When you listen to an orchestra, what makes its sound distinctive? Is it the concert hall, the conductor, the players, or even their instruments? While some argue that most orchestras end up sounding alike, others insist each ensemble has its own unmistakable voice. In this episode, we dive into the subtle details that shape an orchestra’s sound and explore how different orchestras can sound worlds apart. Juliette and Lasma take on a listening challenge where they guess the conductor of a piece the LPO has recorded twice, and try to spot the differences between the two recordings. And in the quiz, we get to the bottom of a big question - what does the word ‘orchestra’ actually mean?

#PitchMeClassical

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

TikTok: @lporchestra

Bluesky: @lporchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’re unravelling a piece that’s as simple as it is spellbinding - one of the most well known and oddly mesmerising compositions of the 20th century. Some call it brilliant, others find it unbearable, and few sit on the fence. And the piece that’s at the heart of this marmite reputation? Ravel’s Bolero. We explore what makes this 15-minute loop so unforgettable, from its relentless snare drum rhythm to its slow-burning crescendo to determine what it is that keeps listeners hooked (or drives them mad). Plus, things get very heated between Andy and Sue in the end-of-episode quiz…

#PitchMeClassical

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

TikTok: @lporchestra

Bluesky: @lporchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The violin section of an orchestra is split into two halves: first violins and second violins. Do the firsts really get all the glory while the seconds do the heavy lifting, or are the seconds the orchestra’s unsung heroes? In an effort to decide whether some violinists are more equal than others, we explore the history behind this division, unpack stereotypes, and examine the unique challenges of playing in each section. We also look at how this structure can shape careers, and what it’s like to transition from one section to the other. Plus, Emma and Cassi face a violin-themed quiz, covering everything from calories burned while playing to musical world records set on bicycles…

#PitchMeClassical

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

TikTok: @lporchestra

Bluesky: @lporchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a battle between technology and tradition: should mobiles phones be banned, tolerated, or even embraced in concert halls? Are phone-friendly performances the future of classical music, or are they a threat to the sacred concert ritual? We’ve all heard a phone go off at the most inopportune moment, but increasingly the classical music world is finding more creative ways to integrate phones into the concert experience. In this episode, we explore how concert halls, composers, and performers are adapting - or resisting - the presence of mobiles phones and in concert venues. Plus, Minn and Martin reveal their ringtones (or lack thereof) and face off in a challenge: who can come up with the best phone-related superpower?

#PitchMeClassical

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

TikTok: @lporchestra

Bluesky: @lporchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, YolanDa and Francis are joined by AI expert Lora Aroyo to discuss artificial intelligence and its place in classical music. Their conversation covers everything from how AI developed to what its current capabilities of composing classical music are. They touch on the ethical and artistic implications of AI-generated music, evaluate its strengths and limitations, and try to define what makes music composed by humans unique. Plus, in the quiz, Lora and Francis tell us how they would like AI to be used to improve their day to day musical lives…

#PitchMeClassical

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

TikTok: @lporchestra

Bluesky: @lporchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a typical brass player? What really happens on a ‘viola night’? Can the saxophone truly be considered a brass instrument? And just how do you clean a tuba? YolanDa, Lee and Claudia dive into the world of brass, weighing the pros and cons of being part of the brass section and comparing it to the rest of the orchestra. They share favourite brass moments, discuss the sometimes notorious reputation of brass players, and attempt to pinpoint the characteristics that make brass players unique. Plus, in the quiz, Lee and Claudia take a shot at guessing the collective noun for a group of brass players… Any guesses?

#PitchMeClassical

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

TikTok: @lporchestra

Bluesky: @lporchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s one of the most famous pieces of classical music, but why? The beginning of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony has an iconic status, but is it one of the best openings to a piece of music? YolanDa, Tom and Cassi dig deeper into those famous four notes and along the way they share other opening bars which are just as recognisable, arresting, or scary. It’s a tricky passage to play in sync with other players, so they discuss tips and tricks to ensure it gets off to a successful start. Plus, in the quiz Tom makes a fruit-related promise he’s surely going to live to regret…

#PitchMeClassical

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

TikTok: @lporchestra

Bluesky: @lporchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is the viola the butt of so many jokes? Does the viola deserve to be mocked, or is it the unsung hero of the orchestra? YolanDa Brown is joined by Martin and Minn to unpack the origins of viola jokes and demystify why violas so often get the short end of the stick - or should we say bow? But for Martin and Minn the viola’s status as a comedic goldmine sometimes has wider implications that aren’t necessarily positive, for example putting people off learning the instrument, affecting the way composers write for it, and annoying viola players on a regular basis. If you like a good viola joke, you’ll find plenty in this episode, proving that the viola can absolutely play first fiddle in the world of comedy…

#PitchMeClassical

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

TikTok: @lporchestra

Bluesky: @lporchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes classical music sound like classical music? And what does the word ‘classical’ mean anyway? YolanDa Brown is joined by Kristina and Mark to give their take on these big questions. They do their best to figure out where the line is between classical and non-classical music, whether film music is classical, and what makes classical music classical. And they attempt to pin down why the word ‘classical’ came to be used to describe this genre of music in the first place. Plus, Mark and Kristina each share three recommendations that they think demonstrate the breadth and variety of classical music - pieces that are ideal for anyone new to it! 

#PitchMeClassical

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

TikTok: @lporchestra

Bluesky: @lporchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tails? Long black? Stilettos? A dinner jacket? Concert dress is an important part of the visual appearance of an orchestra, but what is the dress code, how flexible is it, and is it old-fashioned? YolanDa, Mark and Alice all have their preferences when it comes to what they like to wear on stage. This conversation covers everything from what happens when you ask a tailor to make you a new set of tails, whether you need to iron a shirt when only a sliver of it is visible, why orchestras dress the way they do, and common misunderstandings when it comes to pants and pop socks. Plus, how what you choose to wear on stage can give you confidence as a performer…

#PitchMeClassical

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

TikTok: @lporchestra

Bluesky: @lporchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.