Marking Up: Recent Episodes
Southbank Sinfonia at St John's Smith Square
Welcome to ‘Marking Up,’ a podcast produced by the newly merged organisation Southbank Sinfonia at St John’s Smith Square. Based in the heart of central London, the organisation endeavours to become a hub for world-class musical development with ‘Marking Up’ being an example of this very advancement, inviting members of staff and the Southbank Sinfonia orchestral fellowship to explore pressing matters faced by the classical music industry at present. The first four-episodes are led by members of the 2020 fellowship who explore matters including the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on their work as young professionals, the issue of funding within the arts and the importance of diversifying traditional orchestral programming.
In the second half of our first series, join Communications Officer Hermione Kellow as she explores some of the most pertinent issues currently being faced by the modern classical music industry. In this episode, she explores the pressing matter of climate change, addressing concerns around sustainability and the impact that the industry may be having on the wider world.
In this episode she invites Chris Spinato (communications manager for American non-profit environmental organisation REVERB), Paddy Dillon (Co-Ordinator for UK based initiative The Theatre Greenbook), John Warner (Founder of Orchestra for the Earth) and Richard Heason (Co-Director of Southbank Sinfonia at St John’s Smith Square) to comment on the issue, exploring various aspects of the climate crisis impacted by live entertainment.
To find out more about our guests/organisations:
REVERB: https://reverb.org/sustainabletouring/
No More Blood Wood Campaign: https://reverb.org/campaign/no-more-blood-wood/
Orchestra for the Earth: https://www.orchestrafortheearth.co.uk/
Theatre Greenbook: https://theatregreenbook.com/
For more information on our organisation head to our website and connect with us on social media!
Website: https://www.southbanksinfonia.co.uk/home/ & https://www.sjss.org.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southbanksinfonia/ & https://www.instagram.com/stjohnssmithsquare/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/southbanksinf & https://twitter.com/StJohnsSmithSq
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/SouthbankSinfonia/ & https://www.facebook.com/stjohnssmithsquare
Produced and hosted by Hermione Kellow
Edited by Ben Eshmade
Music beds composed by Luke English
In the second half of our first series, join Communications Officer Hermione Kellow as she explores some of the most pertinent issues currently being faced by the modern classical music industry. In this episode, she explores what it means to be a classical musician today and what the future of the industry appears to be.
In this episode she invites Imogen Whitehead (Southbank Sinfonia alumnus, Trumpeter), Hannah Fiddy (Co-founder and Director of Alternative Classical), Ellie Consta (Founder of HER Ensemble) and Emily Abdy (nonclassical Associate Composer) to comment on the issue, discussing a wide range of topics including the emergence of a portfolio career, the impact that digital and social media are having on the industry and the importance of breaking down societal boundaries surrounding classical music.
Find more about our guests/organisations:
Imogen Whitehead
- http://imogenwhiteheadtrumpet.com/
Hannah Fiddy
- https://www.hannahfiddy.com/
- https://www.alternativeclassical.co.uk/
- https://www.alternativeclassical.co.uk/concert-roulette
Ellie Consta
- https://www.herensemble.org/
Emily Abdy
- https://www.nmcrec.co.uk/composers/emily-abdy
- https://emilyabdy.bandcamp.com/
Music Credit:
- HER Ensemble perform Hildegard von Bingen: O Virtus Sapientiæ live at The state51 Conservatoire (YouTube)
- SKIN | a piece about body image | emily abdy (YouTube)
For more information on our organisation head to our website and connect with us on social media!
Website: https://www.southbanksinfonia.co.uk/home/ & https://www.sjss.org.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southbanksinfonia/ & https://www.instagram.com/stjohnssmithsquare/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/southbanksinf & https://twitter.com/StJohnsSmithSq
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthbankSinfonia/ & https://www.facebook.com/stjohnssmithsquare
Produced and hosted by Hermione Kellow
Edited by Ben Eshmade
Music beds composed by Luke English
In the second half of our first series, join Communications Officer Hermione Kellow as she explores some of the most pertinent issues currently being faced by the modern classical music industry. In this episode, she explores the different ways in which the industry approaches work in the wider community and how we can go about it in an effective manner for all involved.
