Tea with Netty

In the latest episode, Netty returns to OAE headquarters at Acland Burghley School to chat with Chief Operating Officer Edward Shaw. From studying Botany and working in the vineyards of Burgundy to teaching English in Bordeaux, Edward shares the fascinating and unconventional path that led him to the Orchestra, bringing a unique perspective to his role as COO. Edward's role spans a wide range...

Longstanding OAE viola player Martin Kelly joins Netty for a chat. In his final year with the OAE, Martin looks back on his first encounter with Netty 53 years ago, joining the orchestra and overcoming the many trials and tribulations of life as a musician. He also shares unforgettable stories from amusing pranks to cherished memories on and off stage. Martin reflects on his travels and life in Am...

In this episode, OAE Rising Star of the Enlightenment alumna Rebecca Leggett joins Netty for a chat ahead of performing Handel’s Messiah at Lewes Town Hall with the East Sussex Bach Choir. They reminisce about their first meeting and Rebecca's remarkable ability to step in at the last minute to cover an ill soloist during the St John Passion tour with Mark Padmore. Rebecca also shares her lov...

In the latest episode, OAE Projects team members Sophie Adams and Ed Ault join Netty for a cuppa and a chat backstage at the Royal Festival Hall. They discuss life on the farm - surprisingly not so dissimilar to running an orchestra - harpsichords on the roof, airport mishaps, filming fun, unexpected duties, and more. There are plenty of laughs in this one! Sophie reflects on her upbringing on a d...

In this lively episode, conductor Adam Fischer sits down with Netty for a tea and chat during their rehearsal break of our Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5 concert. Adam reflects on the moment he first heard Haydn's symphony at six years old, which ignited his passion for conducting. He also shares his deep enthusiasm for Haydn’s music and why he champions the composer. There’s a lot of la...

In the first episode of 2026, OAE leader Margaret Faultless joins Netty for tea in our home at Acland Burghley School. Maggie reflects on her first OAE performance with Sir Simon Rattle in 1987 and her love for Haydn and Bach’s music. They also discuss her experience as leader of the Breaking Bach tour, the OAE’s dance production that connects a new generation of street dancers with the rhythmic c...

In the final episode of the year, OAE Life President Sir Martin Smith joins Netty for tea. As one of the vital forces behind the OAE's journey, Martin recounts the story of the orchestra's beginnings, sharing his earliest memories and reviewing how the OAE has evolved over the years. Together, they celebrate the profound impact the orchestra has made on the music scene and communities to...

In this episode, tenor Hugo Hymas welcomes Netty into his cosy cottage for a tea and chat. They explore how he adapts his voice when collaborating with others, the routines that help him prepare for a performance, and the vocal hero who inspires him. Former Rising Star of the Enlightenment, Hugo reflects on his lively upbringing in Cambridge, where childhood pantomimes fuelled his love for the sta...

OAE cellist Catherine Rimer, joins Netty for a chat in the latest episode. She shares many remarkable stories about her musical education and projects accomplished in several countries. Catherine talks about her journey with the OAE. She remembers the late David Watkin, principal cellist of the OAE and reflects on her early memories of hearing him perform for the first time. It's an episode p...

Glyndebourne’s executive chair Gus Christie is joined by Netty at the opera house for a cuppa and chat.  Gus guides us through the rich history of Glyndebourne Opera House, highlighting how its architectural design has evolved through the vision of many creative minds. Beyond the renowned summer festivals, Glyndebourne hosts a vibrant range of educational and community events year-round. Fascinati...

Baritone Huw Montague Rendall, who is currently starring as Count Almaviva in Glyndebourne's production of Le nozze di Figaro, joins Netty for tea in the latest episode. They chat about the world of stage performance, sharing anecdotes that cover everything from character exploration to elaborate hairstyles and the art of navigating high-heeled shoes. Huw Montague Rendall discusses the life o...

Our latest episode features OAE Co-principal Viola John Crockatt conversing with Netty in the grounds of Glyndebourne. They discuss travels, obsessions, and the three elements that complete the cycle of music. John Crockatt shares his life and interests alongside playing the viola, with his adventures in India and Jerusalem, which sparked his exploration of ethnomusicology. In this insightful conv...

