creation podcasts: newsnight

Classic Newsnight Podcast 26-10-07

Classic FM — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:57:00 +0100

The latest edition of the podcast has the usual suspects: resident bookworm, Chris Powling, with three superb books for us to enjoy; alongside the Classic FM doctor, Rob Hicks, who’ll be telling us how our genes influence the types of food we reach for – which means I must have the cream bun gene! As well as that, we’ll meet the best-travelled busker in the world: violinist David Juritz.Find out which are the most generous, as well as the meanest, cities he visited.

File Download (9:18 min / 9 MB)

Classic Newsnight Podcast 19-10-07

Classic FM — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:08:54 +0100

In this edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast, the tenor, James Gilchrist, talks about his acclaimed recording of “On Wenlock Edge”, by Vaughan Williams; Classic FM’s resident bookworm, Chris Powling, recommends three thrillers for us to enjoy; And the Classic FM doctor, Rob Hicks, tells us why we should all be eating a lot more garlic.

File Download (10:55 min / 10 MB)

Classic Newsnight Podcast 12-10-07

Classic FM — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 17:45:38 +0100

In this week’s podcast, we learn about the so-called “silver surfers”, the over fifties who are becoming increasingly voracious consumers of everything the internet has to offer. Doctor Rob Hicks tells us about World Arthritis Day; Chris Powling choses three children’s books for us to enjoy; and Bob Jones heads to Exmoor, to preview this year’s Two Moors Festival.

File Download (12:52 min / 12 MB)

Classic Newsnight Podcast 28th September

Classic FM — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:48:00 +0100

Classic FM's resident GP, Rob Hicks, opens this edition of the podcast. Yes, the days are getting shorter and it's turning decidedly autumnal, so any day now, we can expect to be hear commercials for flu jabs. But Dr. Rob tells us researchers in the US have conducted a study which casts doubt on the benefits of immunising older people against the disease.
After that, we turn our attention to books with Chris Powling, who's been furiously reading paperbacks in order to choose three unmissable ones for us to enjoy. Then, it's violins all the way: Madeleine Mitchell tells us about the Red Violin festival, which is an annual fixture in South Wales, while the young Scottish soloist, Nicola Benedetti, discusses her new recording of The Lark Ascending, by Vaughan Williams.

File Download (11:15 min / 10 MB)

Newsnight Podcast 21- 09 - 07

Classic FM — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:59:24 +0100

In this week’s podcast, we find out how the Conferation of British Industry has picked itself a fight with family doctors – Classic FM’s resident GP, Rob Hicks will explain all; Germaine Greer will tell us about her new biography of Anne Hathaway, entitled “Shakespeare’s Wife”; Classic Nesnight’s roving reporter, Bob Jones, updates us on the work of “Live Music Now”; and Felicity Lott discusses her love of French song.

File Download (14:00 min / 13 MB)

Classic Newsnight Podcast 07-09-07

Classic FM — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:31:58 +0100

This week, John Brunning speaks to the author Conn Iggulden about his latest creation: “The Dangerous Book For Boys Yearbook”. Classic FM’s resident GP, Rob Hicks, gives us his opinion on research linking antiperspirants to breast cancer; and we discover how classical music is helping children undergoing investigation for neurological disorders at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.

File Download (14:26 min / 13 MB)

Classic Newsnight Podcast 24th August

Classic FM — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:15:00 +0100

In this edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast, Sir Andrew Davis recounts some of his most treasured moments conducting the music of Elgar; we meet identical singing twins from Canada, RyanDan, who not only look alike, but sound pretty similar too; and Bob Jones reports on some extraordinary musical manoeuvres involving one time pop idol Chesney Hawkes, a dozen posh cars and the London Symphony Orchestra. Hard to resist clicking “download”, isn’t it?

File Download (9:29 min / 5 MB)

Classic Newsnight Podcast 17th August 2007

Classic FM — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:36:00 +0100

In this edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast, we meet the American thriller writer, David Baldacci, whose fifteenth novel is doing very brisk. Classic FM’s resident GP, Rob Hicks, tells us why a person’s body mass index is now reckoned to be a less reliable indicator of future health problems than previously thought. And we hear from the tenor, Ian Bostridge, about his critically-acclaimed album of Handel arias.

