Skip to content

Classical music is just so straight-laced

July 9, 2026 · 35 min

Show notes

Classical music is sometimes seen as serious, formal, and maybe even a little intimidating. But is that image fair? YolanDa is joined by London Philharmonic Orchestra violinist Alice and trombonist Tempo to uncover what really goes on behind the scenes of an orchestra.


Pirates, karaoke, beer cans, and a trombone-playing wedding guest aren't usually associated with classical music. But according to YolanDa, Alice, and Tempo, they're all part of the surprisingly un-stuffy world of orchestral life. Together, they explore why classical music is sometimes seen as formal and intimidating, and whether that reputation still holds up today. Along the way, they reveal the hidden culture of the orchestra: from inside jokes and rehearsal pranks to foot-tapping applause, improvisation, and even Rite of Spring raves. They also tackle some big questions: are classical musicians really all that different from athletes? Does concert dress make orchestras seem more exclusive than they are? And can a genre built on centuries-old music still be spontaneous and adventurous?




#PitchMeClassical

Instagram: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

TikTok: @lporchestra

Bluesky: @lporchestra

Facebook: @londonphilharmonicorchestra 

YouTube: @londonphilharmonicorchestra



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

All episodes of Pitch Me Classical

Settings

Display

Language

Decides which stations you see first on the home page.

History

Recently played stations and episodes and your latest searches are only stored in this browser.

Notifications

A short notice when a podcast you follow has a new episode. Turn off single podcasts with the bell on their page.

Account

Save favorites – in the app and on the website.

Keyboard shortcuts

/
Open search
Space
Play or pause
← →
In the player: back 15 s, forward 30 s (episodes) · in a row: next tile
↑ ↓
In a row: target within the tile
Home / End
In a row: first or last tile
Esc
Close window or menu
?
This overview
Now playing

Go to station page

Play next

    Add episodes with “Play next” – they play after the current episode.