CHORAL CHIHUAHUA

by Choral Chihuahua

NewEver Changing SkiesNovember 4, 2026 · 56 min

Episodes: 110
Released: every two weeks
Latest episode: Nov 4, 2026

About the podcast

Choral Chihuahua is a podcast in which British choral directors chat about things that matter to them: composers they love, points of technique, classic but also niche choral works, other groups and singers they admire. With a light touch, Eamonn Dougan, Robert Hollingworth and now also Nicholas Mulroy chew the choral cud about how (and why) you do it and what they've learnt along the way. Choral Chihuahua is brought to you by I Fagiolini and University of York Music and produced by Polyphonic Films. It's supported through your donations and I Fagiolini Charitable Trust.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes 110

Ever Changing Skies
November 4, 202656 minSeason 16 · Episode 4
Sammy & Robert chew the choral cud with Helena Cooke. Music by Anna Semple, James MacMillan and Barbara Strozzi (and a teeny bit of Britten).Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua. Hosted …
Show notes
Sammy & Robert chew the choral cud with Helena Cooke. Music by Anna Semple, James MacMillan and Barbara Strozzi (and a teeny bit of Britten).
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Music in the Flesh
October 21, 202645 minSeason 16 · Episode 3
Nicholas chats with Professor Bettina Varwig from the University of Cambridge about music and the body. For more about Music in the Flesh and to watch the documentary visit www.musicintheflesh.orgSupport this …
Show notes
Nicholas chats with Professor Bettina Varwig from the University of Cambridge about music and the body. For more about Music in the Flesh and to watch the documentary visit www.musicintheflesh.org
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Finzi episode
October 7, 20261 h 4 minSeason 16 · Episode 2
Eamonn is joined by Nick Pritchard to talk Finzi. Bumper ep with lots of quality chat and choons!!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more …
Show notes
Eamonn is joined by Nick Pritchard to talk Finzi. Bumper ep with lots of quality chat and choons!!
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A little drinkie with Robert & Eamonn
September 23, 202650 minSeason 16 · Episode 1
Robert & Eamonn catch up and mostly try to order drinks but discuss French food, Berio, James MacMillan and tonic water. Music by Kerensa Briggs, Kenneth Leighton and Monteverdi. Probably.Support this show …
Show notes
Robert & Eamonn catch up and mostly try to order drinks but discuss French food, Berio, James MacMillan and tonic water. Music by Kerensa Briggs, Kenneth Leighton and Monteverdi. Probably.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Double Doyle and Trouble
July 30, 20261 h 6 minSeason 15 · Episode 7
Eamonn talks to brother and sister Justin and Julia Doyle (Donk) about their path to conducting and singing, the importance for a soprano of learning the spoons and the way European professional choral …
Show notes
Eamonn talks to brother and sister Justin and Julia Doyle (Donk) about their path to conducting and singing, the importance for a soprano of learning the spoons and the way European professional choral ensembles differ from their UK counterparts.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Isn't Monteverdi brilliant?
July 7, 20261 h 3 minSeason 15 · Episode 6
Robert and Nicholas talk about Monteverdi, in a pub garden.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bruno Turner
June 23, 202656 minSeason 15 · Episode 5
Remembering Bruno Turner. Eamonn talks to Andrew Vanderbeek, Sally Dunkley, Mark Brown and Robert about this pioneering publisher and performer of Renaissance Music who died recently.Support this show …
Show notes
Remembering Bruno Turner. Eamonn talks to Andrew Vanderbeek, Sally Dunkley, Mark Brown and Robert about this pioneering publisher and performer of Renaissance Music who died recently.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pershore Abbey
June 9, 202649 minSeason 15 · Episode 4
Robert enjoys coffee, doesn't enjoy a sandwich and talks to Fagiolini singers on his way to Worcestershire.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy …
Show notes
Robert enjoys coffee, doesn't enjoy a sandwich and talks to Fagiolini singers on his way to Worcestershire.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jonas Rasmussen
May 26, 202659 minSeason 15 · Episode 3
Eamonn meets conductor, composer and creator Jonas Rasmussen (aka, @choirconductor on Instagram etc)... and they also gatecrash an I Fagiolini rehearsal.Support this show …
Show notes
Eamonn meets conductor, composer and creator Jonas Rasmussen (aka, @choirconductor on Instagram etc)... and they also gatecrash an I Fagiolini rehearsal.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
CAKE AND BENEVOLI
