Taylor Swift has the Swifties. Back in the 1800s, Franz Liszt inspired a phenomenon known as Lisztomania. YolanDa is joined by violinist Minn and violist Martin to explore fame, fandom, and the possibility of a new generation of classical celebrities.

They dive into the surprisingly rich history of classical music fandom, uncovering stories of nineteenth-century audiences who fought over Liszt's possessions, collected his cigarette stubs, and reportedly fainted at his concerts. Together, they ask whether classical music is really as separate from celebrity culture as it can sometimes seem to be. Along the way, they discuss some big questions: what turns a musician into a superstar? Is it artistry, personality, social media, or clever self-promotion? Why do some classical performers attract devoted followings while others remain admired but anonymous? And could today's classical stars spark a new era of Lisztomania? 

Plus, in the quiz, Minn and Martin test their knowledge of Taylor Swift's pets, celebrity conductors, and the concert innovations that helped make Liszt one of music's first global icons.

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The flute often gets the big melodies, the soaring solos, and the spotlight. But does it really deserve its reputation as classical music's ultimate main character? YolanDa is joined by flautist Juliette and bassoonist Simon to settle the debate.

The flute has the melodies, the solos and, some might argue, the best PR team in the orchestra. YolanDa, Juliette, and Simon explore the instrument's starring role in orchestral music, from its glittering appearance and bird-like melodies to the iconic solos that have made it a favourite with audiences and composers alike. Along the way, they ask some big questions: why do so many children start on the flute? Is it really easier to learn than other instruments? Does the flute's soaring sound automatically draw our attention? And where does that leave the bassoon – the dependable supporting character that can be everything from a romantic hero to a comic sidekick? 

Plus, in the quiz, Juliette and Simon tackle questions about giant flute families, medieval word origins, and the eye-watering value of one of James Galway's famous golden flutes.

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Classical music is sometimes seen as serious, formal, and maybe even a little intimidating. But is that image fair? YolanDa is joined by London Philharmonic Orchestra violinist Alice and trombonist Tempo to uncover what really goes on behind the scenes of an orchestra.

Pirates, karaoke, beer cans, and a trombone-playing wedding guest aren't usually associated with classical music. But according to YolanDa, Alice, and Tempo, they're all part of the surprisingly un-stuffy world of orchestral life. Together, they explore why classical music is sometimes seen as formal and intimidating, and whether that reputation still holds up today. Along the way, they reveal the hidden culture of the orchestra: from inside jokes and rehearsal pranks to foot-tapping applause, improvisation, and even Rite of Spring raves. They also tackle some big questions: are classical musicians really all that different from athletes? Does concert dress make orchestras seem more exclusive than they are? And can a genre built on centuries-old music still be spontaneous and adventurous?

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Tchaikovsky is one of classical music's all-time favourites. But does he deserve his enduring appeal, or is he massively overrated? YolanDa is joined by LPO double bassist Hugh and cellist Waynne to determine whether Tchaikovsky truly earns his place among the greats.

Together, they unpack Tchaikovsky's music to decide whether he's a timeless genius or an overhyped crowd-pleaser. Along the way, they explore some big questions: was Tchaikovsky a good storyteller? Was he an innovator? Is he the Walmart of composers? And can taking a different approach breathe new life into his most frequently played works? It's all up for debate. Plus, in the quiz, Hugh and Waynne face a tough challenge: which of Tchaikovsky's works would they banish to Room 101?

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Is classical music dying, or is it just evolving? Most of its composers lived and died in centuries past, and the bulk of its repertoire is well over 100 years old, but does that mean classical music is on its last legs? For some, the tradition is losing relevance, but it’s also quietly thriving in surprising and unexpected ways. YolanDa, Claudia and Hugh explore why the genre carries such a reputation for decline, discuss ways in which classical music is reinventing itself, and wonder what its future might look like. Plus, in the quiz, Claudia and Hugh debate who gets more streams on Spotify - Mozart or the musical Hamilton? 

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Contemporary music: bold, baffling, and often accused of scaring audiences away. But is it really as unlovable as its reputation suggests? In this episode, we explore why new music can feel alienating, and whether it’s actually unpopular - or just misunderstood. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of extended techniques, a curious newcomer to the contemporary world, or you’ve always wondered why a piece of music might sound like a typewriter falling down the stairs, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on why contemporary music matters. Plus, Helen and Stewart do their best to come up with a sequel for John Cage’s legendary 4’33”...

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Mahler’s music holds a towering place in classical music today, but that wasn’t always the case. So what changed? How did he explode into the classical zeitgeist in the 1960s - and stay there? Is he really related to Beyoncé? And will his music continue to be popular, or will our dwindling attention spans make it harder to appreciate his epic symphonies? Perhaps Mahler’s appeal isn’t about passing trends, but about the raw emotion in his music and its deep connection with listeners... Plus, Andy reveals his go-to beverage for the ultimate Mahler symphony marathon.

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When you listen to an orchestra, what makes its sound distinctive? Is it the concert hall, the conductor, the players, or even their instruments? While some argue that most orchestras end up sounding alike, others insist each ensemble has its own unmistakable voice. In this episode, we dive into the subtle details that shape an orchestra’s sound and explore how different orchestras can sound worlds apart. Juliette and Lasma take on a listening challenge where they guess the conductor of a piece the LPO has recorded twice, and try to spot the differences between the two recordings. And in the quiz, we get to the bottom of a big question - what does the word ‘orchestra’ actually mean?

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Today, we’re unravelling a piece that’s as simple as it is spellbinding - one of the most well known and oddly mesmerising compositions of the 20th century. Some call it brilliant, others find it unbearable, and few sit on the fence. And the piece that’s at the heart of this marmite reputation? Ravel’s Bolero. We explore what makes this 15-minute loop so unforgettable, from its relentless snare drum rhythm to its slow-burning crescendo to determine what it is that keeps listeners hooked (or drives them mad). Plus, things get very heated between Andy and Sue in the end-of-episode quiz…

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The violin section of an orchestra is split into two halves: first violins and second violins. Do the firsts really get all the glory while the seconds do the heavy lifting, or are the seconds the orchestra’s unsung heroes? In an effort to decide whether some violinists are more equal than others, we explore the history behind this division, unpack stereotypes, and examine the unique challenges of playing in each section. We also look at how this structure can shape careers, and what it’s like to transition from one section to the other. Plus, Emma and Cassi face a violin-themed quiz, covering everything from calories burned while playing to musical world records set on bicycles…

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It’s a battle between technology and tradition: should mobiles phones be banned, tolerated, or even embraced in concert halls? Are phone-friendly performances the future of classical music, or are they a threat to the sacred concert ritual? We’ve all heard a phone go off at the most inopportune moment, but increasingly the classical music world is finding more creative ways to integrate phones into the concert experience. In this episode, we explore how concert halls, composers, and performers are adapting - or resisting - the presence of mobiles phones and in concert venues. Plus, Minn and Martin reveal their ringtones (or lack thereof) and face off in a challenge: who can come up with the best phone-related superpower?

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