Saxophonist and presenter YolanDa Brown and players from the London Philharmonic Orchestra pitch their thoughts on some of classical music’s most-asked questions, with plenty of chit-chat and laughter along the way.
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Rinse and repeat. Orchestras just play the same old stuff, right?
Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Brahms... classical music's biggest names appear on concert programmes again and again. But does that mean orchestras are stuck in the past? YolanDa is joined by violinist Kate and cellist Henry to challenge one of the most common assumptions about classical music.
Together, they unpack the idea that classical music is endlessly recycling the same repertoire and ask whether that criticism really holds up. Along the way, they explore some big questions: how much new music do orchestras actually perform? Why do some pieces become classics while others disappear? Should audiences be tempted in with familiar favourites before discovering something new? And what responsibility do orchestras have to champion overlooked composers and commission the masterpieces of the future? They also reveal how a different conductor, a fresh interpretation, or simply hearing a piece live can make even the most familiar music feel completely new.
Plus, in the quiz, Kate and Henry test their knowledge of BBC Proms history, composer-led conservation efforts, and the pieces of music they could happily hear on repeat forever.
#PitchMeClassical
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3 Sept 2026
Is it ok to be bored in a concert?
Classical music is often treated with a kind of reverence that suggests you should be captivated every second. But what if your mind wanders? YolanDa is joined by LPO trombonists Tempo and Dave to explore whether boredom is really something to fear – or simply part of the listening experience.
Mahler symphonies, shopping lists, sleeping opera-goers, and a trip to Tesco might seem unrelated. But according to YolanDa, Tempo, and Dave, they can all tell us something about how we listen to music. Together, they tackle a surprisingly taboo question: is it actually okay to be bored at a concert? Drawing on psychology, personal experience, and life inside the orchestra, they unpack the difference between boredom, distraction, daydreaming, and deep listening. Along the way, they explore some big questions: does mind-wandering mean you've disengaged, or are you simply experiencing music in your own way? Can challenging music be rewarding even if it isn't immediately entertaining? And is a concert hall one of the few places left where we're allowed to sit still and let our thoughts roam?
#PitchMeClassical
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20 Aug 2026
Classical music rituals (or who made all these classical music rules?)
From clapping etiquette to curtain calls, classical music is full of traditions that can seem mysterious to newcomers. YolanDa is joined by brass players Lee (tuba) and Lyndon (trombone) to explore which rituals still matter, which ones are misunderstood, and whether some deserve a rethink.
They delve into the strange, wonderful, and sometimes baffling rituals that surround classical music performance. Together, they unpack the hidden rules that audiences and musicians often follow without even thinking about them, from tuning notes and standing ovations to page-turning, applause, and the mysterious role of the personnel manager. Along the way, they debate some big questions: should audiences clap whenever they feel moved to? Are standing ovations becoming meaningless? Has the post-Covid habit of musicians drifting on stage before a concert changed the sense of occasion? And which traditions are essential to creating the magic of a live performance?
And in the quiz, Lee and Lyndon test their knowledge of Beethoven's coffee habits, Grieg's lucky charm, and a surprisingly specific pre-concert ritual involving red wine, crumpets, and dates.
#PitchMeClassical
Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra
TikTok: @lporchestra
Bluesky: @lporchestra
Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra
YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra
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