May 13, 202654 minSeason 15 · Episode 2
Robert talks to Eamonn and tracks down Sammy to reflect on I Fagiolini's series of THREE albums by the 17th century multi-choir master Orazio Benevoli.Support this show …
Show notes
Robert talks to Eamonn and tracks down Sammy to reflect on I Fagiolini's series of THREE albums by the 17th century multi-choir master Orazio Benevoli.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode 100
April 29, 202653 minSeason 15 · Episode 1
Robert, Eamonn and Catherine, Robert's 'French baroque wife', talk Morales, Charpentier and wildly dramatic Schubert. Performances by De Profundis, Le Concert Spirituel and Concentus Musicus Wien.Support this …
Show notes
Robert, Eamonn and Catherine, Robert's 'French baroque wife', talk Morales, Charpentier and wildly dramatic Schubert. Performances by De Profundis, Le Concert Spirituel and Concentus Musicus Wien.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Singers v Conductors
March 25, 202655 minSeason 14 · Episode 6
How much energy do we all use in rehearsal and concert? Robert & Eamonn talk to dietician/singer Kate Powell - and also meet Instagram's 'choirconductor' Jonas Rasmussen. Music by Jean Francaix, Britten and …
Show notes
How much energy do we all use in rehearsal and concert? Robert & Eamonn talk to dietician/singer Kate Powell - and also meet Instagram's 'choirconductor' Jonas Rasmussen. Music by Jean Francaix, Britten and Benevoli.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
National Youth Choir of Scotland and memories of Berty Rice
March 10, 202653 minSeason 14 · Episode 5
Morven McIntyre introduces The National Youth Choir of Scotland with director Christopher Bell while Eamonn, Sammy and Robert remember Berty Rice. Music by James MacMillan, Thea Musgrave and Elizabeth …
Show notes
Morven McIntyre introduces The National Youth Choir of Scotland with director Christopher Bell while Eamonn, Sammy and Robert remember Berty Rice. Music by James MacMillan, Thea Musgrave and Elizabeth Poston.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The truth about False Relations (2)
February 23, 202644 minSeason 14 · Episode 4
Spem, Howells and the Tallis googly.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The truth about False Relations (1)
February 10, 202641 minSeason 14 · Episode 3
Editor and singer Sally Dunkley joins Robert and Eamonn to understand why composers enjoy 'false relations', the major and minor chord at the same time. Music by Tallis, Shepherd, Byrd, Monteverdi with The …
Show notes
Editor and singer Sally Dunkley joins Robert and Eamonn to understand why composers enjoy 'false relations', the major and minor chord at the same time. Music by Tallis, Shepherd, Byrd, Monteverdi with The Sixteen, The Cardinall's Musick, Gesualdo Six, I Fagiolini, Apollo 5 and more.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Clare Stevens - Choral Music journalist
January 26, 20261 h 3 minSeason 14 · Episode 2
Has anyone actually been to more choral concerts than Clare Stevens? Meet a music journalist who was denied the sort of access many of us took for granted because of the Troubles in 1970s Belfast but has been …
Show notes
Has anyone actually been to more choral concerts than Clare Stevens? Meet a music journalist who was denied the sort of access many of us took for granted because of the Troubles in 1970s Belfast but has been making up for it ever since.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From Persian lands afar
January 13, 202656 minSeason 14 · Episode 1
Rev Dr Jonathan Arnold takes Eamonn and Robert through the different celebrations this midwinter time, with music by the late Andrew Carter, Orlandus Lassus, J.S.Bach and Joanna Marsh. Support this show …
Show notes
Rev Dr Jonathan Arnold takes Eamonn and Robert through the different celebrations this midwinter time, with music by the late Andrew Carter, Orlandus Lassus, J.S.Bach and Joanna Marsh.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Christmas Episode
December 8, 202557 minSeason 12 · Episode 7
Eamonn, Robert and Sammy (Nicholas...) with some festive choral chat, Christmas mishaps remembered and fabulous music by Errollyn Wallen, Howells and Giovanni Gabrieli.Support this show …
Show notes
Eamonn, Robert and Sammy (Nicholas...) with some festive choral chat, Christmas mishaps remembered and fabulous music by Errollyn Wallen, Howells and Giovanni Gabrieli.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s beginning to feel…
November 24, 202546 minSeason 12 · Episode 6
Robert and Eamonn get chatty, and hear from soprano Rebecca Lea (once they've worked out which one) about a new album of Winter Songs.MUSIC LINKSJamie W. Hall - Dust of Snow / Rebecca Lea / Caroline …
Show notes
Robert and Eamonn get chatty, and hear from soprano Rebecca Lea (once they've worked out which one) about a new album of Winter Songs.

