LPO Offstage

YolanDa Brown gets under the skin of one of the most popular of Rachmaninoff’s orchestral pieces, his Symphonic Dances. Together with timpanist Simon Carrington, violinist Laura Vallejo and trombone player Dave Whitehouse they open up a piece about which Rachmaninoff said “I don’t know how it happened, it must have been my last spark.” Indeed it was the last piece he wrote and it’s a work that many people now think of as one of his greatest orchestral works. Simon, Laura and Dave have played this work many times and they offer some fascinating insights, and we hear plenty of music from the LPO’s recent recording of this piece too. Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. 

#OffstagePod
Twitter: @LPOrchestra
Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra
Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

17. Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances

Excerpt from the LPO's album of Bruckner Symphony No 7 conducted by Stanislaw Skrowaczewski.  1st movement: Allegro moderato
Released August 2013.  LPO-0071

LPO  -  Bruckner 7 / Skrowaczewski - 1: Allegro moderato excerpt

Excerpt from the LPO's album of Bruckner Symphony No 7 conducted by Stanislaw Skrowaczewski.  3rd movement: Scherzo
Released August 2013.  LPO-0071

LPO  -  Bruckner 7 / Skrowaczewski - 3: Scherzo excerpt

YolanDa Brown heads off to the movies with piccolo player Stewart McIlwham and violinist Kate Birchall. Stewart and Kate have played on many film soundtracks including some of the most iconic of recent decades including the Lord of the Rings trilogy. They tell YolanDa some of their tales from behind the scenes including the breakneck pace at which Howard Shore wrote the score for LOTR. Plus insights from the world of game music too… Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. 

#OffstagePod
Twitter: @LPOrchestra
Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra
Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

19. Screen Time!

In the crypt underneath Henry Wood Hall, the LPO librarians work round the clock to prepare scores for the orchestra, a central cog in the LPO’s wheel. Today, YolanDa discovers how this mysterious world works, with the help of LPO librarian Sarah Holmes and percussionist Andy Barclay. Preparing a set of scores for the stage may not be as simple as it sounds… 
Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. 

#OffstagePod
Twitter: @LPOrchestra
Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra
Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

27. Know the Score

When we all went into lockdown, David Burke and Nathan Prince dreamt up a way to bring the LPO into our homes in new, imaginative ways. From innovative lighting to performing amongst the empty seating, the LPO’s filmed performances allowed people to experience live music in fresh, bold and intimate ways. Glances between players became highlights of a performance, and light and shade added a new dimension to the music. Today, YolanDa hears about the LPO’s digital creative journey, and what it’s like to perform without an audience (in near darkness!). 


Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

#OffstagePod
Twitter: @LPOrchestra
Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra
Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

28. Lights, Camera, Action!

YolanDa Brown gets the scoop on what it’s like to play Mahler’s ‘Titan’ Symphony from the musicians themselves. Horn player Martin Hobbs shares his favourite moment in the piece, where the horns actually stand up to play, harp player Rachel Masters gets to the bottom of why early audiences found the symphony to be way ahead of its time (and slightly shocking) and explains why Mahler’s writing for the harp is so effective. And flute player Juliette Bausor reveals that the challenge is not to do with the technicalities of the music, but finding overall direction in the piece… 

Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra

Twitter: @LPOrchestra
Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra
Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

32. Inside Mahler’s Symphony No. 1

YolanDa Brown sits down with violinist and pianist Julia Fischer and asks what it means to be the LPO’s Artist in Residence for their current season. How does it feel to lead the orchestra from a soloist’s perspective? 

YolanDa also discovers how it feels for the musicians to play with no conductor, as well as finding out all about the joys of playing chamber music…

Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

41. Artist in Residence - Julia Fischer

YolanDa Brown joins film composer Howard Shore (down the line in New York), the LPO’s principal percussionist Andy Barclay and principal trumpet player Paul Beniston to find out how Howard approached writing the music for Lord of the Rings, and gets an insight into what it was like to play from Andy and Paul.  

Back in 2001, the LPO recorded the music for the first Lord of the Rings film: The Fellowship of the Ring. At that time, they didn’t know what a legendary recording it would become. 

