The Classical:NEXT Podcast

Simon Woods on empowering the next generation of audiences and leaders

In this episode, David speaks with Simon Woods, President and CEO of the League of American Orchestras. As well as having a unique insight into the orchestral world from championing the League’s members, which range from internationally famous orchestras to smaller community organisations, Simon has an extensive knowledge of the classical music sector after working in the industry for 4 decades. He previously led the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Seattle Symphony, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, as well as being a record producer with EMI Classics. All this makes Simon the perfect person to dive into the issues facing orchestras, both in North America, and the rest of the world. In this conversation, we look ahead to the League of American Orchestras Conference in Baltimore next week, and the discussions they will be having about how the funding and philanthropy landscape is changing in the face of the biggest transfer of generational wealth. We look at how orchestras can embrace uncertainty in an ever-changing world, how to address systemic resistance to change, and what inspiration international orchestras can take from American orchestras. Ultimately, Simon shares why the key to navigating these financial and cultural headwinds lies in empowering the next generation of audiences and leaders to help ideate the future of the art form. Join us in Katowice, Poland for Classical:NEXT 2027 from the 11th to the 14th of May: www.classicalnext.com [http://www.classicalnext.com] Follow us on: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/classicalnext] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/classicalnext/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/classicalnext/] The Classical:NEXT Podcast: Hosted by David Taylor [https://www.david-taylor.org/about/] Produced by Aliena Haig Learn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcast [https://classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcast/] www.classicalnext.com [http://www.classicalnext.com]

Iván Fischer on the future of classical music

In this episode, David introduces Iván Fischer’s Opening Keynote from Classical:NEXT 2026, a standout moment of the event that left delegates in deep discussion for days after. A Budapest native and musical polymath, Maestro Fischer shares an honest reflection on the future of classical music, drawing on his unique perspective as one of the most innovative musical minds of our time. He believes we are the "dinosaurs" of this art form, fighting to keep it alive in a world that’s losing interest. The traditional concert experience is at risk, with audiences struggling to focus and a shrinking repertoire that doesn't resonate with new generations. Fischer highlights the need for innovation in how we present and engage with classical music. It's not just about the performance, but understanding what today’s audiences truly need – an ideal conversation starter for the return of The Classical:NEXT Podcast. Join us in Katowice, Poland for Classical:NEXT 2027 from the 11th to the 14th of May: www.classicalnext.com [http://www.classicalnext.com] Follow us on: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/classicalnext] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/classicalnext/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/classicalnext/] The Classical:NEXT Podcast: Hosted by David Taylor [https://www.david-taylor.org/about/] Produced by Aliena Haig Learn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcast [https://classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcast/] www.classicalnext.com [http://www.classicalnext.com]

Classical:NEXT Podcast — LIVE in Budapest

This episode is a little bit different. Last week was the Classical Next conference in Budapest, which gave us the chance to do something a little bit special with a live show. Instead of the regular deep dive, we wanted to hear from people about the hot topics, ideas and statements from this year's conference. So, we made this episode into more of a show, with four amazing guests and live voting from the Classical Next audience. The panel featured: 1. Chris Lloyd, Classical Music Journalist & Pianist 2. Jamie Njoku-Goodwin OBE, Founder of JNG Advisory 3. Nathaly Ossa Alzate, Social Impact and Cultural Manager 4. Susanne Szambelan, Cellist and C:N 2026 Showcase Artist Follow us on: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/classicalnext] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/classicalnext/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/classicalnext/] The Classical:NEXT Podcast: Hosted by David Taylor [https://www.david-taylor.org/about/] Produced by Aliena Haig Learn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcast [https://classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcast/] www.classicalnext.com [www.classicalnext.com]

Alexandra Dariescu on programming music that mirrors society

In this episode, David talks with international concert pianist and entrepreneur Alexandra Dariescu. Alexandra is one of the most visionary and dynamic musicians in our industry today. Passionate about championing gender equality, her unique approach to programming with orchestras has seen her concert season over the last few years include around 50% works by women, and has been a solution-focused voice in the industry on how to include works by underrepresented composers. She has also redefined what it is to be a soloist in the modern world today, with an entrepreneurial approach that, amongst other things, has seen her create the groundbreaking multimedia performance the Nutcracker and I, with over 100 performances across the world. In this conversation, we dive into why a more inclusive approach to programming is important. We look at some of the barriers that prevent change and how we can bring others on board. We also explore how the role of a soloist has changed, the importance of entrepreneurship, what makes a good album, and how to prepare music students for tomorrow Join us in for Budapest for Classical:NEXT 2026 from the 8th to the 11th of April: www.classicalnext.com Follow us on: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/classicalnext] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/classicalnext/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/classicalnext/] The Classical:NEXT Podcast: Hosted by David Taylor [https://www.david-taylor.org/about/] Produced by Aliena Haig Learn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcast [https://classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcast/] www.classicalnext.com

Deborah Rutter on Political Resilience and Future-Proofing for Cultural Organisations

In this episode, David talks with Deborah Rutter, an arts executive with nearly 5 decades of experience across major major US institutions including the Chicago Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and LA Philharmonic. In 2014 she became the first woman to serve as president of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a role she held until February 2025 when she left as part of a major overhaul of the Center’s leadership by the second President Trump administration. Deborah is currently Vice Provost for the Arts at Duke University, a role she began in September 2025. The world is an increasingly political and polarised place, so Deborah’s experience makes her the perfect person to share lessons on Political Resilience and Future-Proofing for Cultural Organisations that can apply to any institution or arts leader, regardless of location or size. In this conversation, we dive into the relationship between cultural institutions and politics. We look at how to build political resilience and the power organizations have sitting at the cross roads of culture and national identity. We also look at how to connect organisations to local communities, the challenges facing artists and administrators in the modern world, and how to support leaders in an increasingly politicised environment. Join us in for Budapest for Classical:NEXT 2026 from the 8th to the 11th of April: www.classicalnext.com Follow us on: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/classicalnext] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/classicalnext/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/classicalnext/] The Classical:NEXT Podcast: Hosted by David Taylor [https://www.david-taylor.org/about/] Produced by Aliena Haig Learn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcast [https://classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcast/] www.classicalnext.com