In this episode she invites Lucy Drever (Presenter and workshop leader for The Nicola Benedetti Foundation), Ruth Rosales (Southbank Sinfonia Alumnus, Bassoonist and Animateur), Fiona Gibbs (Artist Development Manager for Southbank Sinfonia) and Scott Price (Head of Music at CVMS) to comment on the issue, discussing a variety of facets including the misconceptions associated with the term ‘outreach’, the reasons why it should be prioritised by organisations and what is involved in putting on an event.
To find out more about our guests/organisations:
Lucy Drever
- https://www.benedettifoundation.org/
- http://www.lucydrever.com/
Ruth Rosales
- http://ruthrosalesmusic.com/
Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School
- https://cvms.co.uk/
For more information on our organisation head to our website and connect with us on social media!
Website: https://www.southbanksinfonia.co.uk/home/ & https://www.sjss.org.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southbanksinfonia/ & https://www.instagram.com/stjohnssmithsquare/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/southbanksinf & https://twitter.com/StJohnsSmithSq
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/SouthbankSinfonia/ & https://www.facebook.com/stjohnssmithsquare
Produced and hosted by Hermione Kellow
Edited by Ben Eshmade
Music beds composed by Luke English
In the second half of this series, join Communications Officer Hermione Kellow as she explores some of the most pertinent issues being faced by the modern classical music industry. This episode explores the difficult topic of ‘auditions’.
No matter what level you are at, auditioning can be one of the most daunting and anxiety inducing aspects of the musical experience. However, it’s also the gateway with which the industry measures suitability for institutions, orchestras and other various forms of ensemble from a very young age. Being such an integral aspect of the industry, this was the perfect opportunity to invite some guests along to offer some advice on how to improve your chances of success.
To start with, Hermione invites Southbank Sinfonia alumnus, double bassist Manuel to discuss his journey auditioning for the fellowship. She then moves on to a discussion with performance coach Charlotte Tomlinson and professional violinist and associate leader of Southbank Sinfonia Eugene Lee- two highly regarded individuals in the industry who share their advice on improving the audition experience and learning from every opportunity. Finally, Hermione chats with Roger Wilson- Director of Operations for the organisation Black Lives in Music, to expand the discussion to consider the issues around diversity and how we can improve the process to make it fairer for absolutely everyone involved. More from our Guests:Manuel dell’Oglio
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDq0Uy_8JH_NeRdjd-2KQmg
Eugene Lee
- https://www.southbanksinfonia.co.uk/news-details/10074/10-for-10-alumni-qa-with-eugene-lee/
Charlotte Tomlinson
- www.charlottetomlinson.com
- www.beyondstagefright.com (video interviews of top international musicians discussing performance stress)
- Music from the Inside Out - https://amzn.to/3KkvNHo
- Keep Calm and pass your Music Exam - https://amzn.to/3AdGFSD
Roger Wilson
- BLIM https://blim.org.uk/
For more information on our organisation head to our website and connect with us on social media!
Website: https://www.southbanksinfonia.co.uk/home/ & https://www.sjss.org.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southbanksinfonia/ & https://www.instagram.com/stjohnssmithsquare/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/southbanksinf & https://twitter.com/StJohnsSmithSq
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthbankSinfonia/ & https://www.facebook.com/stjohnssmithsquare
Produced and hosted by Hermione Kellow
Edited by Ben Eshmade
Music beds composed by Luke English
In this episode, Cathy Hare (flautist) and Antonia Chandler (french horn) explore the topic of diversity within the classical industry and specifically, the issue of diversifying orchestral programming. They interview conductor and educator Sian Edwards, who has been a pioneering presence in the industry for many years. Sian regularly works with Southbank Sinfonia with her most recent experience seeing her tackle a range of works from Missy Mazzolis recently commissioned ‘You Know Me From Here’ to Samuel Barber’s ‘Knoxville: Summer of 1915’.
