Tea with Netty

OAE’s Head of Digital Zen Grisdale spills the tea as he joins Netty in the latest episode. Zen is responsible for delivering all the wacky and wonderful digital content, from our distinctive instrument videos to paying homage to Coldplay and everything in between. He shares his creative thought process and how it all began in the least expected way! Be prepared for an episode of funny stories, soup comps, sheds and more!

Stellar Zen Grisdale takes us on a behind-the-scenes into the bustling world of the OAE through his lens. Netty reflects on the ‘magic’ of his editing style that is now recognised as the unique ‘Zen’ style. He also shares his intriguing past from pre-OAE days in a galaxy not too far away which involved telescopes, Saturn and Jupiter. Zen talks about the freedom in his work which allows him to experiment with different ideas to create entertaining and unconventional videos that are enjoyed by viewers as well as having the versatility to switch to different styles such as the Beethoven Piano Concertos with Sir András Schiff which was very well-received.

Tune in for guaranteed fun, chuckles, and smiles!

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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 Co-Principal Cello Luise Buchberger joins Netty for tea. Tuning in from her home in Frankfurt, Luise talks about more travels between her projects with the OAE and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Find out what makes gut strings ‘crunchy peanut butter’ like and whether cellists really do have the best seats in the house!

Having been with the OAE for over 10 years, Luise reflects on her time before joining and how her experience with the then newly founded group, Spira Mirabilis, influenced her approach to rehearsals and understanding the score. She also shares her surprising discoveries while transitioning from modern to early music on the cello, such as using "funny bows", and the freedom of movement and expression that came with it.

Catch her performing with us in our Bach Easter Oratorio concert (27 March) and Sibelius concert (3 April)! 

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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

Conductor, composer and arranger John Wilson joins Netty for tea in the latest episode. They delve into themes that are close to the heart of the OAE. John also recalls some interesting memories including his revelational trips to HMV, and his (nervous) first encounter with the OAE… 

John Wilson, who joined us in the summer as conductor for our Princess Ida production, shares his journey into the world of music. There are compelling conversations about his skilful ability to piece back together scores that were destroyed, experiences of orchestrating a film and the intersection of discipline, expression and freedom in performance and composition. 

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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

 The first Tea with Netty episode of 2024 features a Viola combo with Principal Violist Max Mandel joining fellow Violist Netty for tea and chats. They dive deep into a range of topics, including quirky ensemble names, a story on a quick costume change, Max's top five conductors, and more! 

Max tells his story of coming from Toronto and what inspired him to join the OAE. He also shares a significant pivotal moment when he transitioned to playing the viola, which may surprise some, and other riveting insights into the transformation, vision and practices within the Classical music world that will enlighten you.

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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, we bring you a Christmas treat of not just one but two Cuttings in a sibling special with Guy Cutting (tenor) and Hugh Cutting (countertenor). They touch base in Netty’s lair (hotel room) during the Christmas Oratorio tour with Masaaki Suzuki. There are talks of chaotic travelling, funny audience encounters, an unusual request for a Sony Ericsson charger and many more amusing stories.

Captivating brothers Guy and Hugh Cutting, who grew up together and are now touring together share their learnings of the voice, family inspirations and the transition from choral to solo singing. They discuss the significance of training to sing at a young age and there are humorous childhood tales of recreating movies at home, such as their two-person version of Harry Potter and moments of sibling mix-ups that many may find relatable. 

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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 Principal Oboe Katharina Spreckelsen joins Netty for tea and chats. She recalls her first encounters with the oboe at a Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, where she discovered the joy of Bach's chorales in the Christmas Oratorio and the energetic oboe parts. You can catch her performing and experience the same musical delights in our upcoming concerts with Masaaki Suzuki. Also, find out how to fit three cellos, violas, flutes, and a family in one car.

Katharina traces her roots back to Germany to studying and launching her career as a baroque oboist in the UK. She reminisces on her involvement in various programming projects such as The Rime of the Ancient Mariner from our previous Songs of Travel season in 2022/23, and the delights of rehearsing with actor and friend, Rory Kinnear. Katharina shares her love for learning and teaching throughout the years which continues to grow.

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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 Tea with Netty episode countertenor extraordinaire Michael Chance, who is currently running The Grange Festival and other music projects, shares his journey as a singer and teacher. He tells fun stories which include singing in mid-air to performing opera in Superman and other questionable costumes, guaranteed to bring plenty of giggles! 

Michael and Netty take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscing on their earliest musical memories together. Michael shares fascinating insights and approaches to language in opera and admiration for the late James Bowman. He also shares amusing operatic experiences involving post-concert appetites and other entertaining recollections that are sure to brighten your day. 

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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

Joining Netty in the latest episode is Claire Holden, who has been an OAE violinist for over 20 years and is also an academic researcher who has led two major Arts and Humanities Research Council projects, as well as being a teacher and consultant on performance practices in the 19th Century. 

Claire Holden takes us on a captivating journey as she recounts her experiences of growing up playing the violin, attending music college and becoming an academic researcher. Claire shares enlightening insights from her research on various subjects, such as orchestral practices, the different sound worlds of historical eras, the development of the bow and unexpected millitary connotations of instruments. There's also a chance to immerse in her experimental project recording, which explores performance practices of the 19th Century. 

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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

Joining Netty in the latest episode is Václav Luks, who is currently conducting Handel's Semele with the OAE at Glyndebourne. We travel back in time with Václav to an era when libraries and photocopy machines were the norm. He shares his passion for mountaineering, survival instincts, and taking a leap of faith in the Baroque world.

Conductor, director, harpsichordist, horn player and musicologist Václav Luks shares how his love for nature and focus on emotion and intuition have shaped his musicianship. He reflects on his experience with the OAE and emphasises the significance of establishing a connection and understanding the nuances of an orchestra. Václav also talks of his younger self, which can inspire us all.

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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, Netty is joined by countertenor Tim Mead who shares some interesting stories. Tim talks about wacky costume preparations with lots of unexpected on-stage action and reveals what his ultimate critic (his dog) really thinks of his singing…

As the Glyndebourne summer festival continues, countertenor Tim Mead, who is currently playing the role of Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, gives us a glimpse into his world of performance. Known as one of the finest singers of his generation, Tim talks about his journey as a countertenor, reflects on the challenges of the pandemic and shares about the joy of making music while recalling memories with 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

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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