Tea with Netty

Development Director Harry Hickmore joins Netty backstage at the 2026/27 Season Opener at Queen Elizabeth Hall to talk fundraising, music and community.

Harry reflects on the experiences that led him to the OAE, the role music education plays in shaping young lives and the lasting impact of the Orchestra’s residency at Acland Burghley School. He shares memories of his own musical beginnings, explains why building future audiences starts today and reveals how it’s almost impossible for him to step outside without bumping into someone from the OAE community. Plus, there’s discussion of Harry’s love of hosting and some ambitious plans for joint swimming lessons with Netty.

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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

Soprano Hilary Cronin joins Netty for a tea and chat in the basement of the University Women's Club. They talk about catching the 'music bug' growing up in a musical family, Hilary's fondness for the clarinet, and the joys of bringing different characters to life from costumes and wigs to finding the right outfit.

Hilary Cronin revisits her early memories of performing in pantomimes, alongside ballet, tap and jazz lessons that fuelled her love of performing. She talks about singing in choirs and as a soloist in different settings, her work with the OAE on baroque repertoire, and her hopes of exploring new repertoire and trying something different. 

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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

OAE leader and violinist Huw Daniel joins Netty for a special 'Teepee with Netty' episode. In the sunny fields of Sussex, they chat about his time in Cambridge as an organ scholar before playing the violin, and his work as a master of reconstructing scores including Bach's Harpsichord Concerto in D Minor. They're also joined by a few woolly friends!

Huw is also a member of the Irish Baroque Orchestra and spent 17 years playing with Orquestra Barroca Casa da Música in Porto, Portugal. While living in Edinburgh, he shares some fun stories about his determination and creative problem-solving when it came to finding alternative travel routes in and out of the country when the original plan fell through - we could all learn a thing or two!

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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

Tenor Nicholas Mulroy, aka 'Sammy' joins Netty for the next episode. He reveals the story behind his nickname, reflects on his musical journey as a chorister before branching out into jazz and rock bands, including performing in a tribute band to 'The Doors', and shares how an inspiring Spanish teacher and a trip to Granada in his teenage years sparked a lifelong passion for languages.

Nicholas is also Associate Director of the Dunedin Consort. After reading languages at university, he returned to singing in his postgraduate studies and has since built a wide ranging career. Most recently, his musical interests have led him to explore programmes that combine 20th century Cuban music with works by Purcell and Monteverdi. They also discuss conductor John Butt's 'Hoover' effect on Bach and Handel's music and share memorable stories with Bach's St Matthew Passion, including an unforgettable shoe mishap.

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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, Netty returns to OAE headquarters at Acland Burghley School to chat with Chief Operating Officer Edward Shaw. From studying Botany and working in the vineyards of Burgundy to teaching English in Bordeaux, Edward shares the fascinating and unconventional path that led him to the Orchestra, bringing a unique perspective to his role as COO.

Edward's role spans a wide range of responsibilities from HR, governance, health and safety to supporting every department across the organisation and helping the OAE navigate whatever comes next. He reflects on the joys of being based in a school, working alongside students, watching their development and helping to inspire the next generation's discovery of the classical music world. Outside the office, Edward's passions range from wine and baking to making soup for musicians, identifying birds by their call and playing the viola.

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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

Longstanding OAE viola player Martin Kelly joins Netty for a chat. In his final year with the OAE, Martin looks back on his first encounter with Netty 53 years ago, joining the orchestra and overcoming the many trials and tribulations of life as a musician. He also shares unforgettable stories from amusing pranks to cherished memories on and off stage.

Martin reflects on his travels and life in America, as well as the health challenges that led him to explore early music on the viola. He speaks warmly about the importance of friendship during difficult times, his enduring love for Glyndebourne - never missing a season of performing - and the strong sense of community it has cultivated over the years. Looking ahead, he also shares his excitement for the new adventures still to come.

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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 Rising Star of the Enlightenment alumna Rebecca Leggett joins Netty for a chat ahead of performing Handel’s Messiah at Lewes Town Hall with the East Sussex Bach Choir. They reminisce about their first meeting and Rebecca's remarkable ability to step in at the last minute to cover an ill soloist during the St John Passion tour with Mark Padmore. Rebecca also shares her love for Bach and Purcell, as well as her vocal heroines.

Rebecca grew up surrounded by music. Based in Haywards Heath, she was part of youth choirs and had the opportunity to sing in professional venues from as young as 11 years old. She explored playing the violin, clarinet, and guitar before focusing on singing. Rebecca expresses some of the challenges of singing Handel and discuss why singers should not be labelled or confined to a specific voice type, as well as her hopes to explore a wider range of repertoire.

When she is not performing on stage, Rebecca enjoys singing various genres, from lullabies to folk songs, accompanied by her guitar in a relaxed setting.

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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 Projects team members Sophie Adams and Ed Ault join Netty for a cuppa and a chat backstage at the Royal Festival Hall. They discuss life on the farm - surprisingly not so dissimilar to running an orchestra - harpsichords on the roof, airport mishaps, filming fun, unexpected duties, and more. There are plenty of laughs in this one!

Sophie reflects on her upbringing on a dairy farm, drawing unexpected parallels between moving cattle and herding musicians during concert days and tours. Ed takes us inside his deeply musical household, where his passion for classical music began at an early age as an orchestral percussionist. He recalls his first project with the OAE at the height of the pandemic, sharing what it was like when the world suddenly went digital.

Together, Sophie and Ed share quirky insider stories, unexpected moments, and favourite memories from their time at the OAE. They also recount amusing interactions with students at their home base at Acland Burghley School, reflecting on the growth and development of the Dreamchasing Young Producers. Get a glimpse behind the scenes of what it takes to bring a performance to life and on the road.

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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 lively episode, conductor Adam Fischer sits down with Netty for a tea and chat during their rehearsal break of our Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5 concert. Adam reflects on the moment he first heard Haydn's symphony at six years old, which ignited his passion for conducting. He also shares his deep enthusiasm for Haydn’s music and why he champions the composer. There’s a lot of laughter as they connect over sibling dynamics and musical experiences.

Adam shares his journey from choral singing to becoming a stage conductor in opera. He talks about reacting to music in real time and emphasises the importance of how symphonies tell stories, just as operas do. He recounts his various musical and linguistic studies in Hungary and Austria, along with fascinating family anecdotes that have shaped his current profession. 

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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 first episode of 2026, OAE leader Margaret Faultless joins Netty for tea in our home at Acland Burghley School. Maggie reflects on her first OAE performance with Sir Simon Rattle in 1987 and her love for Haydn and Bach’s music. They also discuss her experience as leader of the Breaking Bach tour, the OAE’s dance production that connects a new generation of street dancers with the rhythmic complexities of Bach’s music.

Maggie passionately engages in education as the leader of the OAE's Ann and Peter Law Experience Scheme and in her roles as Head of Early Music at the Royal Academy of music and Director of Performance at Cambridge University. She shares her experiences working with young people and reflects on the remarkable continuity of Bach's music in the 21st century. Additionally, she reflects on her decade with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra performing Bach cantatas, and discusses the essence of being a professional musician as well as her learnings at the OAE.

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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