File Download (12:02 min / 11 MB)

Classic Newsnight Podcast 10th August 2007

Classic FM — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:20:00 +0100

Welcome to the latest edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast. You might be surprised to learn that it contains an exclusive interview with Mike Oldfield – he of Tubular Bells fame. What’s he got to do with classical music? The answer is just a click away. Less surprising, but equally interesting, is a preview of the Edinburgh International Festival. Classic FM’s resident GP, Rob Hicks, takes a look at the latest thinking on the link between excessive sunbathing and skin cancer. And if you’ve ever lain awake at night, wondering how the sound of a Harley Davidson motorcycle could be imitated by an electric violin, wonder no more: we ride off into the sunset with Maxim Vengerov.

File Download (13:23 min / 12 MB)

Classic Newsnight Podcast 3rd August 2007

Classic FM — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 13:58:00 +0100

Welcome to the new edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast. And if you enjoy a tipple, I’m afraid our first item is likely to dampen your spirits – pardon the pun! Doctor Rob Hicks will be explaining how even a small amount of alcohol raises the risk of bowel cancer. Then we meet Francesco Corti – the newly-appointed Music Director of Scottish National Opera. David Suchet tells us about the new play he’s starring in: it’s called “The Last Confession”, and the action takes place in The Vatican. And finally, Jude Kelly drops by to tell us about her new production of the musical “Carmen Jones”, which is based on Bizet’s opera.

File Download (12:27 min / 11 MB)

Newsnight Podcast Friday 27th July 2007

Classic FM — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 16:43:58 +0100

This week, Doctor Rob Hicks will be telling us about a new initiative designed to make fixing an appointment with our GP easier: easier, that is, so long as you have access to the internet and aren’t suffering from technophobia! Chloe Hanslip will be singing Bryn Terfel’s praises – no, it’s not a role reversal, it’s just that the baritone has leant the yound fiddler’s career a helping hand recently. What’s more, Chloe has a potential investment to tempt you – but be warned, it’s for the very well-heeled only! You’ll also find our regular books man, Chris Powling, with his choice from the world of literature. And all of the above is just a click away….

File Download (11:04 min / 10 MB)

Classic Newsnight Podcast 13-07-07

Classic FM — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:21:43 +0100

Welcome to another scintillating edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast. All right then, let’s cut the hyperbole and tell you what’s in it. The fifth Mostly Mozart Festival has just got underway at the Barbican in London, and Bob Jones has been investigating a project in which Mozart’s music is used as the starting point for improvisation. We have our regular weekly check-up with the Classic FM doctor, Rob Hicks; and we meet the Welsh soprano, Elin Manahan Thomas, whose debut CD has just hit the shops. And speaking of Wales, one of Chris Powling’s book choices this week involves a Welsh author he tells me writes like a dream. So stop dreaming and start clicking!

File Download (16:48 min / 15 MB)

Classic Newsnight Podcast

Classic FM — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:27:21 +0100

This week, we investigate whether family doctors are guilty of wasting their patients' time by indulging in idle chit chat – according to researchers in the US, it's a real problem. As England becomes the latest country to ban smoking in public places, Classic FM's roving reporter, Tracey Spurrier, travels to Ireland, to see how the three-year-old ban on smoking there is working out. Bob Jones tells us about a unique musical composition based on the sound of sampled church bells, and last, but not least, Classic FM's resident bookworm, Chris Powling, has his regular weekly reading recommendations for us.

File Download (13:32 min / 12 MB)

Classic Newsnight Podcast

Classic FM — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 19:14:37 +0100

Welcome to the latest edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast. If you missed something on the programme earlier in the week, this is your chance to catch up. Bob Jones takes a look at an interactive project called “Voicelab”; we learn how coffee can help sufferers of a rare eye condition, from our resident doctor, Rob Hicks; the Music Director of Crouch End Festival Chorus explains why they're doing choral arrangements of songs by the Beach Boys; and we get some good advice on recent reading matter with Classic FM's resident bookworm, Chris Powling.

File Download (13:23 min / 12 MB)

Classic Newsnight Podcast 9th February 2007

Classic FM — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 15:23:50 +0000

Welcome to the Classic Newsnight podcast. This time, we’re investigating how the classical music industry is responding to the opportunities and challenges presented by the computer. Our resident doctor, Chris Powling, explains how, for teeneagers, the fear of going blind could be a more powerful deterrent to smoking than all the other dangers put together. We find out about a new competition with a prize that’s truly out of this world: a trip into space, and we learn about the latest attempt to make opera more accesible – it’s called “Arias on Ice”!