From Howard’s late night writing sessions in hotel rooms in Watford, to his favoured techniques (manuscript paper and pencil), and ability to write perfectly for individual players in the LPO, this is an insight into his process and also the music of the LOTR Trilogy. 

Plus, Paul and Andy take us into the world of the recording studio, and discuss their favourite moments in the score. 

Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. 

#OffstagePod
Twitter: @LPOrchestra
Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra
Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

49. Lord of the Rings

YolanDa Brown joins timpanist Simon Carrington and percussionist Karen Hutt to discover the ins and outs of percussion playing in an orchestra: from how you ‘play’ bubble wrap, to the complex and never ending task of tuning timpani… 

Plus, an in depth discussion of one of the most important (and surprisingly difficult to play well) instruments in the orchestra: the triangle. 

Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Twitter: @LPOrchestra
Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra
Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

50. Getting paid to hit things

Ahead of the LPO’s performances of Gustav Mahler’s music in their 22/23 season, YolanDa Brown uncovers both the epic side and the more intimate sounds of Mahler, what it’s like to play his symphonies with very different conductors over the years, and the high risk but high reward of the offstage bands.YolanDa also finds out that there’s often room for interpretation in the percussion parts, and Tom explains the ‘clarinets in the air’ moment.Plus, a very special anniversary for Keith…  

Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. #OffstagePodTwitter: @LPOrchestraInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

56. Mahler's Symphonies

YolanDa Brown is joined by the LPO’s Principal Conductor Edward Gardner for a quick fire round to find out the answers to questions such as what makes the perfect baton and what it’s like working with different orchestras, as well as his top tips for young aspiring conductors, and how trusting yourself in the moment is key to performing.

Plus, Ed reveals a few particularly embarrassing conducting moments…

Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra


Twitter: @LPOrchestra

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

65. Gardner's Question Time

Johannes Brahms has a special place in many musicians’ hearts - but what is it about his writing that is so captivating? Today on LPO Offstage, YolanDa Brown joins violinist Fiona Higham, timpani player Simon Carrington, and horn player Mark Vines to find out how Brahms writes for their instruments, why the horn is not actually playing the notes as they are on the page, and how different conductors can completely change the feeling of Brahms’ first symphony.YolanDa also broaches the question of what the players listen to outside work, and whether they still feel nervous before they step on stage… The LPO will be performing Brahms’ Symphony No.1 on 27th September 2023, book tickets here: https://lpo.org.uk/event/johan-dalene-plays-sibelius-violin-concerto/ Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic OrchestraTwitter: @LPOrchestraInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

68. Inside Brahms Symphony No. 1

The very thought of an audition might make you nervous, but what can you learn from being assessed in this way, and what do the musicians look for when they’re sitting on an audition panel? YolanDa Brown joins cellist Kristina Blaumane and trombone player Mark Templeton to get an inside look at orchestral auditions: from managing nerves, to how to distinguish between players when you have to listen to up to 80 hours of audition recordings… Plus, a listener asks how the musicians stay motivated when their busy musical lives become a bit overwhelming… Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Twitter: @LPOrchestraInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

69. When you're ready

YolanDa Brown joins organist and conductor Anna Lapwood, piccolo player Stewart McIlwham and violinist Martin Höhmann to take a close look at Camille Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No.3 - his organ symphony. They discuss the challenges of communicating with the conductor from the organ, how to get the perfect tempo so those mammoth chords have maximum impact, and how the flutes and violins manage the difficult offbeat rhythms. Anna also reveals how she’s able to practise on concert hall organs, gives some social media tips for musicians who want to share their own musical journeys, and our listener question zooms in on organ ‘stops’. Plus, what it’s like to actually be inside a 32-foot organ pipe… If you have a question you’d like to ask the musicians, email offstage@lpo.org.ukProduced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Twitter: @LPOrchestraInstagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestraFacebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information

70. Saint-Saens "Organ" Symphony with Anna Lapwood

YolanDa Brown joins Eastbourne’s Arts Ambassador Chris Connelley, LPO viola player Kate Leek and clarinettist Tom Watmough to find out what their top tips are for visiting Sussex, the LPO’s second home.

As well as the Royal Festival Hall, the LPO performs regularly in Brighton, Eastbourne and Lewes in East Sussex for the Glyndebourne season. And quite a few of the musicians live in the area. What brings the musicians to that part of the world? And what recommendations do they have for holidaymakers?

