Orchestra of the Swan

Resonance

In this episode of the Orchestra of the Swan Podcast, Artistic Director David Le Page introduces the 2026 season, on the theme of Resonance—music and storytelling designed to create lasting emotional impact. The programme highlights the orchestra’s signature words and music productions, including A Beautiful Thread inspired by Thomas Hardy and Red Sky at Sunrise based on Laurie Lee. Guitarist Mark Ashford discusses how live music and narration intertwine to bring these stories vividly to life across a wide range of venues, reaching audiences beyond traditional concert halls. The season also features bold concert programming, including a chamber version of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony alongside works by Edward Elgar, Gustav Holst and Peter Maxwell Davies, as well as the launch of the Sheep Street Sessions in Stratford-upon-Avon. The episode includes reflections from cellist Chris Allan and Debbie Jagla. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

New Music Time

David Le Page, Artistic Director of Orchestra of the Swan takes us behind the scenes of their new mixtape album Light and Shadow, sharing the inspirations, arrangements, and intimate chamber interpretations of iconic film music. Featuring a special conversation with vocalist SuRie, hear how Peter Gabriel, Radiohead, and more come alive in this uniquely cinematic recording. Stream the album now on all major platforms. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

We're Back!

We're back! Here's the much-awaited second episode of the Orchestra of the Swan's podcast. In the first half, we're joined by The Swan's Artistic Director David Le Page and Andor actor Anton Lesser. Anton discusses his roles in Hambletts Productions’ Red Sky at Sunrise: Laurie Lee in Words & Music and A Beautiful Thread – Thomas Hardy in Words & Music. They explore the music that shaped them, and we're treated to Anton reading Thomas Hardy's poems The Self-Unseeing and The Voice, both featured in A Beautiful Thread. In the second half, we hear from conductor Rebecca Miller about her work with the Swan Youth Orchestra, in partnership with Warwick Schools Foundation. We also chat with Coventry Music Lead Mark Steele and Melanie Cotton from Warwickshire Music—both part of the Heart of England Music Hubs. Finally, The Swan's Principal Percussionist Tim Farmer speaks with Swan Youth Orchestra percussionist Daniel, and clarinetist Jack McNeill. The Orchestra of the Swan podcast is produced and supported by Cloudscape Media, and is copyright of the Orchestra of the Swan. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

An Introduction

In this, our first full-length podcast, the Swan's Artistic Director David Le Page takes you behind-the-scenes and introduces the wonderful players, supporters, and team that make up the Orchestra of the Swan. We’ll hear from Principal Bass player, Claire Whitson, explore the world of funding with the Swan's Managing Director, Debbie Jagla, catch up with with baritone Roderick Williams, fresh from his performance of Mahler on stage at Warwick Hall. We're also celebrating our partnership with the Warwick Schools Foundation by chatting to the Foundation's Principal Richard Nicholson. And finally, acclaimed actor Anton Lesser reads an extract from A Beautiful Thread: Thomas Hardy in Words and Music. For more information on visit orchestraoftheswan.org. Music available on all streaming sites. Produced by Cloudscape Media. Copyright Orchestra of the Swan 2024. Recorded June 2024 in Warwick, England. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Coming Soon!

The Orchestra of the Swan podcast offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look as we shine a spotlight on our incredible players, supporters, and the team who bring the Orchestra of the Swan to life.  Led by Artistic Director David Le Page, we’ll take you inside the inner workings of the orchestra, from conversations with our principal players, to exclusive rehearsal sneak peeks. You’ll also get a preview of our upcoming season, featuring acclaimed actor and our 2024/2025 Associate Artist, Anton Lesser.  No pretentiousness here—no ball gowns or dinner jackets. Just people who love music and love playing it. Join us, get to know us, and follow our podcasts! Episode 1 is out Friday 20 September 2024 ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.