File Download (14:18 min / 13 MB)

Classic Newsnight Podcast 2nd February 2007

Classic FM — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:29:10 +0000

Welcome to the new edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast. This week – and I kid you not – we meet the tenor who's twice been voted Iceland's sexiest man; we also find out why China is tipped to be the driving force in classical music in the twenty first century; Doctor Rob Hicks warns us once again about the dangers of using sunbeds; and our resident bookworm, Chris Powling, recommends three titles for our delectation.

File Download (10:43 min / 10 MB)

Classic Newsnight Podcast 26th January 2007

Classic FM — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 16:40:45 +0000

Welcome to the Classic Newsnight podcast; and amazingly, it’s our last one of January!
This week, Doctor Rob Hicks explains how owning a dog can improve your health; we hear from the German pianist who’s just made a recording on the very piano Franz Liszt owned and played at his home in Bayreuth; and we meet the author, Conn Iggulden, who’s recently achieved a first in the history of UK book selling – topping both the fiction and non-fiction hardback bestsellers chart simultaneously. Listen now!

File Download (17:59 min / 17 MB)

Newsnight Podcast 19th January 2007

Classic FM — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:04:25 +0000

In this week’s podcast, our resident bookworm, Chris Powling, waxes lyrical about a recipe book for opera lovers; the FT’s Economics Reporter, Jamie Chisholm, explains why reports on the death of inflation appear to have been premature; Doctor Rob Hicks discusses yet another fortuitously discovered benefit for taking aspirin; and Classic Newsnight’s roving reporter, Bob Jones, meets the Education Secretary, Alan Johnson, to talk about the Government’s ten million pound boost for singing. I hope you enjoy listening.

File Download (12:44 min / 12 MB)

Newsnight Podcast 12th January 2007

Classic FM — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:44:00 +0000

This week, our podcast answers the searing questions: should you stop having milk in your tea? Believe it or not, that’s one for the Classic FM doctor, Rob Hicks. We also ask the FT’s Economics Correspondent why all bar one of the so-called experts in the City failed to predict the latest rise in interest rates. Add to that a bunch of paperbacks, as recommended by our resident bookworm, Chris Powling, and a chat with the distinguished accompanist, Julius Drake, and you have an online listen not to be missed.

File Download (17:47 min / 16 MB)

Newsnight Podcast for 5th January 2007

Classic FM — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 10:56:53 +0000

We've lined up something extra special for the first podcast of 2007. For starters, there's a chance to win a copy of pianist Stephen Hough's critically acclaimed CD, “The Spanish Album”. But if that doesn't thrill you, our resident bookworm, Chris Powling, has something that will: Chris has chosen four thrillers to get the new year off to a flying start. There's some good news from Classic FM's resident doctor, Rob Hicks, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure and feel you have to deny yourself the odd glass of wine or beer. And we meet the conductor, Stephen Layton, who, together with Polyphony and the Britten Sinfonia, has just released a second album of choral music by the American composer, Morten Lauridsen. I bet you can't resist clicking on that download button, can you?

File Download (16:33 min / 15 MB)

Newsnight Podcast for 22nd December 2006

Classic FM — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 21:20:20 +0000

Welcome to the final Classic Newsnight podcast of 2006. And please forgive me for mentioning exercise at this time of year, but whether we like it or not, researchers keep finding new reasons why we should al become more active, and our resident doctor, Rob Hicks, is about to add his ten penneth.
If you have a book token burning a hole in your pocket, you'll need some advice on what to buy with it, and who better to ask than Classic FM's resident literary aficionado, Chris Powling? And if opera is your thing, you might like to invest in a copy of Caroline Leach's pictorial history of Welsh National Opera: Caroline will be telling us about the first sixty years of this now internationally acclaimed company.
And finally, as those irritating TV news-reading types are wont to say, Classic FM's resident composer, Patrick Hawes, tells us about his latest piece: Stargazer. All of which, in my opinion, adds up to a great listen; but as always, you must be the judge of that. I hope you enjoy it.

