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

In the final episode of the year, OAE Life President Sir Martin Smith joins Netty for tea. As one of the vital forces behind the OAE's journey, Martin recounts the story of the orchestra's beginnings, sharing his earliest memories and reviewing how the OAE has evolved over the years. Together, they celebrate the profound impact the orchestra has made on the music scene and communities today.

Martin, the former chairman of the Board, has been instrumental in providing substantial support to the OAE and rallying new supporters. He shares his passion for music, in particularly conducting and fondly recalls the moment he first conducted the OAE during a special occasion. Martin's life is filled with intriguing anecdotes, including a serendipitous encounter with his wife, Lady Elise Smith OBE, on the other side of the globe.

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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, tenor Hugo Hymas welcomes Netty into his cosy cottage for a tea and chat. They explore how he adapts his voice when collaborating with others, the routines that help him prepare for a performance, and the vocal hero who inspires him.

Former Rising Star of the Enlightenment, Hugo reflects on his lively upbringing in Cambridge, where childhood pantomimes fuelled his love for the stage. He talks about his recent virtuosic tenor appearance with the OAE in Handel's Solomon and shares his creative pursuits beyond singing, such as conducting. 

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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 cellist Catherine Rimer, joins Netty for a chat in the latest episode. She shares many remarkable stories about her musical education and projects accomplished in several countries.

Catherine talks about her journey with the OAE. She remembers the late David Watkin, principal cellist of the OAE and reflects on her early memories of hearing him perform for the first time. It's an episode packed with various ensemble groups Catherine has played with, chance encounters, alternative persona names.

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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

Glyndebourne’s executive chair Gus Christie is joined by Netty at the opera house for a cuppa and chat. 

Gus guides us through the rich history of Glyndebourne Opera House, highlighting how its architectural design has evolved through the vision of many creative minds. Beyond the renowned summer festivals, Glyndebourne hosts a vibrant range of educational and community events year-round. Fascinatingly, we also learn how making a wildlife documentary shares surprising similarities with producing an opera.

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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

Baritone Huw Montague Rendall, who is currently starring as Count Almaviva in Glyndebourne's production of Le nozze di Figaro, joins Netty for tea in the latest episode. They chat about the world of stage performance, sharing anecdotes that cover everything from character exploration to elaborate hairstyles and the art of navigating high-heeled shoes.

Huw Montague Rendall discusses the life of a singer, highlighting both the challenges and the rewarding aspects of the profession. Drawing on the unique advantage of being nurtured by his parents, who are also singers, he reveals how their guidance laid the foundation for his career. Catch him on stage in our upcoming BBC Proms performance!

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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

Our latest episode features OAE Co-principal Viola John Crockatt conversing with Netty in the grounds of Glyndebourne. They discuss travels, obsessions, and the three elements that complete the cycle of music.

John Crockatt shares his life and interests alongside playing the viola, with his adventures in India and Jerusalem, which sparked his exploration of ethnomusicology. In this insightful conversation, he reflects on the profound ways of understanding people and how we perceive the world through music, which we can all learn from!

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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

Baritone Christopher Purves joins Netty for tea and a chat backstage of Glyndebourne opera house in this episode. Currently performing the title role of Saul with the OAE, Christopher shares his interests in theatre and the many discoveries he has made throughout his singing journey.

Christopher explores his singing approach for his character, Saul, and shares how he began his journey in opera while also venturing into other musical genres. He emphasises the importance of communication, emotional expression, active listening, and the distinctions between using one's singing voice and speaking voice. 

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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

Flute player Neil McLaren joins Netty for a tea and chat in the latest episode. Having served as OAE’s second flute for nearly 40 years, Neil shares how he became interested in playing the baroque flute and recounts intriguing stories about his early encounters with music. He also discusses other pursuits inspired by his life experiences.

Neil takes us back to his early life, before he began playing the flute. When he's not playing music, you can find him crafting jewellery in his workshop in Lewes. Some of his pieces are featured in the Glyndebourne shop as well as being worn by our guest artists. In addition to his musical talents, Neil is also a qualified counsellor, and he shares the journey of how he became one, along with the training process he undertook.

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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