If you've ever been interested in what goes on behind the stage of the classical music industry, this episode is for you! Lydia Connolly is Senior Director and Head of Inclusion & Access at leading management agency Harrison Parrott and in this episode, she shares how she got started in the industry, what her day-to-day life involves and the changing trends in the industry from programming to gender inclusivity. We also chat about her work as a Trustee of the HarrisonParrott Foundation and hear about her upbringing in a very musical household.

HarrisonParrott website: https://www.harrisonparrott.com/
Personal Blog article by Lydia: https://www.harrisonparrott.com/news/2023-04-14/lydia-connolly-my-relationship-with-music

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In this episode, learn all about the work of music charity Brass for Africa through a series of interviews that Matilda conducted during her trip to Uganda in February 2024! As an Ambassador for the charity, Matilda visited many of the different programs in and around Kampala, learning about how Brass for Africa provides Music and Life Skills education for around 2000 disadvantaged youths across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Find out more about Brass for Africa here: https://www.brassforafrica.org/

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In this conversation, Matilda interviews Owain Park: conductor, composer, organist, singer and the founder of the Gesualdo Six vocal consort. They discuss the group's formation, the challenges of singing one to a part and the importance of maintaining a mailing list to directly communicate with their audience. Owain shares his first introduction to classical music and how he became an organ scholar. They discuss the educational work and outreach that the Gesualdo Six does, as well as the importance of professional choirs like the BBC Singers. Owain also talks about his compositional process and the different approach he takes when writing for instruments. He introduces the Gesualdo Six's latest album, Morning Star, which features works for Epiphany.

Owain's Website: https://www.owainpark.co.uk/
The Gesualdo Six Website: https://www.thegesualdosix.co.uk/

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