File Download (13:04 min / 12 MB)

Newsnight Podcast for 15th December 2006

Classic FM — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 19:04:52 +0000

Welcome to the latest edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast.
We have our regular contributors lined up and ready to share their wisdom, in the case of the Classic FM doctor, Rob Hicks, and enthusiasm, as personified by our resident bookworm, Chris Powling – sorry Chris, you're wise too, of course!
We also talk recorded music with one of the founding editors of the Penguin Guide to CDs and DVDs, Ivan March. And perhaps most remarkably, Classic FM's Nick Bailey is given a tutorial in downloading music by his colleague in news, Paul Osbourne. Can't wait to hear that? Well there's no need. Let's listen together…

File Download (15:05 min / 14 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 27

Classic FM — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 16:46:00 +0000

Welcome to the latest edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast.
This week, as well as hearing from our regular contributors – Classic FM's resident bookworm, Chris Powling, and Dr Rob Hicks – we'll also feature the artist who, for my money at least, is the greatest guitarist England has ever produced. Before he retired from live performance at the age of seventy, Julian Bream enjoyed a career spanning fifty-five years on the concert platform.
On the news front, it's been a particularly good week for NASA, with news that they may have discovered evidence of water on the surface of Mars, as well as the revelation that they're planning to return to the moon and build a permanent base there. So let's boldly click where – and etcetera etcetera (I know, we just can't get the staff though!)

File Download (16:10 min / 15 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 26

Classic FM — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 16:24:49 +0000

Surely the weeks are going by twice as fast as normal aren't they? I can't believe we're into December, with all that entails. It'll be – you know what – before we know it! The only sensible course of action, I feel, is to immerse ourselves in some interesting and thought-provoking material. To be honest, I don't know where one would begin to look for that, so I hope you'll accept the latest edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast, by way of a humble substitution.
To save my wrists from Repetitive Strain Injury, I'll talk you through the new edition if you would be so kind as to click the appropriate button.

File Download (14:51 min / 14 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 25

Classic FM — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 17:43:36 +0000

Welcome to the silver anniversary edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast. Now you might be labouring under the misapprehension that we just throw this together at the end of a busy week, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, an editorial decision was taken at an early stage to present the podcast in the manner of an old-fashioned Christmas annual – a sort of stick in your thumb and pull out a plumb affair. So with that in mind, take the plunge and go aural fishing.

File Download (13:07 min / 12 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 24

Classic FM — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 16:42:19 +0000

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the Classic FM Newsnight podcast, this time presented by Anne-Marie Minhall. On this podcast you will hear from Classic FM’s composer in residence Patrick Hawes, our resident bookworm Chris Powling has his recommendations for the best books around for 5 to 8 year olds and Restaurateur, cook and food writer Prue Leith speaks about her involvement in the charity ‘Training for Life'. First though, we have a special report on the battle against DVD piracy.

File Download (15:04 min / 14 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 23

Classic FM — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 16:40:01 +0000

Welcome to the new bumper edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast – our biggest and best yet. Firstly, we meet the celebrated oboist, Nicholas Daniel, who tells us about a new piece written especially for him by John Tavener. We continue the Tavener connection thereafter, when we meet the composer's vocal muse, Patricia Rosario, who tells us about her involvement with this year's Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival. Classic FM's resident bookworm, Chris Powling, is here to recommend three books for our delectation. Then we meet the hottest opera diva of the moment, the Russian soprano, Anna Netrebko, before being joined by Dr. Rob Hicks, who has some advice about the essential questions we should all ask about any pills and potions we're taking. After Rob, we check our financial health in the light of the latest rise in interest rates with equity strategist, Henk Potts – unfortunately, he thinks we probably need to get used to the unpalatable fiscal medicine. And finally, we meet All Angels, the new teenage classical girlie group whose heavenly voices will be wafting across the Classic FM airwaves in the run up to Christmas. I hope you enjoy listening.

File Download (24:00 min / 22 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 22

Classic FM — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 16:12:00 +0000

Welcome to another edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast. This week, we find out why the Philharmonia Orchestra is casting its net across the globe in an initiative called “Groove Search”. Find out how you could win the opportunity to hear a ditty you've written recorded by one of this country's top bands! We also feature our resident bookworm, Chris Powling, who's chosen three excellent books for us to enjoy, now the nights are drawing in. Then we consult the Classic FM doctor, Rob Hicks. This week, Rob is focusing on arthritis; a disease that affects millions of people in this country alone. And finally, we meet Alan Riding, who's co-written the Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Companion to Opera. I hope you enjoy listening.

