RPO Vice Chair and Co-Principal Trumpet Matt Knight interviews composer Jim Parker on his life, career and works ahead of the performance of his ‘A Londoner in New York’ at Cadogan Hall on Wed 30 September by the RPO brass and percussion sections. Visit www.rpo.co.uk/spotlight-series to find out more.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

RPO Spotlight Special: Interview with composer Jim Parker

In our 10th podcast in this series, John Griff talks to the RPO’s Community and Education Director Ruth Currie and Natasha Zielazinski, Workshop leader, about the benefits to young participants of RPO Resound online workshops in lockdown. James Williams RPO’s Managing Director discusses the present and future role of the Orchestra in the Arts emerging post COVID-19.

RPO Extra Episode 10

In Episode 9 of RPO Extra host John Griff is joined by Principal Associate Conductor Alexander Shelley to discuss a new virtual performance of Britten’s ‘Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra’ by the RPO, and how an orchestra can use the medium to reach out, perform and educate when concert halls are empty. Vice Chair and trombonist Matt Knight goes through the technical challenges of bringing a virtual orchestra to life.

RPO Extra Episode 9

This latest edition, Episode 8, was recorded especially for Mental Health Awareness Month and explores a new roundtable discussion format, with a number of RPO musicians joining directly from their own homes. Katy Ayling (Principal Bass Clarinet), Erik Chapman (First Violin) and Sali-Wyn Ryan (Second Violin) speak to BBC Radio Northampton's John Griff about life in lockdown from the perspective of professional musicians and performers. Find out how these musicians are passing and valuing their time, at home and away from the concert hall.

RPO Extra Episode 8

In the seventh episode of the RPO Extra podcast series we turn the spotlight on the #RPOatHome campaign. We also interview the RPO’s Co-Principal cellist Jonathan Ayling and RPO viola section leader Abigail Fenna about social distancing and new video projects.

RPO Extra Episode 7

In this special feature edition of RPO Extra, Episode 6 offers an insight into the mind and future plans of the Orchestra’s Music Director Designate from August 2020, Vasily Petrenko. Host John Griff speaks to Vasily from his home about what he plans to bring to the Orchestra and what the future of music could be like after the current unprecedented situation.

RPO Extra Episode 6

In this episode we explore the backstory to a special re-orchestration of Handel's Messiah through a conversation with the American conductor who played a significant role in uncovering the story and bringing the music to life. Plus, we speak with pianist Daniel Ciobanu on his approach to performing as well as the RPO's chair and double bass player Benn Cunningham on the inner workings of a national orchestra.

RPO Extra Episode 5

In the 4th episode of RPO Extra, Valentina Peleggi talks to John Griff about how she began her career as a conductor. We shine a light on the life and times of composer o Antonin Dvořák. Plus, RPO second violinist Sali-Wyn Ryan speaks about the community and education work of RPO Resound.

RPO Extra Episode 4

“How does the Orchestra choose what to play?” In this episode of RPO Extra, Louise Badger the Orchestra’s Concert Director talks about who chooses the music and why. Plus, RPO Flautist Jo Marsh introduces the role of the flute in large scale symphonic repertoire.

RPO Extra Episode 3

Which region of the UK keeps the biggest CD collection? Plus, find out how RPO Principal Cellist Richard Harwood likens the cello to a very demanding relative. All this and more in the second episode of RPOExtra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s seasonal podcast hosted by John Griff.

RPO Extra Ep.2

In the first episode of the RPO podcast, John Griff interviews James Williams, Managing Director of the RPO about the future of orchestral music following the publication of the YouGov report 2018; Violinist Francesca Dego describes what it is like to perform with the Nation’s favourite orchestra ahead of her national tour and a moving tribute to the late Andre Previn

RPO Extra Ep.1

In a guest episode from our friends from the fantastic 'Above the Basement', RPO's Lisa Rodio and Fraser Gordon talk to Chuck Clough and Ronnie Hirschberg about RPO Resound's community work: including Strokestra and the Lullaby Project. Search 'Above the Basement' in your podcast provider to check out the rest of their episodes.

7. Guest Episode: Above the Basement

Exactly what does an Orchestra's Librarian do? In Episode 6 Patrick Williams talks us through his role in supporting the RPO. We also hear an interview with violinist Sali-Wyn Ryan, and music from Sondheim, Holst, Rutter and Respighi.

6. Meet the Librarian

For Episode 5 we meet Hilary Davan Wetton, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the City of London Choir, as well as music from Offenbach, Haydn, Vaughan Williams and Tchaikovsky.

5. A discussion with Hilary Davan Wetton

In Episode 4 we finally meet a few of the Orchestra's musicians, as well as hearing music from Rossini, Mascagni, Parry and Elgar.

4. Meet the Orchestra

A regular podcast series of interviews and music, performed and curated by London's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. With interviews with the people behind the music, information about upcoming concerts, and excerpts from the RPO's extensive back catalogue, this podcast is the easiest way to get inside one of the world's leading orchestras. For tickets and further information, visit www.rpo.co.uk.