1
Talking about Alternative Classical with Hannah Fiddy 34:26

3y ago34:26

34:26

Tune in to find out how Alternative Classical engages with new listeners, how to explore an exciting range of classical music performances, and how to play Concert Roulette! Plus, as usual there are some excellent additions to the podcast playlist.By Lucy Walker, Hannah Fiddy

1
Talking about Music and the Environment with James Thornton 26:56

3y ago26:56

26:56

Tune in for a remarkable conversation about the environment, music, Britten's home town of Lowestoft, the fascinating and valuable relationships between musicians and environmental causes, and how music of all kinds can deeply affect the emotions.By Lucy Walker, James Thornton

1
A Special Extended Edition: Talking BEAM with Nadine Benjamin, Darren Abrahams and Claire Shovelton 54:30

3y ago54:30

54:30

Tune in for a fascinating conversation about the background, creation, and ethos of the multi-media music piece BEAM: Everybody Can Stand in their Own Light. The remarkable creative team behind this work (Nadine Benjamin, lead artists/co-dramaturg, Darren Abrahams, co-dramaturg and trauma specialist, and Claire Shovelton, senior producer and photog…

1
A Conversation with Tansy Davies 31:51

3y ago31:51

31:51

Tansy Davies' new piece for string orchestra and percussion, 'Monolith: I Extend My Arms' will be premiered at Snape Maltings on 26 June 2021 (a Britten Pears Arts commission). Tune in for a conversation about this piece, and about other fascinating compositions - including Tansy's operas 'Between Worlds' and 'Cave', and the horn piece 'Yoik'. Plus…

1
Talking about dream.risk.sing - with Samantha Crawford and Lana Bode 29:31

3y ago29:31

29:31

Soprano Samantha Crawford and pianist Lana Bode have been collaborating on a remarkable project: dream.risk.sing. Their forthcoming recital and CD (with Delphian Records) focusses on women's voices. It is a programme of music mainly by female composers, and of texts by women (the proejct is supported using public funding by the National Lottery thr…

1
Talking about Early Music - with Joseph McHardy 31:21

3y ago31:21

31:21

Tune in for a fascinating conversation between Lucy and Joe (who are both alumni of Edinburgh University!) about the rich and varied European choral tradition. The Chapel Royal at St James's Palace has an extraordinary history, intertwining the musical interests of English monarchs with the great musicians of the previous centuries, including Byrd,…

1
Talking about a Passion for Music - with Jamie Njoku-Goodwin 31:36

3y ago31:36

31:36

As we celebrate a year of Britten Pears Arts, we welcome a new Trustee! Jamie Njoku-Goodwin has had a remarkable career, from a music degree at Nottingham University, to a move into the political sphere, and his recent appointment as Chief Executive of UK Music. Tune in to hear a fascinating conversation about the emotional impact of music, how per…

1
Talking about History - with Anna Maria Barry 23:38

3+ y ago23:38

23:38

In this podcast during Women's History Month, Lucy and Anna have a fascinating conversation about a wide range of histories, and how historical stories are told. Tune in to hear about celebrities of the nineteenth century, the heroic figure of the British tenor (and how Italian tenors became the villains of romantic novels!), portraits and death ma…

1
A Conversation with Reverend Richard Coles 40:38

3+ y ago40:38

40:38

Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation with Reverend Coles about his extraordinary life and variety of careers, his lifelong love of music of all kinds from Motown to Benjamin Britten, the experience of being an 'accidental popstar', life as a gay man and political activist in the 1980s, how Christian faith can manifest in music and in physical sp…

1
Talking to Anna Lapwood 25:13

3+ y ago25:13

25:13

Tune in for the final episode before Christmas for a conversation about Anna's remarkable career, the rise of female conductors and organists, and the joy of transcribing orchestral works for organ. Plus, some further additions to our podcast playlist, including some festive treats.By Anna Lapwood, Lucy Walker

1
Talking about Songs 33:43

3+ y ago33:43

33:43

Tune in to hear a conversation about songs on the concert stage and in the home, the relationships that inspire composers to write them, and fascinating insights into the ever-changing conventions of song performance. Plus, some further contributions to our podcast playlist.By Natasha Loges, Lucy Walker