File Download (14:19 min / 13 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 21

Classic FM — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 16:23:08 +0100

Welcome to the coming of age edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast – yes, we're twenty-one this week!
We send our roving reporter, Bob Jones, to Newcastle to check out the latest production by Streetwise Opera – the company that gives homeless people the chance to stage a production at a professional level.
We have our regular consultation with Classic FM's resident GP, Rob Hicks; and the early music soprano, Emma Kirkby, drops in for a chat. Three very good reasons why you should listen on….

File Download (18:18 min / 17 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 20

Classic FM — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 16:06:03 +0100

Welcome to the latest edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast. And here's an early warning for you: the clocks go back next weekend, which is bad news if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. So we've asked Classic FM's resident GP, Rob Hicks, to explain the condition, and give us some tips on how to deal with it. Darkness is also the theme of John Rutter's latest CD with the Cambridge Singers: “Lighten our Darkness”. John tells me the repertoire is so relaxing that many people fall asleep as they listen – so don't play it while driving! We also have a brief chat with Classic FM's composer in residence, Patrick Hawes, about his latest piece, “Ave Maria”, and Classic Newsnight's roving reporter, Bob Jones, gives us a flavour of English National Ballet's production of “Alice in Wonderland”.

File Download (14:09 min / 13 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 19

Classic FM — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 10:24:21 +0100

In this edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast we meet Mark Bebbington; Mark is the first pianist to record a full recital disc at Symphony Hall in Birmingham – one of Europe's top venues. The novelist, Frederick Forsyth, joins me to talk about his latest page-turning best-seller, “The Afghan”. The Classic FM doctor, Rob Hicks, has found yet another reason why it makes sense not to put on weight. And speaking of putting on weight, it may be only October, but Christmas is coming! So we've been finding out about the toys that are expected to be flying off the shelves in the run up to the festive season.

File Download (17:56 min / 16 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 18

Classic FM — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 16:29:19 +0100

There's a distinctly operatic feel about this latest edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast. Not only will we be hearing from Jane McCullough, who's directing Lehár's The Merry Widow for Opera UK, but also from Donald Nally, Chorus Master at Welsh National Opera. And if opera goes over your head, don't worry; we'll also be meeting a lady called Pam Westwood, who's just produced a remarkable new keyboard tutor: “It's never too late to play piano”. And Pam insists we can take the title at face value – so no excuses! Classic FM's resident doctor, Rob Hicks, is also here, talking about that scourge of the winter months, the common cold.

File Download (11:52 min / 11 MB)

Newsnight Podcast #17

Classic FM — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 17:22:53 +0100

Welcome to the latest edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast.
With politics very much in the spotlight at the moment, we have included an interview with the Conservative leader, David Cameron. But if politics isn't your cup of tea, there's plenty more to tempt you; including our resident GP, Rob Hicks, on acupuncture and a chat with one of the world's top piano duos, the Pekinel Sisters.

File Download (20:17 min / 19 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 16

Classic FM — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 17:41:08 +0100

We're very health-oriented in this latest edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast. Mark Forrest will be extolling the putative benefits of belonging to a running club, ahead of the BUPA Great North Run in November. As well as that, we've got our regular check-up with the Classic FM doctor, Rob Hicks. As well as that, we have our composer in residence, Patrick Hawes, talking us through his latest piece, “My Beloved Spake” and Paul Osbourne helping us sort out our personal finances.

File Download (12:49 min / 12 MB)

Classic Newsnight podcast from Classic FM

Classic FM — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 18:30:00 +0100

John Brunning presents a round-up of features from Classic FM’s flagship news programme. We join the party at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, who celebrate their 60th birthday this week, hear from the car mechanic turned tenor Alfie Boe, and find out why training for the BUPA Great North Run isn’t as hard as you might think.

File Download (15:16 min / 14 MB)

Classic Newsnight podcast

Classic FM — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 18:30:00 +0100

Anne-Marie Minhall presents a round-up of the very best reports and features from Classic FM’s flagship speech programme – including Noel Edmonds on Deal or No Deal, details of the British operatic talent of tomorrow, and the story of a battle for London’s free newspaper market.