MUSIC LINKS

Jamie W. Hall - Dust of Snow / Rebecca Lea / Caroline Jaya-Ratnam; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/4oYvoOT

Richard Rodney Bennett - A Good-Night / Gabrieli Consort / Paul McCreesh; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/4rmFHxQ

The Nineteenth Night of December - Sun Keting / Rebecca Lea / Caroline Jaya-Ratnam; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/49vzU2m

David McGregor - Ariadne / Rebecca Lea / Caroline Jaya-Ratnam; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/49CmIca

Cheryl Frances-Hoad - The Core of Time / Rebecca Lea / Caroline Jaya-Ratnam; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/4oUPlpr
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our Man in Oz - Part 2
November 11, 20251 h 1 minSeason 12 · Episode 5
A follow-up dispatch from Eamonn’s sojourn to Sydney, Australia. He chats to ex-pat Amy Moore, Co-Artistic Director of The Song Company, along with members of their Developing Artist Programme (includes a good …
Show notes
A follow-up dispatch from Eamonn’s sojourn to Sydney, Australia. He chats to ex-pat Amy Moore, Co-Artistic Director of The Song Company, along with members of their Developing Artist Programme (includes a good James Bowman story...). Music by Grieg, Guerrero and Bernard Hughes.

MUSIC LINKS

Monteverdi - Volgea l'anima mia / La Venexiana / Claudio Cavina; Listen on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/5UrdSHZvhMRkuDGqi0q5y5?si=d09e867cc16842a9

Grieg - Foraarsregn / Sigmund Hjelset / Per Vollestad; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/4oVWjtW

Bernard Hughes - Perhaps / The Epiphoni Consort / Tim Reader; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/4hSHeal

Guerrero - Ave Virgo sanctissima / The Marian Consort / Rory McCleery; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/3JMTDjB
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Breakfast Show
October 27, 202553 minSeason 12 · Episode 4
Eamonn, Robert and Sammy meet 'earlier than they'd like it, sir' to enjoy Sansara singing Pärt, a hugely fun piece by Robert Heppener and some Bach.MUSIC LINKSArvo Pärt - Stabat Mater / SANSARA / Fretwork / Tom …
Show notes
Eamonn, Robert and Sammy meet 'earlier than they'd like it, sir' to enjoy Sansara singing Pärt, a hugely fun piece by Robert Heppener and some Bach.

MUSIC LINKS

Arvo Pärt - Stabat Mater / SANSARA / Fretwork / Tom Herring; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/49h8UDy

Robert Heppener - Del iubilo del core che esce in voce / Netherlands Chamber Choir

JS Bach - Der Gerechte kommt um, BWV deest / English Baroque Soloists / John Eliot Gardiner / Monteverdi Choir; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/3JcskPr
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Introducing Susannah Cibber
October 13, 202545 minSeason 12 · Episode 3
Dr Anita Datta talks to Professor Elaine McGirr about one of Handel's favourite singers, Susannah Maria Cibber... and an extra Patreon-only bit with Roderick and Robert.MUSIC LINKSHandel - Acis and Galatea …
Show notes
Dr Anita Datta talks to Professor Elaine McGirr about one of Handel's favourite singers, Susannah Maria Cibber... and an extra Patreon-only bit with Roderick and Robert.

MUSIC LINKS

Handel - Acis and Galatea : Act II "The flocks shall leave the mountains" / Les Arts Florissants / William Christie; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/46PP3db

Handel - Messiah : "He Was Despised" / Dunedin Consort / John Butt / Clare Wilkinson; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/48K080P

Thomas Arne - Rosamunde : "Rise, Glory, Rise" / Academy of Ancient Music / Christopher Hogwood / Dame Emma Kirkby - Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/3VYuODQ
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From Texas to Scotland
September 29, 20251 h 5 minSeason 12 · Episode 2
Ahead of The Cumnock Tryst, Eamonn is joined by Sir James MacMillan and Taylor Scott Davis to talk composition and community choirs. MUSIC LINKSTaylor Scott Davis - Magnificat anima mea / VOCES8, Barnaby Smith …
Show notes
Ahead of The Cumnock Tryst, Eamonn is joined by Sir James MacMillan and Taylor Scott Davis to talk composition and community choirs.

MUSIC LINKS

Taylor Scott Davis - Magnificat anima mea / VOCES8, Barnaby Smith; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/4nrSVab

Stephen Paulus - The Road Home / Conspirare, Craig Hella Johnson; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/4mGAuNF

Alfred Schnittke - Concerto for Choir: IV. Complete this Work Which I Began in Hope and with Your Name / USSR Ministry of Culture Chamber Choir, Valery Polyansky; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/42CKdNZ

James MacMillan - When You See the Millions of the Mouthless Dead / The Elysian Singers, Sam Laughton; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/46qlmPA