Using their interview with Sian as a jumping off point, join Cathy and Antonia as they draw on their own experiences as players and young musicians looking towards a more inclusive musical landscape. Links to organisations mentioned:
- Chineke! Foundation
- Her Ensemble UK’s First Women & Non-Binary String Orchestra
- DONNE, WOMEN IN MUSIC (donne-uk.org)
- BSO OrchKids | The Baltimore Symphony's During and After School Music Program
Music credit:
- blue cathedral - Jennifer Higdon (extract)
- All I Need to Know - Bette Midler (extract)
- Bye Bitch - Lizzo (YouTube extract)
Produced by Ben Eshmeade and Hermione Kellow
Edited by Ben Eshmade
Music beds composed by Luke English
**For more information on our organisation head to our website and connect with us on social media!
Website: https://www.southbanksinfonia.co.uk/home/**
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southbanksinfonia/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/southbanksinf
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/SouthbankSinfonia/
In this episode, Doris Kuo (violin) and Eloise MacDonald (violin) reflect on their earlier years as aspiring musicians and ask the question, what would you tell your younger self? They tackle a variety of crucial topics including the importance of organisation, how to practice effectively and the value in staying true to your own journey.
To help in their exploration, they interview Giulia Lussoso, a student at the Guildhall School of Music and Eugene Lee, Associate leader of Southbank Sinfonia and Assistant Leader of the Philharmonia. Their guests offer an interesting juxtaposition of experiences. On the one hand, an individual who has had to sustain motivation for study throughout the pandemic and on the other, a professional passing on his learned wisdom to these younger players. Produced by Ben Eshmade and Hermione Kellow
Edited by Ben Eshmade
Music beds composed by Luke English **For more information on our organisation head to our website and connect with us on social media!
Website: https://www.southbanksinfonia.co.uk/home/**
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southbanksinfonia/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/southbanksinf
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/SouthbankSinfonia/
In this episode, join Bradley Jones (trumpet) and James Fisher (bassoon) as they chat to industry professionals John Nickson and Daniel Schwartz about the various ways we, as a community and individuals, can future proof our orchestras.
Although their discussion begins primarily with a focus on the importance of funding and financial support, they quickly move into an exploration of a whole host of issues. including the environmental impact of touring, supporting local arts scenes, diversification of orchestral programming and youth music projects.Produced by Ben Eshmade and Hermione Kellow
Edited by Ben Eshmade
Music beds composed by Luke English **For more information on our organisation head to our website and connect with us on social media!
Website: https://www.southbanksinfonia.co.uk/home/**
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southbanksinfonia/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/southbanksinf
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/SouthbankSinfonia/
In this episode, Flora Fontanelli (violin) and Sarah Gait (cello) draw inspiration from the pandemic and discuss the possible effects of social distancing and online performances on the future of the classical music industry. In particular, they explore the debate around the term ‘key’ or ‘essential’ work that became part of our vernacular throughout the pandemic and question why cultural work was denied this label.
They interview Laura Casas Cambra and Benjamin Redmayne from Wigmore Hall about how they adapted their work to suit a world in lockdown Carys Jones, a supporter of Southbank Sinfonia on the importance of live music to audiences and Violinist Luke Hsu to discuss how we emerge back to a state of normalcy and what we may have learnt from lockdowns. Music included:
'Timepiece' by Sarah Gait
Rachmaninov 'Prelude in B minor' performed by Sarah Gait
Extract taken from the Wigmore Hall Chamber Tots seriesProduced by Ben Eshmade and Hermione Kellow
Edited by Ben Eshmade
Music beds composed by Luke English **For more information on our organisation head to our website and connect with us on social media!
Website: https://www.southbanksinfonia.co.uk/home/**
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southbanksinfonia/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/southbanksinf
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/SouthbankSinfonia/