File Download (14:52 min / 14 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 14

Classic FM — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 15:01:15 +0100

“Hello, it's me: I'm on the train”. Sounds familiar? Of course, it's an example of the banal drivel that passes for conversation on most mobile phones. And if the content's not annoying enough, what about when the confounded things start going off in a concert or at the theatre? Well, Classic Newsnight has conducted an exclusive online survey to find out what you think, and it's yielded some interesting suggestions about what should happen to offenders. You can find out more in this, the latest edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast.

Notwithstanding the arrival of September, this week's podcast is designed to fly in the face of the seasons with a distinctly summery twist. Our in-house GP, Rob Hicks, has a back-to-school story for us, while our resident bookworm, Chris Powling, has chosen three titles, all of which evoke the feeling of warm sun on the skin. All that plus an interview with the acclaimed violinist and thoroughly nice bloke, Anthony Marwood, adds up to a tantalising listen. I hope you enjoy it.

File Download (16:11 min / 15 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 13

Classic FM — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 19:22:12 +0100

Hello and welcome to another Newsnight Podcast from Classic FM.
This time John Brunning is here with a wealth of the best bits from this week’s newsnight programmes. We talk to John Suchet about his love of Beethoven, we clear up the frankly confusing new post charging system from the Royal Mail and we reveal why cows have regional accents. All this and much much more, and be sure to check back next week for the next Classic FM Newsnight Podcast. Happy Listening!

File Download (15:51 min / 15 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 12

Classic FM — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 17:07:17 +0100

Hello and welcome to another Classic Newsnight podcast, presented by John Brunning. We’ve some good news for asthma sufferers, from the Classic FM doctor, Rob Hicks; our roving reporter, Bob Jones, investigates the growing competition among European cities to offer the best concert facilities; and the cellist, Julian Lloyd Webber, tells us why he’s turned to the song repertoire to find inspiration for his latest album. All that, plus an interview with the former head of MI5, Stella Rimington.

File Download (14:57 min / 14 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 11

Classic FM — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 15:34:09 +0100

Hello and welcome to another Classic FM Newsnight Podcast, this week, presented by Paul Osbourne.
The Headlines this week have been dominated by the alleged plot to blow up transatlantic flights from the UK to the United States. In this Podcast we talk to Asghar Bukhari, from the Muslim Public Affairs Committee, about why he feels that faith leaders in some areas are at lease partly to blame for extremism in young Muslims. Also, Keith Betton of ABTA on what to do if your holiday plans have been thrown into chaos.
Away from the headlines, James McMillan tells us about his latest work Sun-Dogs, Dr Rob Hicks on post-natal depression in men and we have news on Deutsche Gramophon’s offering of concerts for download.
Thanks for downloading the Classic FM Newsnight Podcast and be sure to tune in to the main programme every weekday evening at six thirty on Classic FM.

File Download (12:43 min / 12 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 10

Classic FM — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 17:09:33 +0100

Welcome to the latest edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast.
The Classic FM doctor, Rob Hicks, will be telling us why he still advocates nicotine replacement therapy for smokers who want to quit; notwithstanding a new study suggesting it may be less effective than previously thought.
We’ll find out how new technology is enabling the musical genius of Rachmaninov to be brought back to life sixty-three years after his death. And if you’ve ever seen yourself as a budding bard, we’ll tell you how you could win yourself a handsome cash prize by writing poetry. Listen on….

File Download (14:21 min / 13 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 9

Classic FM — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 16:15:44 +0100

So you’re bored rigid, you’ve visited multifarious sites in search of intelligent and thought-provoking material and you’ve landed on the latest edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast. So what’s on offer?

Well, our resident GP, Rob Hicks, will tell us about the shocking level of ignorance among women about the the risk of heart disease. On a lighter note, the clarinettist, Emma Johnson, seeks to explain the durability of Mozart’s genius. I’ll also be talking to the Music Director of the Bolshoi Opera, Alexander Vedernikov, and asking him about the alleged rivalry between the Bolshoi and the Marinsky Theatre, who are also currently performing in the UK. Chris Powling will put the kibosh on our summer holiday plans by recommending three books for us to enjoy in the deckchair – as certain to make the heavens open as washing the car! And Paul Osbourne unveils the high-tech solution to a shortage of church organists: the virtual hymnal. How could you NOT listen….

