The Classical:NEXT Podcast

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.comFollow us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInThe Classical:NEXT Podcast:Hosted by David TaylorProduced by Aliena HaigLearn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcastwww.classicalnext.com

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:Chris Lloyd, Classical Music Journalist & PianistJamie Njoku-Goodwin OBE, Founder of JNG AdvisoryNathaly Ossa Alzate, Social Impact and Cultural ManagerSusanne Szambelan, Cellist and C:N 2026 Showcase ArtistFollow us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInThe Classical:NEXT Podcast:Hosted by David TaylorProduced by Aliena HaigLearn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcastwww.classicalnext.com

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.comFollow us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInThe Classical:NEXT Podcast:Hosted by David TaylorProduced by Aliena HaigLearn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcastwww.classicalnext.com

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.comFollow us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInThe Classical:NEXT Podcast:Hosted by David TaylorProduced by Aliena HaigLearn more: classicalnext.com/update/introducing-the-classicalnext-podcastwww.classicalnext.com