Tea with Netty

Mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston joins Netty for tea and a chat in the latest episode. She discusses her unique voice and the discoveries she's made through singing different repertoire as well as learning to sing backwards!

Helen is a member of the first cohort of our Rising Stars of the Enlightenment alumni (2017-2019). She shares her journey in the scheme that led to the creation of the unforgettable video of Dido's Lament, inspired by Coldplay. Beyond her singing talent, Helen is committed to various initiatives that strive to make music accessible to everyone and she vividly expresses how vital this mission is to her. 

--

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 2025, conductor Dinis Sousa joins Netty for a cuppa and a chat in London before he embarks on his touring adventures.

Currently Principal Conductor of the Royal Northern Sinfonia, Dinis has a fascinating journey that took him from filmmaker to pianist and finally conductor. His story is inspiring and demonstrates the rewards of pursuing your dreams. Dinis also shares his excitement about joining us as guest artist in June at the Southbank Centre, where he will conduct Elgar's Enigma Variations for the first time.

--

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 violin leader Kati Debretzeni joins Netty for a cuppa and a chat while on tour. Kati tells fascinating and humorous stories from her family history to stepping into the musical universe. Come along for the ride where each stop reveals her delightful discoveries and the joy of following one's passion!

Kati has been one of the OAE's leaders since 2008. With a wealth of knowledge passed down from her mentors, she not only directs orchestras but also nurtures the next generation of musicians and there's a lot we can learn from her experiences in the world of Baroque music.

--

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

Conductor Antonello Manacorda who conducted the OAE’s Prom this summer joins Netty for tea and a chat. This episode is a treasure trove of fascinating conversations exploring the intricate dynamic between the orchestra and the conductor, along with stories about encounters with heroic older-generation conductors and insightful findings about the art of breathing in music.

Antonello, who has Italian and French roots, expresses his passion for learning languages to connect more deeply with music. He discusses the benefits of his experience as a concertmaster and his transition to conducting. Antonello also shares interesting observations about the development of bowing techniques and sheds light on the joys and challenges of being a conductor.

--

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's beloved double bassist and current Chair of the Players' Artistic Committee Cecelia Bruggemeyer joins Netty in the latest episode. They discuss the early days of the formation of the OAE, balancing playing in various orchestras, touring and driving around. 

Cecelia shares stories from her very first double bass encounter to playing professionally. With an interest in education and mentoring, we get a glimpse of her involvement in OAE TOTS workshops. She also shares her insights from training in coaching and understanding how people process things which proves valuable in her role as chair of PAC.

--

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

Netty is joined by harpist Joy Smith in her cosy 17th-century weaver's cottage in Essex for the latest episode. Joy, who owns 9 harps, takes us through the world of harps. They talk about all sorts of topics, including old English phrases, fun string facts, and being a regular top of the pops.

Percussionist, composer, and storyteller Joy, who was the harpist in Handel's Giulio Cesare at Glyndebourne, shares the story of how her love for music began. She discusses harp tuning etiquettes, improvisation, and shares her storytelling tales, as well as her other colourful activities outside of performing, in a fascinating episode. 

--

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

Mezzo-soprano Beth Taylor joins Netty in the dressing rooms of Glyndebourne, who plays Cornelia in Handel's production of Giulio Cesare. They discuss voice production, singing in physically demanding roles, forestry, and everything in between.

Born and raised in Glasgow, Beth unravels the unforeseen path that led her to the world of music and singing, and how she built a strong musical foundation for herself in remarkable ways. She delves into the behind-the-scenes of opera, sharing her experience of developing her voice and offering valuable insight that can encourage us all, particularly the next generation. 

--

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 extraordinaire Louise Alder joins Netty for tea in Glyndebourne. Louise, who is currently performing as Cleopatra in Handel's Giulio Cesare, enlightens us with her family, educational and versatile singing background, her passion for musical theatre, and her multilingual talents.

Louise, takes us behind the scenes of the opera Giulio Cesare. She shares her on-stage experiences and talks about juggling a diverse vocal repertoire, as well as the demands of singing and dancing. Louise also shares her adventures in Frankfurt and takes a deep dive into languages, from which we might learn a thing or two! Catch Louise Alder and the OAE in Glyndebourne this summer!

--

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

Conductor Constantin Trinks, who makes his Festival debut conducting Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte with the OAE, joins Netty for tea and a chat. He discusses his musical influences and shows a special fondness for certain composers such as Wagner, Strauss, and especially Wagner! 

Constantin Trinks expresses excitement about working with a period instrument orchestra for the first time. We learn about his gradual appreciation for early music following his initial affinity for later music and his passion for opera. We also get an insight into the conductor’s baton and the essential qualities of being a conductor. Catch Constantin and the OAE this summer in Glyndebourne!

--

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

As summer approaches, bass-baritone Dingle Yandell joins Netty in the fields of Glyndebourne for the latest episode. They have compelling conversations, from his discovery of British novelty pop act Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers to sharing experiences of music college auditions and there are revelations behind the meaning of names.

Dingle Yandell, who was part of the first cohort of OAE's Rising Stars of the Enlightenment, shares his journey and musical influences before the Classical world. Dingle opens up about his approach to learning music and engages in authentic conversations about the struggles and challenges performers face that are not typically seen on stage. He also gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how he filmed the iconic Rising Stars music video 'What Power Art Thou' (Purcell), inspired by Gotye.

--

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