@liverpoolphil.bsky.social CEO Vanessa Reed: “Liverpool feels like home, even when you’re from Devon.” Four months into her role, Vanessa talks proudly of the arts organisation's roots, its reach, and its potential in the latest episode.

To the best of my knowledge there aren’t ANY classical music podcasts that require a PhD to listen to them.

From whispered strings to a bone-shaking organ, @liverpoolphil.bsky.social’s season opener last week turned sound into spectacle. A night with a symphonic anthem for courage, colourful surprises and old-school orchestral power.

There seems to be a good deal more blue flags in the arena than anything else. Which is nice. #bbcproms #lnop

Skye Boat Song. Much safer waters. #bbcproms #lnop #BBCProms

Bill Bailey is no typist. Pick a beat. Any beat. #bbcproms #lnop

The Bernstein is fun but it feels flabby. #bbcproms #lnop

Presenter: “We were just saying it was the greatest thing we’d ever seen.” 🙄 #bbcproms #lnop

Bohemian Rhapsody. Lovely execution. Crossover territory. An odd gear shift. #bbcproms #lnop

“No can expect what’s coming in the second half.” We can. It was in a press release on Thursday night. #bbcproms #lnop

An hour and a half is quite a long first half. I’d have been taking two large Merlots in with me. #bbcproms #lnop

Louise Alder lights up the screen. #bbcproms #lnop

“It’s very accessible.” What a way to kill a premiere before it’s got underway. #bbcproms #lnop

That’s not together. And that’s not good. And it’s also not difficult. #bbcproms

“Superstar conductor.” 🙄 #bbcproms

NYO playing #StarWars at #bbcproms. Strings are sounding divine. The brass fierce. Brilliant stuff.

I have decided this evening that I find Artuto Márquez’s Concierto de otoño way too similar to Danzon No. 2. And that maybe he’s just a bit of a one trick pony. That said, I’m yet to hear the second movement.

Scenws from Ivybridge, listening to tonight’s #bbcproms concert. The Devonshire countryside has really delivered tonight.

Holiday reading.

There appears to have been an unexpected weather event in the Royal Albert Hall.

Taking a small break from the #BBCProms today. Catching up tomorrow. A week stuffed full of listening and scribbling has been a little more tiring than I thought.

Mark Simpson's ZEBRA at #BBCProms. Loved it. blog.thoroughlygood.me/2025/07/22/b...

Brutal words from Michael Henderson about backstage at the First Night in the Spectator. Not entirely undeserved. Even so, makes me feel like a saint in comparison.

There’s enthusiasm and there’s hyperbole. #bbcproms

Ah, Roger Norrington has died. He was very kind to me when I was a very young and really quite bad timpanist. RIP.

A big night ahead: #BBCProms First Night. But before that the ROSL Arts Gold Medal at Wigmore Hall. And before that a Sauvignon Blanc thanks very much.

I’ve had a tough day. The details aren’t important — or appropriate — for here. I’m interested in what you do or say when that happens. If you’re shy, feel free to DM. Otherwise, please post below — no sympathy, thanks; not sought.

If leadership is what makes an organisation work, then you might as well share the secrets with the kids. The Benedetti Foundation’s latest London Sessions at the Southbank Centre combined artistic vision, shared experiences, and systemic challenge. blog.thoroughlygood.me/2025/07/15/t...

Documenting the Britten Sinfonia’s collaboration with NHS Foundation Arts Residency at Addenbrooke’s Hospital for the Thoroughly Good Classical Music Podcast. blog.thoroughlygood.me/2025/06/06/t...

London @mozartplayers Chief Exec Flynn Le Brocq to leave role in August for new post at Uppingham School. blog.thoroughlygood.me/2025/05/28/l...

Thoroughly Good’s Lewisham #Eurovision Jury for SF2 is now fully in session. Australia was breathtakingly dull. So too Montenegro.

BBC Radio 3 wins Gold for Best Station at Radio Academy ARIA Awards.

For the first time ever, I’m finding the strobe lights in SF1 too much. #Eurovision

Rachmaninoff's Second Symphony, which the Orchestra will perform on Friday night, stands as a musical triumph and a symbol of resilience, born from personal recovery, psychological transformation & the power of creative renewal. Read the article on our website: buff.ly/1PUwDxU

Off the beaten track tonight at West Road Concert Hall for East Anglian Chamber Orchestra in music by Arnold, Nielsen, Schubert and Mozart.

Britten Pears Arts CEO Andrew Comben reflects on his career including stints at Wigmore Hall, Britten Pears Young Artist Programme and Brighton Festival, in an episode previewing this year’s Aldeburgh Festival. lnk.to/LStclm

The National Open Youth Orchestra kicked off their four-concert tour at Milton Court earlier today with a performance featuring young disabled and non-disabled musicians performing new music Kate Whitley, Liam Taylor-West, and Yfat Soul Zisso. blog.thoroughlygood.me/2025/04/27/r...

For the 200th episode of the Thoroughly Good Classical Music Podcast, mezzo soprano Jennifer Johnston talks about her career as a singer and her work as a producer and creative consultant. 🎧 lnk.to/7HBhHE

The Derham and The Trelawny launch the #BBCProms 2025

A return to the core proposition for the #BBCProms in 2025, letting the music speak for itself. blog.thoroughlygood.me/2025/04/24/b...

I’ve seen the #bbcproms press release and I can confirm there’s nothing that has irritated me. So, that’s a relief.

A new report shows the reach of orchestral education and outreach is up, but illustrates a sector more precarious than many realise. Just in time for that Arts Council England survey. blog.thoroughlygood.me/2025/04/23/3...

Cheltenham Music Festival turns 80 this year with bold concerts, new commissions, and sonic surprises. Jack Bazalgette shares his vision for the festival. blog.thoroughlygood.me/2025/04/22/h...

New podcast out with horn player Martin Owen reflecting on the first of two Manchester Camerata Mozart concerts, plus a career spanning 30 years+. lnk.to/LMGzz2

Some clarification on the availability (or not) of BBC Sounds internationally from James Cridland. james.cridland.net/blog/2025/bb...

Whoever is responsible needs to stop making #DoctorWho. It makes no sense. It is complete bollocks.

This Good Friday, the Orchestra, @niopera.bsky.social chorus and soloists perform Haydn's 'Seven Last Words'. While the piece is rooted in religion, it has something to say to everyone, regardless of belief. Read more on our website: buff.ly/Z0yGTtq

Pianist Jan Lisiecki on the pursuit of perfection in live performance.

An innovative new scheme to increase attendance at classical music concerts is set to be rolled out across the country in the coming months.

No one likes a show off. But. Just issued my 260th invoice. Quite some achievement. I never thought I'd reach those dizzying heights when I went self-employed in July '17. And here we are, 8 years later. Boom. Everyone take the rest of the day off. My treat.