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Rinse and repeat. Orchestras just play the same old stuff, right?

September 17, 2026 · 34 min

Show notes

Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Brahms... classical music's biggest names appear on concert programmes again and again. But does that mean orchestras are stuck in the past? YolanDa is joined by violinist Kate and cellist Henry to challenge one of the most common assumptions about classical music.


Together, they unpack the idea that classical music is endlessly recycling the same repertoire and ask whether that criticism really holds up. Along the way, they explore some big questions: how much new music do orchestras actually perform? Why do some pieces become classics while others disappear? Should audiences be tempted in with familiar favourites before discovering something new? And what responsibility do orchestras have to champion overlooked composers and commission the masterpieces of the future? They also reveal how a different conductor, a fresh interpretation, or simply hearing a piece live can make even the most familiar music feel completely new. 


Plus, in the quiz, Kate and Henry test their knowledge of BBC Proms history, composer-led conservation efforts, and the pieces of music they could happily hear on repeat forever.




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