Chris also reveals some exciting new arts projects in Eastbourne, and we find out where to get the best produce in the area.

Plus, the famous ‘Sussex Smokie’ (but has anyone actually heard of it?)…

Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

71. Sussex Life

YolanDa Brown joins tuba player Lee Tsarmaklis and trombone player Dave Whitehouse to get the inside scoop on the low brass section of the orchestra.

What exactly is the low brass section? As well as their respective trombone and tuba, Dave and Lee have to play multiple instruments ranging from the cimbasso, to the alto trombone, to the sousaphone and the ‘baritone thingy’. But do they all actually sound good? Dave and Lee reveal their thoughts on these mysterious instruments, and take us through some of the best low brass moments in music.


A listener also asks whether a brass player would ever get paid less if all they had was rests for a whole symphonic movement, and we find out Dave and Lee’s essential tour items (aside from anything musical)…

Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

72. Brass Lowdown

Every summer, the LPO heads down to Glyndebourne in Lewes, East Sussex for a season as one of the opera house’s resident orchestras. In this episode of LPO Offstage, YolanDa meets conductor Ben Gernon ahead of the evening’s performance of Donizetti’s opera ‘The Elixir of Love’.

As Ben and YolanDa chat about what it’s really like to conduct an opera, they wander through the opera house, the famous pit, gardens, backstage and Ben’s dressing room, stumbling upon a giant cake, the wig room, and the piano tuner…


Plus, a listener asks about Ben’s ‘funniest mistake’, and Ben gives his top piece of advice for tackling nerves (with only 30 minutes to go before he goes on stage!).


If you would like to get in touch with your own question about anything to do with classical music, please email offstage@lpo.org.uk and you could feature on a future podcast…


Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra.


Twitter: @LPOrchestra

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

73. Behind the scenes at the Opera with Ben Gernon

We’ve dug into the archives to share one of our favourite episodes of LPO Offstage - Keeping in Shape.

Facing the fear of fear, admitting you might not always want to go to those after concert drinks, and searching for the best strengthening exercises to avoid injury as a musician and a conductor are just a few of the tips and topics discussed by YolanDa Brown, cellist Elisabeth Wiklander and conductor Karina Canellakis. They discover that being in top shape for your job as a musician is a very personal journey. And how do you find that ‘lake stillness’ before a performance?


Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Twitter: @LPOrchestra

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

74. From the Archive: Keeping in Shape

YolanDa Brown joins trumpet player Anne McAneney, cellist Francis Bucknall and harpist Rachel Masters to discuss Gustav Holst’s most famous work, The Planets.

Space, the solar system and intergalactic travel have been depicted in music and films for decades, but Gustav Holst was there early, trying to communicate the vastness of the planets (and their mythical links) with music.


In this episode of LPO Offstage the players reveal what the piece is really like to play, the techniques Holst uses in his music which make it sound so ‘space like’ and why he was so ahead of his time.


Plus, musical extracts weave through the conversation…

If you would like to get in touch with your own question about anything to do with classical music, please email offstage@lpo.org.uk and you could feature on a future podcast…

Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Twitter: @LPOrchestra

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

75. Holst's The Planets

YolanDa Brown joins cor anglais player Sue Böhling and double bass player Hugh Kluger to find out the reality of life as an orchestral musician, from finding the best bakeries in South East London to having a whole additional career as an interior designer.

In this episode of LPO Offstage YolanDa sits down to chat with Sue and Hugh about their must have items on tour, what they listen to outside their job, and some surprising facts about where their careers might have gone if they didn’t choose the route of a professional musician.


Plus, listener questions ask about favourite venues, the best thing about their instruments, and one very famous cor anglais solo…


If you would like to get in touch with your own question about anything to do with classical music, please email offstage@lpo.org.uk and you could feature on a future podcast…

Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Twitter: @LPOrchestra

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

76. Sue and Hugh

YolanDa Brown takes us through some of the best bits of Series 6, from alternative career paths, to romance in the orchestra, and a deep dive into Holst’s Planets.

There’s also advice from Anna Lapwood about how to get into classical music, and Ben Gernon gives us a tour of the orchestra pit at Glyndebourne opera house.


