Tea with Netty

Our latest episode features OAE Co-principal Viola John Crockatt conversing with Netty in the grounds of Glyndebourne. They discuss travels, obsessions, and the three elements that complete the cycle of music.

John Crockatt shares his life and interests alongside playing the viola, with his adventures in India and Jerusalem, which sparked his exploration of ethnomusicology. In this insightful conversation, he reflects on the profoun...

Baritone Christopher Purves joins Netty for tea and a chat backstage of Glyndebourne opera house in this episode. Currently performing the title role of Saul with the OAE, Christopher shares his interests in theatre and the many discoveries he has made throughout his singing journey.

Christopher explores his singing approach for his character, Saul, and shares how he began his journey in opera while also venturing into other musical...

Flute player Neil McLaren joins Netty for a tea and chat in the latest episode. Having served as OAE’s second flute for nearly 40 years, Neil shares how he became interested in playing the baroque flute and recounts intriguing stories about his early encounters with music. He also discusses other pursuits inspired by his life experiences.

Neil takes us back to his early life, before he began playing the flute. When he's not pla...

Soprano Anna Dennis joins Netty for tea and a chat in the latest episode. While backstage at the St Matthew Passion concert in London, Anna shared her insights on the various spectrums of music, including baroque and modern styles. She also gives us a glimpse into her love of thrifting!

Anna Dennis shares her experiences of discovering the potential of her charismatic voice through others, her perspective on various musica...

OAE horn player Martin Lawrence joins Netty in the latest episode for tea and chats. As they dive into lively conversation, Martin sheds light on the fascinating distinctions between natural and valve horns, performance anxiety discoveries and unveils his intriguing passion for mushroom foraging.

Martin Lawrence shares his musical journey, providing insight into the history of the horn. He discusses his discoveries in specialising i...

Mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston joins Netty for tea and a chat in the latest episode. She discusses her unique voice and the discoveries she's made through singing different repertoire as well as learning to sing backwards!

Helen is a member of the first cohort of our Rising Stars of the Enlightenment alumni (2017-2019). She shares her journey in the scheme that led to the creation of the unforgettable video of Dido's Lament...

In the first episode of 2025, conductor Dinis Sousa joins Netty for a cuppa and a chat in London before he embarks on his touring adventures.

Currently Principal Conductor of the Royal Northern Sinfonia, Dinis has a fascinating journey that took him from filmmaker to pianist and finally conductor. His story is inspiring and demonstrates the rewards of pursuing your dreams. Dinis also shares his excitement about joining us ...

OAE violin leader Kati Debretzeni joins Netty for a cuppa and a chat while on tour. Kati tells fascinating and humorous stories from her family history to stepping into the musical universe. Come along for the ride where each stop reveals her delightful discoveries and the joy of following one's passion!

Kati has been one of the OAE's leaders since 2008. With a wealth of knowledge passed down from her mentors, sh...

Conductor Antonello Manacorda who conducted the OAE’s Prom this summer joins Netty for tea and a chat. This episode is a treasure trove of fascinating conversations exploring the intricate dynamic between the orchestra and the conductor, along with stories about encounters with heroic older-generation conductors and insightful findings about the art of breathing in music.

Antonello, who has Italian and French roots, expres...

OAE's beloved double bassist and current Chair of the Players' Artistic Committee Cecelia Bruggemeyer joins Netty in the latest episode. They discuss the early days of the formation of the OAE, balancing playing in various orchestras, touring and driving around. 

Cecelia shares stories from her very first double bass encounter to playing professionally. With an interest in education and mentoring, we get a glimpse of her i...

Netty is joined by harpist Joy Smith in her cosy 17th-century weaver's cottage in Essex for the latest episode. Joy, who owns 9 harps, takes us through the world of harps. They talk about all sorts of topics, including old English phrases, fun string facts, and being a regular top of the pops.

Percussionist, composer, and storyteller Joy, who was the harpist in Handel's Giulio Cesare at Glyndebourne, shares the s...

Mezzo-soprano Beth Taylor joins Netty in the dressing rooms of Glyndebourne, who plays Cornelia in Handel's production of Giulio Cesare. They discuss voice production, singing in physically demanding roles, forestry, and everything in between.

Born and raised in Glasgow, Beth unravels the unforeseen path that led her to the world of music and singing, and how she built a strong musical foundation for herself in remark...

Soprano extraordinaire Louise Alder joins Netty for tea in Glyndebourne. Louise, who is currently performing as Cleopatra in Handel's Giulio Cesare, enlightens us with her family, educational and versatile singing background, her passion for musical theatre, and her multilingual talents.

Louise, takes us behind the scenes of the opera Giulio Cesare. She shares her on-stage experiences and talks about juggling a divers...

Conductor Constantin Trinks, who makes his Festival debut conducting Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte with the OAE, joins Netty for tea and a chat. He discusses his musical influences and shows a special fondness for certain composers such as Wagner, Strauss, and especially Wagner! 

Constantin Trinks expresses excitement about working with a period instrument orchestra for the first time. We learn about his gradual appreciation fo...

As summer approaches, bass-baritone Dingle Yandell joins Netty in the fields of Glyndebourne for the latest episode. They have compelling conversations, from his discovery of British novelty pop act Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers to sharing experiences of music college auditions and there are revelations behind the meaning of names.

Dingle Yandell, who was part of the first cohort of OAE's Rising Stars of the Enlight...

OAE’s Head of Digital Zen Grisdale spills the tea as he joins Netty in the latest episode. Zen is responsible for delivering all the wacky and wonderful digital content, from our distinctive instrument videos to paying homage to Coldplay and everything in between. He shares his creative thought process and how it all began in the least expected way! Be prepared for an episode of funny stories, soup comps, sheds and more!

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In the latest episode, OAE Co-Principal Cello Luise Buchberger joins Netty for tea. Tuning in from her home in Frankfurt, Luise talks about more travels between her projects with the OAE and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Find out what makes gut strings ‘crunchy peanut butter’ like and whether cellists really do have the best seats in the house!

Having been with the OAE for over 10 years, Luise reflects on her time befor...

Conductor, composer and arranger John Wilson joins Netty for tea in the latest episode. They delve into themes that are close to the heart of the OAE. John also recalls some interesting memories including his revelational trips to HMV, and his (nervous) first encounter with the OAE… 

John Wilson, who joined us in the summer as conductor for our Princess Ida production, shares his journey into the world of music. There are ...

 The first Tea with Netty episode of 2024 features a Viola combo with Principal Violist Max Mandel joining fellow Violist Netty for tea and chats. They dive deep into a range of topics, including quirky ensemble names, a story on a quick costume change, Max's top five conductors, and more! 

Max tells his story of coming from Toronto and what inspired him to join the OAE. He also shares a significant pivotal moment whe...