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Robert's Big Adventure
September 15, 202550 minSeason 12 · Episode 1
Autumn season! Robert and I Fagiolini are busy in Scotland with Purcell, Monteverdi and their first 40th anniversary outing. How do you put together three shows at the same time? Contributors: Nicholas Mulroy …
Show notes
Autumn season! Robert and I Fagiolini are busy in Scotland with Purcell, Monteverdi and their first 40th anniversary outing. How do you put together three shows at the same time? Contributors: Nicholas Mulroy, Martha McLorinan, Julia Doyle/Donk and plenty more.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Young Ones (and Old Ones)
July 21, 20251 h 9 minSeason 11 · Episode 6
Robert and Eamonn talk New Zealand Youth Choir, Genesis 16, Emma Warren and more. Watch NZ Youth Choir at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddffod on YouTube …
Show notes
Robert and Eamonn talk New Zealand Youth Choir, Genesis 16, Emma Warren and more. Watch NZ Youth Choir at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddffod on YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGSCJPlAIjE
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Eamonn in Oz
July 7, 202550 minSeason 11 · Episode 5
Eamonn has been working in Sydney, Australia and managed to grab a chat with Brett Weymark and Elizabeth Scott of Sydney Philharmonia Choirs.MUSIC LINKSRoss Edwards - Mountain Chant II - Crooked Mountains / …
Show notes
Eamonn has been working in Sydney, Australia and managed to grab a chat with Brett Weymark and Elizabeth Scott of Sydney Philharmonia Choirs.

MUSIC LINKS

Ross Edwards - Mountain Chant II - Crooked Mountains / University of New Hampshire Chamber Singers, William Kempster

Ralph Vaughan Williams -"A Sea Symphony" / London Synphony Orchestra and Chorus, Richard Hickox; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/3IgMUgE

Luke Byrne - Desert Sea / Gondwana Chorale, Carl Crossan
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Charles MacDougall - VOCES8 at 20, and not ‘just Ken’!
June 23, 20251 h 2 minSeason 11 · Episode 4
Charles meets Adam Hilton and talks VOCES8 early days, being Ken and more - with contributions from colleagues Rachel Parkes, Barney Smith and Emily Dickens.MUSIC LINKSOrlando Gibbons - O Clap Your Hands / …
Show notes
Charles meets Adam Hilton and talks VOCES8 early days, being Ken and more - with contributions from colleagues Rachel Parkes, Barney Smith and Emily Dickens.

MUSIC LINKS

Orlando Gibbons - O Clap Your Hands / VOCES8; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/4498T0b

Edward Elgar - The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. 1 'Proficiscere, anima Christiana' / Gabrieli Consort & Players / Paul McCreesh / Andrew Foster-Williams; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/44t02b8
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Voice Doctor
June 9, 202552 minSeason 11 · Episode 3
Sammy & Robert talk to Declan Costello, Consultant Laryngologist, and all-round good egg. "Vocal injuries can happen to the people with the very best techniques..."This episode is sponsored by CHORALLY - to …
Show notes
Sammy & Robert talk to Declan Costello, Consultant Laryngologist, and all-round good egg. "Vocal injuries can happen to the people with the very best techniques..."

This episode is sponsored by CHORALLY - to find out more visit www.chorally.co

MUSIC LINKS

Hoyt Curtin, Joseph Barbera & William Hanna arr. Jacob Collier - Flintstones; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/4kXnQJH

Joby Talbot - Path of Miracles: Leon / Tenebrae / Nigel Short; Listen on Apple Music -https://apple.co/45K3Khw

Judith Bingham - The Drowned Lovers / Tenebrae / Martha McLorinan / Nigel Short; Listen on Apple Music - https://apple.co/3HxB0P4
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A mighty rushing wind
May 27, 202559 minSeason 11 · Episode 2
Robert talks us through a new project being put together, this one - for a recording - involving programming, fundraising, rehearsing, a lot of travelling and a collaboration with I Fagiolini and Bristol …
Show notes
Robert talks us through a new project being put together, this one - for a recording - involving programming, fundraising, rehearsing, a lot of travelling and a collaboration with I Fagiolini and Bristol University Singers. Lots of guests and music excerpts.

MUSIC LINKS
To find our more about I Fagiolini's Benevoli project check out: www.ifagiolini.com/benevoli
To support the final recording in the series, please visit: www.fundrazr.com/ifagiolini
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Compilation Episode
May 12, 202547 minSeason 11 · Episode 1
As the podcast hits its 5-year anniversary, Robert, Eamonn and Sammy choose a few favourite bits from the 80 episodes. Insight, a few laughs and why 'your inner chihuahua' matters in singing. Also chickens …
Show notes
As the podcast hits its 5-year anniversary, Robert, Eamonn and Sammy choose a few favourite bits from the 80 episodes. Insight, a few laughs and why 'your inner chihuahua' matters in singing. Also chickens, cornetto jokes and theosophy, obviously.
Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/choral-chihuahua.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

These are the latest 40 of 110 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.

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