The Classical:NEXT Podcast

Alexandra Dariescu on programming music that mirrors society

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:30:00 +0200

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

The Classical:NEXT Podcast:

Hosted by David Taylor

Produced by Aliena Haig

Learn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcast

www.classicalnext.com

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

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0200

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

The Classical:NEXT Podcast:

Hosted by David Taylor

Produced by Aliena Haig

Learn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcast

www.classicalnext.com

Aubrey Bergauer on the power of embracing change

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:45:00 +0200

In this episode, David talks with Aubrey Bergauer, arts leader, consultant, author of the book “Changing the Narrative, and former CEO of the California Symphony Orchestra.

Aubrey is a powerhouse in the industry, and as the name of her book would suggest, a huge advocate of todays topic… change.

In this conversation, we dive into the reasons as to why change is important. We look at some of the barriers that prevent change and how we can be more nimble. We also explore the power of embracing change and the benefits of having a more commercial and business-minded approach, before looking at some of the future challenges we might face.

Join us in for Budapest for Classical:NEXT 2026 from the 8th to the 11th of April: www.classicalnext.com

The Classical:NEXT Podcast:

Hosted by David Taylor

Produced by Aliena Haig

Learn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcast

www.classicalnext.com

Jessica Phillips, Graduate Studies Faculty at Juilliard and Clarinettist at The Met, on bridging the gap between conservatoire training and the reality of the industry

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:45:00 +0200

In this episode, David talks with Jessica Phillips, a clarinetist at the Metropolitan Opera, a Graduate Studies faculty member at Juilliard School of Music, a board member of the League of American Orchestras, and a consultant.

This unique combination of roles gives Jessica a rare 360-degree view of the industry. It makes her the perfect person to discuss how we train the next generation of musicians, and how we can adapt as an industry to support them.

In this conversation, we dive into the philosophy of the 'portfolio career' and what it really means for a musician to be an entrepreneur. We explore the disconnect between traditional conservatoire training and today's rapidly changing industry. We also look at how to bring institutions and long-standing faculty along on the journey of change. And, we discuss how the next generation is already redefining what success looks like in the arts.

Join us in for Budapest for Classical:NEXT 2026 from the 8th to the 11th of April: www.classicalnext.com

The Classical:NEXT Podcast:

Hosted by David Taylor

Produced by Aliena Haig

Learn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcast

www.classicalnext.com

Victoria Dietrich, Head of Digital at Zurich Opera House, on bridging the gap between digital innovation and real-world connection

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:40:00 +0200

In this debut episode, David Taylor speaks with Victoria Dietrich, who holds a uniquely dual role as the Head of Digital Development and Audience Engagement at the Zurich Opera House.

Victoria sits right at the intersection of two worlds that are often kept separate: high-tech innovation and real-world community building. Since joining the team in Zurich, she’s been tasked with exploring how traditional opera houses can use emerging technologies to broaden its reach while staying true to their core.

In this conversation, we dive into the philosophy of ‘opening up’ an institution and what it really means to create meaningful touchpoints with a city. We explore the balance between respecting a traditional audience while actively inviting in the new, and why the secret to engagement might lie in moving beyond ticket discounts toward building genuine, long-term relationships.

We also discuss the potential of immersive technology to turn complex musical structures into physical experiences, and how a culture of collaboration can help us navigate the unknown frontiers of the digital world. Join us in for Budapest for Classical:NEXT 2026 from the 8th to the 11th of April: www.classicalnext.com

The Classical:NEXT Podcast:

Hosted by David Taylor

Produced by Aliena Haig

Learn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcast