Chords and Queens

Classical Music has an Education AND a Postcode problem - What One Violinist is Doing to Fix It.

In this episode we dive into the world of classical music education and how initiatives like the Benedetti Foundation are leading the charge in creating fulfilling, inspi

Nwando Ebizie: How a 12th Century Nun inspired an Opera

In this episode, I chat to multi-disciplinary artist Nwando Ebizie about her new opera Ecstasy of the Virtues presented by Mahogany Opera. Which is her bold new take on t

Ayanna Witter-Johnson talks New Album New Roots and being an LSO St Luke’s Associate Artist

Joining me on the podcast today is the wonderful cellist, singer, pianist and composer Ayanna Witter-Johnson. We chat about her love of music at an early age, her new alb

Rockey Sun Keting: How Six Women Poets Across 1,000 Years Inspired a New Choral Work

In this episode, I get to talk to composer Rockey Sun Keting about her creative process, her role as Co-Director of the artist collective Tangram, and Tangram's newly ann

Jocelyn Hagen: Here I am Album and Scoring the Music of Leonardo da Vinci

On today’s episode I’m joined by American composer Jocelyn Hagen. We talk about how she grew up with a musical family and how she discovered her love for composition thro

Beatrice Nicholas: The Concert Pianist tearing up the Rule Book

On today's episode, I sit down with pianist and composer Beatrice Nicholas to talk about her journey learning piano and composing her own music, plus her advocacy for the

Three Choirs Festival: Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Kerensa Briggs

On today's episode, I sit down with two of the composers featured at the 2026 Three Choirs Festival: Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Kerensa Briggs.We talk about how they each go

Dr. Cayenna Ponchione-Bailey: Her mission to change lives through music

On today's episode, I'm joined by percussionist, conductor, scholar, and educator Dr. Cayenna Ponchione-Bailey. We talk about her early music education in Alaska, growing

Anna Clyne talks love of collaboration, her new piece Sirens, and the importance of finding your community.

On today's episode, we sit down with the magnificent Anna Clyne. We explore her earliest childhood memories of writing music, her love of collaboration, and her new piece

Rebekah Reid talks Hypermobility, Loop Pedals and a Headline Show at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club

On today’s episode we welcome violinist and composer Rebekah Reid, who talks to us about navigating hypermobility as a violinist, writing music and her upcoming gig at th

Isabelle O’Connell and Rhona Clarke : The Pandemic Collaboration That Inspired an Album

On today's episode, we're joined by pianist Isabelle O'Connell and composer Rhona Clarke to talk about their album Cocteau - and how a pandemic collaboration quietly grew

Written Oot the Reel: Where are the Women in 18th and 19th Century Scottish Traditional Music?

On this week’s episode we try and answer the question - where are the women in the Golden Age of Scottish trad music? So let’s look at the lives of Euphemia Murray, Cathe

Jennifer King: The Award Winning Pianist That’s Championing Canadian Women Composers

On today's episode, we sit down with Jennifer King, the award-winning pianist and recording artist. We talk about her early days learning music and the importance of bein

Cathryn Bell: From Actor to Film Composer

On today’s episode, I’m joined by the wonderful multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer Cathryn Bell. We talk about her journey as a composer and how she found her

Shea Lolin and Fiona Sweeney: Recording Chaminade’s Flute Concertino, the Power of Collaboration and Advice for Composers

On today’s episode, I’m joined by conductor, producer, and performer Shea Lolin and flautist Fiona Sweeney to discuss their recent recording of the Flute Concertino by Fr

Marianna Martines: Life, Music and Inspiring Mozart

In this episode, we explore the remarkable life and music of Marianna Martines, the 18th-century Viennese composer who lived alongside Haydn and Mozart and performed for

Precious Akindele: From Channel 4’s The Piano to Writing and Preforming in her own Organ Concert

On the podcast this week, I’m joined by the wonderfully talented Precious Akindele. We talk about her love for Erykah Badu, her journey into writing her own music, and he

Amy Schumaker Bliss: Euphonium, Education, and Elevating Women in Brass

On today’s podcast, we’re joined by the wonderful performer, writer, and educator Dr. Amy Schumaker Bliss. We explore her journey playing the euphonium, her experiences n

2025 Books & Music Recap: Women in Music edition

On today’s episode we recap some of my favourite books and music of 2025. From learning about the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz to listening to the classical pop takeove

Interview with the Ina Boyle Society: Her Music, Her Legacy, and What Comes Next

I’m so honoured to be joined by Katie Rowan, founder of the Ina Boyle Society and a relative of the remarkable Irish composer Ina Boyle. Katie shares the story behind the