1
Happy Birthday Britten 29:02

3+ y ago29:02

29:02

Together they reflect on Britten’s place in the world on his 107th birthday, talk about what Britten Pears Arts has been doing this very unusual year, and to explore a fascinating collection of birthday-related items from the Red House collection. Plus, as usual, some further contributions to our Spotify playlist.…

1
Talking about Composing 30:50

3+ y ago30:50

30:50

In this extraordinary year, her arrangement of Jerusalem was premiered at the Last Night of the Proms; she has been nominated for an RPS award in the Large-Scale Composition category for her piece This Frame is Part of the Painting; and her new EP Peace on Earth is released on 13 November. Tune in for a conversation about approaches to composition,…

1
Talking about Guitars 27:38

3+ y ago27:38

27:38

Sean is one of the most adventurous musicians working today, combining classical and electronic music in his repertoire, and with a fascinating back catalogue of recordings, including the Gramophone award-winning softLOUD. Tune in for a discussion about Sean’s career to date, the challenges of 2020, adventurous concert-programming, and some surpris…

1
Music and The Community 30:25

3+ y ago30:25

30:25

Both Lucy’s and Callum’s work is all about encouraging as many people as possible to be involved in music – tune in to hear about music in schools, in the community, and how it benefits us all! Plus, further additions to our increasingly eclectic podcast playlist.By Callum Given, Lucy Walker

1
Talking about Britten in America: 2 29:31

4y ago29:31

29:31

Justin has a longstanding association with The Red House and Snape Maltings, often visiting the UK, and is always looking for new ways to explore Britten's music in his scholarship and recital programmes. Tune in to find out more about this fascination for Britten and his world. Plus, what our podcasters have been listening to lately.…

1
Talking about Britten in America: 1 32:17

4y ago32:17

32:17

Tune in for a wide-ranging and illuminating conversation, covering matters musical, cultural and political - as well as 'Why Britten Matters'. Plus, further additions to our brilliantly eclectic From The Red House playlist.By Lucy Walker, Imani Mosley

1
Music and the Mind 32:47

4y ago32:47

32:47

Stephen’s recent books include How Shostakovich Changed my Mind, a very personal response to Shostakovich’s works, and The Eighth, a study of Mahler’s Eighth Symphony, and the world from which it emerged. Join in for a wide-ranging and fascinating discussion – plus, what our contributors have been listening to recently.…

1
Talking about Ravi Shankar 33:08

4y ago33:08

33:08

Tune in to hear about Shankar’s extraordinary life and utter dedication to musicianship, captured vividly in this beautiful book. Also discussed is how Shankar’s life briefly, but significantly, intersected with Britten’s at various times. Plus, what our podcasters have been listening to lately.By Oliver Craske, Lucy Walker

1
Performers in Lockdown: Juliet Fraser 29:37

4y ago29:37

29:37

Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation about the challenges of the lockdown, the thrill of live performance, getting back to vocal fitness, and the fascinating process of commissioning and co-creating new pieces. Plus, the eclectic range of pieces are contributors have been listening to recently. To listen to the pieces featured, visit our 'From T…

1
Performers in Lockdown: Matthew Rose 24:55

4y ago24:55

24:55

Tune in for a fascinating discussion (recorded down the line from a café in Antwerp!), and hear about what Matthew has been listening to during lockdown. Please note, the sound quality is a little patchy, due to a somewhat intermittent connection.By Matthew Rose, Lucy Walker

1
Talking about Britten Pears Arts 28:49

4y ago28:49

28:49

Roger Wright (Chief Executive), Sarah Bardwell (Executive Director) and Lucy Walker (Head, Public Programming) discuss the merger of Snape Maltings and Britten-Pears Foundation back in April, the shared aims and vision of this new organisation, and the challenges and experiences of working together during Covid-19. Plus, the listening choices of al…

1
Telling Life Stories 34:01

4y ago34:01

34:01

Sarah has written, directed and performed in two Aldeburgh Festival Pumphouse shows over the last two years: Middagh Street (2018), a glorious evocation of Britten and Pears' months in a riotously bohemian house-share in 1940s; and Barlines (2019), an account of Michael Tippett's formative time spent in Wormwood Scrubs in 1943. Tune in for a conver…

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