Baritone Christopher Purves joins Netty for tea and a chat backstage of Glyndebourne opera house in this episode. Currently performing the title role of Saul with the OAE, Christopher shares his interests in theatre and the many discoveries he has made throughout his singing journey. Christopher explores his singing approach for his character, Saul, and shares how he began his journey in opera whi...

Flute player Neil McLaren joins Netty for a tea and chat in the latest episode. Having served as OAE’s second flute for nearly 40 years, Neil shares how he became interested in playing the baroque flute and recounts intriguing stories about his early encounters with music. He also discusses other pursuits inspired by his life experiences. Neil takes us back to his early life, before he began playi...

Soprano Anna Dennis joins Netty for tea and a chat in the latest episode. While backstage at the St Matthew Passion concert in London, Anna shared her insights on the various spectrums of music, including baroque and modern styles. She also gives us a glimpse into her love of thrifting! Anna Dennis shares her experiences of discovering the potential of her charismatic voice through others, her per...

OAE horn player Martin Lawrence joins Netty in the latest episode for tea and chats. As they dive into lively conversation, Martin sheds light on the fascinating distinctions between natural and valve horns, performance anxiety discoveries and unveils his intriguing passion for mushroom foraging. Martin Lawrence shares his musical journey, providing insight into the history of the horn. He discuss...

Mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston joins Netty for tea and a chat in the latest episode. She discusses her unique voice and the discoveries she's made through singing different repertoire as well as learning to sing backwards! Helen is a member of the first cohort of our Rising Stars of the Enlightenment alumni (2017-2019). She shares her journey in the scheme that led to the creation of the unfor...

In the first episode of 2025, conductor Dinis Sousa joins Netty for a cuppa and a chat in London before he embarks on his touring adventures. Currently Principal Conductor of the Royal Northern Sinfonia, Dinis has a fascinating journey that took him from filmmaker to pianist and finally conductor. His story is inspiring and demonstrates the rewards of pursuing your dreams. Dinis also shares his ex...

OAE violin leader Kati Debretzeni joins Netty for a cuppa and a chat while on tour. Kati tells fascinating and humorous stories from her family history to stepping into the musical universe. Come along for the ride where each stop reveals her delightful discoveries and the joy of following one's passion! Kati has been one of the OAE's leaders since 2008. With a wealth of knowledge passed...

Conductor Antonello Manacorda who conducted the OAE’s Prom this summer joins Netty for tea and a chat. This episode is a treasure trove of fascinating conversations exploring the intricate dynamic between the orchestra and the conductor, along with stories about encounters with heroic older-generation conductors and insightful findings about the art of breathing in music. Antonello, who has Italia...

OAE's beloved double bassist and current Chair of the Players' Artistic Committee Cecelia Bruggemeyer joins Netty in the latest episode. They discuss the early days of the formation of the OAE, balancing playing in various orchestras, touring and driving around.  Cecelia shares stories from her very first double bass encounter to playing professionally. With an interest in education and...

Netty is joined by harpist Joy Smith in her cosy 17th-century weaver's cottage in Essex for the latest episode. Joy, who owns 9 harps, takes us through the world of harps. They talk about all sorts of topics, including old English phrases, fun string facts, and being a regular top of the pops. Percussionist, composer, and storyteller Joy, who was the harpist in Handel's Giulio Cesare at...

Mezzo-soprano Beth Taylor joins Netty in the dressing rooms of Glyndebourne, who plays Cornelia in Handel's production of Giulio Cesare. They discuss voice production, singing in physically demanding roles, forestry, and everything in between. Born and raised in Glasgow, Beth unravels the unforeseen path that led her to the world of music and singing, and how she built a strong musical founda...

Soprano extraordinaire Louise Alder joins Netty for tea in Glyndebourne. Louise, who is currently performing as Cleopatra in Handel's Giulio Cesare, enlightens us with her family, educational and versatile singing background, her passion for musical theatre, and her multilingual talents. Louise, takes us behind the scenes of the opera Giulio Cesare. She shares her on-stage experiences and tal...

Conductor Constantin Trinks, who makes his Festival debut conducting Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte with the OAE, joins Netty for tea and a chat. He discusses his musical influences and shows a special fondness for certain composers such as Wagner, Strauss, and especially Wagner!  Constantin Trinks expresses excitement about working with a period instrument orchestra for the first time. We learn about h...