New Classical Podcast - Conversations on Music

In this episode of New Classical Podcast, Opera Bert sits down with Jan Lisiecki to explore one big question: What is it like to grow up as a professional pianist while still being a child? Jan began performing professionally at just nine years old, embarking on an international career at an age when most children are still discovering who they want to become. But what does it really mean to grow up on stage, travel the world, and build a life around music from such a young age?

Jan takes us back to the beginnings of his extraordinary journey, reflecting on his childhood, the role of his family, and the compromises that come with pursuing a professional career so early in life. He also shares his experiences recording his first album with Deutsche Grammophon at just 13 and what it meant to be signed by one of the world's most renowned classical music labels at such a young age.

From the excitement of performing on international stages to the realities of constantly being on the road, we explore what life as a touring pianist really looks like. How does it feel to spend so much time travelling? And what does it take to find balance when music becomes your profession before you've even reached your teenage years?

But there is more to Jan than the pianist audiences see on stage. We get to know the person behind the performances, discovering his personality, interests, hobbies, and what he enjoys when he steps away from the piano.

In this episode of New Classical Podcast, Opera Bert sits down with Joyce DiDonato to explore one big question: What can music written almost 300 years ago tell us about the world we live in today? From war and peace to our relationship with nature, Joyce DiDonato has built a remarkable artistic journey around the idea that classical music is far more than a beautiful sound. It can challenge us, make us reflect, and help us understand what it means to be human.

We dive into the stories behind her visionary projects In War & Peace and Eden, exploring how Baroque music and timeless masterpieces can speak directly to some of the most pressing issues of our time. Joyce also takes us behind the scenes of her latest project, Emily – No Prisoner Be, inspired by the extraordinary life and poetry of Emily Dickinson. What connects a 19th-century American poet with our modern world, and how do you transform her universe into a musical experience?

But there’s more to Joyce than her life on stage. As a passionate mentor and advocate for young singers, she opens up about the challenges of building a career in opera today, the realities facing the next generation of classical musicians, and why supporting young artists matters more than ever.

Expect curiosity, unexpected perspectives, and a few surprises along the way. Because when Joyce DiDonato talks about music, the conversation goes far beyond opera, straight to the heart of what connects us all.

In this episode of New Classical Podcast, Opera Bert sits down with Rolando Villazón to explore what it means to reinvent yourself as an artist while staying true to your identity.

One of the most versatile personalities in the world of classical music and opera, Villazón has built an extraordinary career as a singer, stage director, artistic leader, broadcaster, television personality, and writer. Together, they look back on his artistic journey, from his beginnings to the many creative roles he embraces today, exploring the experiences, challenges, and transformations that have shaped his career.

But with Rolando Villazón, there is never a shortage of laughter! His infectious humor, playful personality, and natural gift for storytelling make this conversation full of hilarious anecdotes, unexpected moments, and genuine laughter. Together with Opera Bert, he shows that behind the extraordinary artist is a wonderfully entertaining personality who knows how to turn almost any story into a memorable moment.

A conversation about creativity, evolution, and the courage to embrace new possibilities without ever losing sight of who you are.

In this episode of New Classical Podcast, Opera Bert goes behind the scenes of what it really means to lead one of the world’s most celebrated musical traditions. From the unique experience of conducting the Vienna New Year’s Concert, we take a much bigger journey: Why does classical music continue to speak to people across generations and cultures? How has the art of making music evolved? And what makes classical music so unique vs. the upcoming AI wave?

Yannick also opens up about the mysterious world of conducting: what actually happens when a conductor steps onto the podium, what makes the profession so fascinating, and why so much of it goes beyond simply waving a baton.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin is one of the most acclaimed conductors of our time and he’s just stepped onto one of classical music’s most iconic stages: the Vienna New Year’s Concert.

And, of course, this is Opera Bert. So expect plenty of curiosity, unexpected stories, and humour. Because put Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Opera Bert in the same conversation, and you’re guaranteed a few smiles along the way.

Every week, New Classical Podcast sits down with the fascinating people shaping the world of classical music and opera today. From conductors and opera singers to composers, musicians, directors, and artists — this is a podcast about the people behind the performances.

Hey, I’m Opera Bert, exploring classical music from a fresh perspective: curious, open-minded, and always ready to have a little fun along the way. Because behind every great performance is a person, a story, a journey — and usually a few surprises.

Here, we go beyond the stage and get to know the biggest stars of classical music and opera: their musical journeys, personal stories, passions, struggles, ambitions, and the moments that shaped who they are.

No formal interviews. No rehearsed answers. Just big personalities, honest conversations, unexpected stories, and a closer look at the people behind the music.

Because classical music is much more fun when you know the people who make it.

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