The Classical:NEXT Podcast

In this episode, David talks with Leah Broad, a multi-award-winning writer, historian, and public speaker whose work focuses on twentieth-century cultural history, especially women in the arts.Leah is at the forefront of highlighting forgotten composers and discussing the barriers around programming their works. But it is her solution-focused approach to doing so that really stands out.In this conversation, we dive into the systemic barriers facing women composers and how a solution-focused approach can help revive forgotten repertoire. We look at the collaborative efforts needed across publishing, recording, and research to normalise music by women, and why reliance on a narrow canon limits audience growth. We also explore the non-linear history of women in 20th-century music, the role of storytelling in programming, and what we can learn from the trailblazing women musicians of the Second World War.You can also pre-order her new book Unsung, and there are more details on her website www.leahbroad.com Join us in Katowice, Poland for Classical:NEXT 2027 from the 11th to the 14th of May: www.classicalnext.comFollow us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInThe Classical:NEXT Podcast:Hosted by David TaylorProduced by Aliena HaigLearn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcastwww.classicalnext.com

In this episode, David talks with American Saxophonist Lucas Incle and South Korean composer Shin Kim.Both Lucas and Shin attended Classical Next 2026 in Budapest, Lucas as part of the Classical Next fellowship program, and Shin as a showcase artist. After meeting there, they both began working on a collaboration to create new music, and we thought this would be the perfect thing to explore to see the power of making connections. In this conversation, we dive into how international conferences create spark points for cross-border artistic collaborations. We look at the consortium model and how it offers a sustainable, entrepreneurial pathway for commissioning new works, expanding repertoire, and reaching broader audiences. We also explore the practical mechanics of collaborating remotely across time zones, advice for pitching and showcasing new projects, and why young musicians must embrace vulnerability and connection. Join us in Katowice, Poland for Classical:NEXT 2027 from the 11th to the 14th of May: www.classicalnext.comFollow us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInThe Classical:NEXT Podcast:Hosted by David TaylorProduced by Aliena HaigLearn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcastwww.classicalnext.com

In this episode, David talks with Caroline Whiddon, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Me2, a classical music organization created for individuals with mental illnesses and the people who support them.The organization started in Vermont, USA in 2011 and has grown to include orchestras, choruses, and a flute choir located in three New England states.The unique nature of Me2’s work has garnered attention from the NBC Today Show, Al Jazeera, and the BBC, as well as numerous newspapers including the Boston Globe and the New York Times. A feature-length documentary about Me2’s work titled “Orchestrating Change” was broadcast on PBS stations across the U.S. in the fall of 2020, and you can find a link to this in the show notes.In this conversation, we dive into how classical music can serve as a vehicle for social change and a sanctuary for mental health. We look at how removing auditions and fees creates an inclusive, stigma-free environment, and why leading with love can transform orchestra management. We also explore the practical accommodations that help musicians thrive, the power of community music-making as part of mental health treatment, and how civic partnerships offer a new future for arts organizations.Show notes:Me2 - https://me2music.org/ “Orchestrating Change” - https://orchestratingchangethefilm.com/ Join us in Katowice, Poland for Classical:NEXT 2027 from the 11th to the 14th of May: www.classicalnext.comFollow us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInThe Classical:NEXT Podcast:Hosted by David TaylorProduced by Aliena HaigLearn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcastwww.classicalnext.com

In this episode, David talks with composer, show creator and refugee supporter Chloé CharodyWidely regarded as an artistic entrepreneur as much as a composer, she has forged a new path in classical music by seamlessly integrating the physical language of contemporary circus, depth of classical music and the drama of opera within her compositional craft.In this conversation, we dive into the power of combining multiple art forms into one performance. We look at the importance of using art to highlight the plight of vulnerable people. We also explore how develop skills outside of traditional classical music education, how to begin creating multi-form works, and role of entrepreneurship for musicians.Join us in Katowice, Poland for Classical:NEXT 2027 from the 11th to the 14th of May: www.classicalnext.comFollow us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInThe Classical:NEXT Podcast:Hosted by David TaylorProduced by Aliena HaigLearn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcastwww.classicalnext.com

In this episode, David talks with Søren Mikael Rasmussen from culture consultants RasmussenNordic.RasmussenNordic help cultural institutions across Europe with new knowledge, innovation and strategy, and are the creators of “Get More Audiences – Tools for Orchestras and Ensembles” with the Danish orchestras and DEOO (Danish Ensembles, Orchestras, and Opera. These tools were also created in conjunction with audience research groups, bringing some fascinating insights into the user journey and thought processes of audiences all along their customer journey.In this conversation, we dive into the challenge that arts organisations face with audiences. We look at the toolkit and how it can be used to create a practical plan for developing audiences. We also explore the challenges of bringing innovation to the industry, what the user journey is for first-time audiences, and the benefits of creating offerings for your community.Resources - “Get More Audiences – Tools for Orchestras and Ensembles” https://www.rasmussennordic.dk/tools/ Join us in Katowice, Poland for Classical:NEXT 2027 from the 11th to the 14th of May: www.classicalnext.comFollow us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInThe Classical:NEXT Podcast:Hosted by David TaylorProduced by Aliena HaigLearn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcastwww.classicalnext.com