Plus, Lee and Dave’s must have tour items…

Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Twitter: @LPOrchestra

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

77. Best of LPO Offstage: Series 6

If you’re playing and listening to music all day for your job, what do you listen to the rest of the time? In this final episode of Series 6, YolanDa Brown sits down with Simon Carrington (principal timpanist) and Alice Ivy-Pemberton (violinist and co-leader of the LPO) to talk about their personal relationship with music…

They discuss music that imbues every day walking with meaning and purpose, getting in the zone while listening to music on the train, and sometimes just needing silence (‘nature’s music’!).


They also share experiences of being forced to listen to the music that’s constantly playing in their heads, hearing melody in everyday sounds, and music that sparks very specific memories…


Plus, the best playlist for a dinner party, and the one recording they would take with them to a desert island.


If you have any questions you’d like to put to the musicians, please email offstage@lpo.org.uk, and you might be featured in Series 7!


Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

78. What are you listening to?

The London Philharmonic Orchestra was saddened to hear of the death on 19 December 2015 of their former Principal Conductor Kurt Masur.  
We remember him through his musical legacy, here conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, London on 28 July 2004 in Schubert's Unfinished Symphony.

Schubert: Symphony No. 8 - Allegro Moderato

Unknown album (06/01/2015 15:36:44)

Bruckner: Symphony No. 3 -  2. Adagio. Bewegt, quasi Andante

Bruckner: Symphony No. 3 -  1. Sehr langsam, misterioso

Unknown Album (12/03/2012 14:48:06)

Ravi Shankar: Symphony – 2. Lento – Ahir Bhairav

Ravi Shankar: Symphony – 1. Allegro – Kafi Zila

Welcome to LPO Offstage, hosted by YolanDa Brown, your all-access-pass to the world of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
We’re throwing open our doors (digitally speaking) for a series of behind-the-scenes podcasts, packed with musical insights and personal stories, delving deep into the world of orchestral music.

0. Welcome to LPO Offstage

A behind the scenes all access pass to the London Philharmonic Orchestra and its musicians. In this first episode, YolanDa Brown is joined by flautist Juliette Bausor and percussionist Andy Barclay to discuss just what goes on in rehearsals. From brutal conductor takedowns to sharing intimate musical moments… Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. 

#OffstagePod
Twitter: @LPOrchestra
Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra
Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 3 & 10 Songs

1. Life IS a rehearsal

A behind the scenes all access pass to the London Philharmonic Orchestra and its musicians. YolanDa Brown is joined by oboist Alice Mundy and percussionist Keith Millar to chat about that mysterious figure at the centre of the action - the conductor. Are flamboyant gestures for the musicians or the audience? What is it like playing under a conductor who doesn’t use a score? What exactly is a Jingling Johnny? Are conductors even needed?! Plus inside tips for budding young maestros. Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. 

#OffstagePod
Twitter: @LPOrchestra
Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra
Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

4. Upbeats

YolanDa Brown navigates her way through a tangle of technology (loads of stuff didn’t work) and manages to connect to cellist Laura Donoghue, horn player John Ryan and timpanist Simon Carrington to discuss the whys and the wherefores of orchestral layouts. From playing behind perspex screens to the challenges of performing in a socially distanced manner, this episode gives loads of insights into what it’s actually like performing on stage in the middle of a world class orchestra. Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. 

#OffstagePod
Twitter: @LPOrchestra
Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra
Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

5. Swapping Seats

A behind the scenes all access pass to the London Philharmonic Orchestra and its musicians. YolanDa Brown chats to viola player David Quiggle and clarinettist Ben Mellefont about the ins and outs of practice. From tips about practice routines to thoughts around physical wellbeing, this episode is full of insights for any musician, from absolute beginner to concert virtuoso. Produced by Tandem Productions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. 

#OffstagePod
Twitter: @LPOrchestra
Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra
Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra

11. Oiling the valves

The London Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the world's leading symphony orchestras.  Our home is at the Royal Festival Hall on London's Southbank Centre and at Glyndebourne Festival Opera in the summer.  We travel a lot too - both in the UK and around the world.  We hope you enjoy getting to know us.

London Philharmonic Orchestra

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