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Artwork for The Classical Circuit

The Classical Circuit

Ella Lee
Classical Music
Music Education
Mental Health
Diversity
Performing Arts
Aurora Orchestra
Working Class Background
Anna Clyne
Opera
Interdisciplinary Arts
Classics Explained
Social Mobility
Accessibility
Scottish Conservatoire
Augmented Orchestra
Masquerade
Palette
Pegasus Opera
1781 Collective
Diversity In Arts

A deep-dive into the intricate world of classical music and all that comes with working in it. Host Ella Lee chats to a bunch of brilliant guests from across the profession, discussing their best career high, their worst career low, and other things that show you a different side to the one you might see on their website.

Instagram: @theclassicalcircuit

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PublishesWeeklyEpisodes61Founded2 years ago
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Artwork for The Classical Circuit

Latest Episodes

In Episode 60, Ella chats to pianist James Baillieu ahead of the 77th Aldeburgh Festival, which marks 50 years since the death of its founder, Benjamin Britten. In James' first year as Associate Director of the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme (a... more

In Episode 59, Ella chats to Polly Graham, Artistic Director of Longborough Festival Opera, about the festival’s fascinating history and unique place within the UK opera scene. Polly also discusses her unconventional route into the opera world, and r... more

In Episode 58, Ella chats to Steve Long, Managing Director of Signum Records. Steve reflects on steering the label through the changing landscape of recorded music and listening habits, from the rise and fall of CDs to the shift into streaming. He al... more

In Episode 57, Ella chats to mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston about her new album 'A Poet's Love', a project in which she explores her artistic identity beyond the baroque repertoire she’s so often associated with. Describing herself as 'a German Romant... more

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Recent Guests

James Baillieu
Pianist; Associate Director of Britten Pears Young Artist Programme; Director of the Festival Academy
Britten Pears Young Artist Programme; Festival Academy
Episode: 60. James Baillieu on a changing landscape for young artists and art song as a wellness experience
Polly Graham
Artistic director of Longborough Festival Opera
Longborough Festival Opera
Episode: 59. Polly Graham on an eccentric approach to opera and the importance of music-making opportunities from the ground up
Steve Long
Managing director of Signum Records
Signum Records
Episode: 58. Steve Long on lasting artistic partnerships, surviving major changes in the audio market, and how *not* to pitch a recording project
Helen Charlston
Mezzo-soprano guest discussing her album and career
Episode: 57. Helen Charlston on her evolving relationship with Schumann’s Dichterliebe, exploring other sides of her artistic identity, and the precarious nature of singing careers
Isata Kanneh-Mason
Pianist
Self-described artist releasing Prokofiev album
Episode: 56. Isata Kanneh-Mason on on recording Prokofiev, representation in the industry, and rediscovering her musical voice
Michael Beek
Writer, journalist, and director of the London Soundtrack Festival
London Soundtrack Festival
Episode: 55. Michael Beek on celebrating film music, meeting John Williams, and mistakes that live on in print
Nicholas McGegan
Conductor, lifelong collaborator with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra
Episode: 54. Nicholas McGegan on a six-decade career and leading with joy
Lizzie Ball
Violinist, vocalist and producer
Classical Kicks; Ronnie Scott's Upstairs
Episode: 53. Lizzie Ball on eclectic careers, juggling work with single-parenting, and networking with integrity
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason
Pianist
Sony Classical (EP: Jane Austen's Piano)
Episode: 52. Jeneba Kanneh-Mason on musical fulfilment, performance anxiety, and social media

Host

Ella Lee
Host of The Classical Circuit

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Talking Points

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60. James Baillieu on a changing landscape for young artists and art song as a wellness experience
Q: How has the landscape for young artists changed over the years, and how is your program adapting?
He discusses fewer opportunities, the need for entrepreneurial mindsets, diversified training beyond traditional masterclasses, and the importance of staying true to core training while expanding skill sets.
60. James Baillieu on a changing landscape for young artists and art song as a wellness experience
Q: What drew you into a career focused on collaboration and artistry rather than a solo-focused path?
He explains that he thrives on playing with people and values long-standing partnerships, which provide mutual growth, trust, and artistic depth.
58. Steve Long on lasting artistic partnerships, surviving major changes in the audio market, and how *not* to pitch a recording project
Q: What friendship or relationship in your life formed most unexpectedly, whether because of the person themselves or the circumstances?
Steve describes meeting his future wife through work in the late 80s, later reconnecting when starting the dotcom venture, and eventually marrying her, which he views as a wholesome, unexpectedly positive outcome tied to his career journey.
56. Isata Kanneh-Mason on on recording Prokofiev, representation in the industry, and rediscovering her musical voice
Q: What makes the Prokofiev project your career high so far?
Isata explains that recording the third concerto has been a long-held goal, amplified by the energy of the room, the support of family on the balcony, and the collaboration with the Philharmonia under Ryan Bancroft, which made the experience feel like giving her all.
53. Lizzie Ball on eclectic careers, juggling work with single-parenting, and networking with integrity
Q: What did you mean by networking with integrity?
The idea centers on collaboration over competition—building genuine connections, asking thoughtful questions, and being generous with opportunities so relationships expand collectively rather than selfishly.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Classical Circuit

What is The Classical Circuit about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful deep-dive into the contemporary classical music world, blending conversations with artistic leaders, performers, and industry changemakers. Episodes frequently center on organizational culture, innovation in programming, accessibility and social mobility in the field, mental health and wellbeing for musicians, and the evolving relationship between classical traditions and modern audiences. A hallmark is spotlighting real-world impact—whether it's community regeneration through festivals, commissioning new work, or breaking down barriers to entry—while still exploring personal career journeys, challenges, and lessons from top practitioners.

Listeners can expect candid, experience-rich discussions that mix artistic vision with p... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Classical Circuit?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Classical Circuit:

1. Gramophone Classical Music Podcast
2. The News Agents
3. More or Less
4. Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast
5. Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

How many episodes of The Classical Circuit are there?

The Classical Circuit launched 2 years ago and published 61 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Classical Circuit?

Recent guests on The Classical Circuit include:

1. James Baillieu
2. Polly Graham
3. Steve Long
4. Helen Charlston
5. Isata Kanneh-Mason
6. Michael Beek
7. Nicholas McGegan
8. Lizzie Ball

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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