In Episode 60, Ella chats to pianist James Baillieu ahead of the 77th Aldeburgh Festival, which marks 50 years since the death of its founder, Benjamin Britten. In James' first year as Associate Director of the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme (alongside Ryan Wigglesworth), he reflects on continuing Britten and Pears’ legacy of supporting young artists, through continuing existing traditions but also introducing new elements in order to tailor the programme to the music world of today. He talks about hearing Lise Davidsen sing for the first time, having a small number of long-term musical partnerships, and his most embarrassing concert moment...

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James Baillieu

Aldeburgh Festival 2026

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Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les Maillotins

Performed by Daniel Lebhardt

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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 59, Ella chats to Polly Graham, Artistic Director of Longborough Festival Opera, about the festival’s fascinating history and unique place within the UK opera scene. Polly also discusses her unconventional route into the opera world, and reflects on how experiencing the instability of the industry in her work as a freelancer informs her role as an Artistic Director.

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Longborough Festival Opera

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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram

Did you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot with visibility, if you have a spare moment... *bats eyelashes*

No offence taken if not.

--------------------

Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les Maillotins

Performed by Daniel Lebhardt

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The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 58, Ella chats to Steve Long, Managing Director of Signum Records. Steve reflects on steering the label through the changing landscape of recorded music and listening habits, from the rise and fall of CDs to the shift into streaming. He also discusses Signum’s enduring relationships with many of its artists, balancing artistic ambitions with commercial realities, and shares the one question *not* to ask when pitching a recording project…

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Signum Records

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Follow The Classical Circuit on Instagram

Did you enjoy this episode? If so, ratings and follows help a lot with visibility, if you have a spare moment... *bats eyelashes*

No offence taken if not.

--------------------

Music: François Couperin - Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les Maillotins

Performed by Daniel Lebhardt

--------------------

The Classical Circuit is made by Ella Lee (producer by trade, pianist at heart).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.