In this episode, Davina reviews two newly released albums hot off the press:  Handel’s 'La Resurrezione' by The English Concert and 'John Wilbye – Draw on Sweet Night ' by I Fagiolini and Robert Hollingworth. The English Concert and Harry Bicket’s acclaimed concert cycle of Handel operas and oratorios continues with its second release on Linn, following Handel’s Rodelinda last year. La Resurrezione, composed by Handel in his mid-twenties, and first performed on Easter Sunday in 1708, marked...

In this episode, Davina is joined by Harley Street Nutritionist and soprano, Rhiannon Lambert. They discuss her career as a soprano and how she moved from the music industry to become Registered Nutritionist, resulting in the launch of her clinic, Rhitrition. Rhiannon specialises in weight management and disordered eating, pre and post-natal nutrition and sports nutrition.   Davina and Rhiannon talk about both the joy but also the enormous pressures of the music industry, especially those...

In this episode, Davina is joined by the internationally acclaimed British violinist, vocalist and concert producer, Lizzie Ball.   Davina and Lizzie discuss her flourishing career as a prolific performer in all genres around the world, and also her passion for bringing classical music to a wider audience in accessible, diverse venues and contexts through her wonderful organisation, Classical Kicks. Lizzie also talks about her role as an Ambassador for PRISMA, a charity founded to help...

In this episode, Davina is joined by the internationally acclaimed German baritone, Benjamin Appl.   They discuss his flourishing career as a soloist with orchestras around the world and also his love of lieder. Davina and Benjamin delve into his new recording of Winterreise with James Baillieu, which launched on 11th February with Alpha Classics, along with his beautiful BBC 4 documentary, produced by John Bridcut, which was filmed on the Julier pass in a 30 metre high tower, 2,300 metres...

In this episode, Davina is joined by British television personality and actor, Ollie Locke. They discuss his career as an actor, both in Hollywood films and the reality TV series, Made in Chelsea, gay marriage and also his surrogacy journey with husband, Gareth Locke. Davina and Ollie cover a range of repertoire including Bach's 'Arioso', Rutter's 'The Lord Bless You and Keep You', Vaughan Williams 'Fantasia' and works by James Horner.   All of the recordings from Series 2, Episode 3...

In this episode, Davina is joined by the internationally renowned violinist, early music specialist and Alexander Technique wizard, Jane Gordon.   They discuss her flourishing career as a violinist both with her chamber group, The Rautio Trio and also with the world's finest period instrument ensembles. Davina and Jane explore the tough world of touring, Alexander Technique and also a holistic approach to violin playing.   They cover a range of repertoire from Jane's latest CD's,...

Welcome to Series 2 of The Classical Corner! In this first episode, Davina is joined by the internationally renowned, award-winning British soprano, Mary Bevan. They discuss her career as a recital and opera singer with the world's finest companies, Mary's love for baroque music and lieder, and also selection of her disks. Davina and Mary cover a range of repertoire including Handel's 'Un pensiero nemico di pace' from his oratorio Il trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno, Holst’s ‘Soft and...

In this episode, Davina is joined by the internationally renowned conductor, Sir John Eliot Gardiner.They discuss his flourishing international career as one of the world's most innovative and dynamic conductors, his award-winning ensembles- The Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras, and also his love of all music from Bach to Bernstein.Davina and John Eliot cover a range of repertoire including Bach's Cantata BWV 77,  Monteverdi's Opera, 'Il Ritorno d'Ulisse in patria', Beethoven's Symphony Number...

In this episode, Davina is joined by the internationally renowned choral director, Harry Christophers.They discuss his flourishing career as a choral and orchestral conductor, his award-winning ensemble, The Sixteen, and also his love of all music from Purcell to The Who.Davina and Harry cover a range of repertoire including Tallis' 'O Nata Lux', Haydn's Symphony 99 and also Poulenc's 'Sept Reponds des Tenebres'. This episode contains The Sixteen's recordings from their label, Coro. All...

In this episode, Davina is joined by the internationally renowned, award-winning baroque violinist, Rachel Podger.   They discuss her flourishing career as a violinist, director and soloist with the world's finest early music ensembles, the movement of historically informed performance, her passion for teaching at the finest music conservatoires and their mutual love of Bach.  Davina and Rachel cover a range of repertoire including Bach's 'Cello Suites', Biber's 'Rosary Sonatas', Mozart's...

In this episode, Davina is joined by the internationally acclaimed, award winning mezzo-soprano, Katie Bray.  They discuss her career as an opera singer with the world's finest companies, the importance of telling a story whilst encompassing a dramatic role and also Katie's love for baroque music, lieder and Judy Garland.  Davina and Katie cover a range of repertoire including Mozart's 'Non so più cosa son' from the Marriage of Figaro, 'Where Shall I Fly' from Handel's Hercules as well as...

In this episode, host Davina Clarke is joined by one of the world's leading violists, Antoine Tamestit. They discuss his illustrious career as a soloist and chamber musician around the globe, his beautiful Stradivari instrument and his love for Bach, Debussy, Berlioz and Miles Davis. The recordings from Episode 6 can be found in the Spotify Playlist here:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7cyt6zNGmt82sXSX3CRNSB?si=-0DtrAl-QMqe2ao-Ay8U1w  

In this episode, host Davina Clarke takes a look at how nature and specifically birdsong has been an influence to composers throughout the ages- from the symbolism of the nightingale in Virgil and Homer's writing, to the cuckoo's musical immitative call used by so many composers. She discusses the transmission of birdsong in the folk and classical traditions, from its first use in the fourteenth century, right through to today's much loved twentieth century masterpiecesThe music covered...

In this episode, host Davina Clarke is joined by bass, Jonathan Howard. They discuss his career with The King's Singers, touring life and the joy of performing around the world.  Davina and Johnny cover a range of repertoire, including works from his Grammy nominated album 'Gold', as well as a range of choral works and their love for Messiaen's 'Theme and Variations' for violin and piano. The recordings from Episode 4 can be found in the Spotify playlist...

In this episode, Davina is joined by her first guest- internationally acclaimed keyboard player, Kristian Bezuidenhout. They discuss his career, the challenges of touring life, recording and his role as Artistic Director of The Freiburg Baroque Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor The English Concert. Davina and Kristian cover a range of repertoire including Bach's Obligato Sonatas for Violin and Harpsichord, Mozart's Piano Concerto in F major, and Brahm's Geistliches Lied. The recordings...

In this second episode, host Davina Clarke takes us on a journey through the classical and romantic periods. She discusses the evolution of the orchestra and its instruments, the development of classical opera and also touches on Shostakovich and his early life as a film composer in Russia.Musical performances include:Gluck, 'Dance of the Blessed Spirits'Massenet, 'Meditation' from ThaisShostakovich, 'Romance' from The Gadfly

In this first episode, The Classical Corner host Davina Clarke introduces herself and the concept behind this series. She discusses the baroque era, the development of the violin and this episode also features her recording of Bach's well loved work, Air on a G String from his Orchestral Suite Number 3.