File Download (16:12 min / 15 MB)

Newsnight Podcast #8

Classic FM — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 17:58:37 +0100

Welcome to the latest edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast; your chance to catch up on anything you may have missed during the week.
We’ll be hearing from the Russian conductor, Valery Gergiev, who’s in the UK, celebrating works for the theatre by Shostakovich; the young American violinist, Hilary Hahn, tells us about her musical heroes; and Classic FM’s resident GP, Rob Hicks, tells us how to keep our cool when temperatures soar.

File Download (12:27 min / 11 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 7

Classic FM — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 15:31:56 +0100

Welcome to the latest Classic FM Newsnight Podcast with John Brunning.
We trust you’ll be as excited as we are to know that this is the first Newsnight podcast to contain blue blood. “Why?” you ask, well because we are talking to Prince Andrew, The Earl of Wessex about his experience of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
In addition we catch up with flautist Emmanuel Pahud and we have a fascinating chat with Tertia Sefton-Green, the librettist from ‘Hear our Voice’ – a piece of musical theatre which gives a voice to the words of children who’s voices were silenced – children of the Holocaust.
Thanks for choosing the Classic FM Newsnight Podcast.

File Download (14:13 min / 13 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 6

Classic FM — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 10:07:00 +0100

Welcome to the next edition of the Classic FM Newsnight Podcast, presented this week by Anne-Marie Minhall.
Friday 7th July 2006 marked the one-year anniversary of the London bombings, in this Podcast Classic Newsnight reports on how the UK marked the day.
Also, you may never of heard of them but they have had a hand in every music recording you have ever heard – we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Music Publishers Association with a special report. Plus our resident GP tells us about the benefits of the hot weather.
Thanks for downloading and be sure to check back for the next newsnight podcast on Friday 14th July.

File Download (16:20 min / 15 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 5

Classic FM — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 16:53:05 +0100

Here’s the latest edition of the Classic Newsnight podcast; lovingly crafted to provide you with an online experience you’ll want to download and treasure.
Seriously though, we’ve got some gems for you to enjoy this time around. As well as regular contributors, like the Classic FM doctor, Rob Hicks, and our resident bookworm, Chris Powling, we hear from two of the world’s top violinists. Sarah Chang tells us why the Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 is in her all time top three, while Tasmin Little talks about her passion for the music of Delius. We’ve also got the last of Bob Jones’s four reports on the Channel Five TV series, The Singing Estate. Has the conductor Ivor Setterfield succeeded in his task of turning forty novice singers from a tough housing estate into a fully-fledged choir, fit for a performance at the Royal Albert Hall? You be the judge!

File Download (17:41 min / 16 MB)

Newsnight Podcast # 4

Classic FM — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 16:17:43 +0100

This week, we’ll be finding out why the European wine lake is causing trouble for England’s vineyards; the pride of New Zealand, Hayley Westenra, will tell us why she’s singing at the World Cup; we’ll get the latest on conductor Ivor Setterfield’s attempts to turn a bunch of novice singers into a credible choir; and Robert Van Leer, the man who programmes the Mostly Mozart festival at London’s Barbican every year, reveals some of the tricks of his trade.

File Download (11:43 min / 11 MB)

Newsnight Podcast #3

Classic FM — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 17:02:32 +0100

Welcome to another Classic FM Newsnight podcast presented by John Brunning.
In this edition, we’ll take a look at a condition called ankylosing spondilitis, with Classic FM’s resident GP, Rob Hicks. It’s a disease that causes pain and loss of mobility, particularly among young men.
We’ll also be hearing from the FT’s Personal Finance guru, Rob Budden, about how first time buyers are returning to the housing market.
On the musical front, the pianist Artur Pizarro explains why Mozart is such an important aspect of his performing life, and we meet Classic FM’s newly unveiled composer in residence, Patrick Hawes.

File Download (13:49 min / 13 MB)

Newsnight Podcast #2

Classic FM — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 15:51:00 +0100

Welcome to the 2nd edition of the Classic FM Newsnight Podcast presented by John Brunning.
In this podcast, our resident GP, Dr Rob Hicks, gives us some timely advice on hayfever and how best to survive the season. Continuing the summer theme, Bob Jones gets an expert guided tour of ‘Constable – The Great Landscapes’, which is on now at Tate Britain. Then we mark the opening of the fifth Mostly Mozart Festival by talking to the director of Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi, about the genius of the young Mozart. We also take a look at a remarkable initiative called ‘The Singing Estate’, whereby residents on one of Britain’s toughest housing estates are encouraged to raise up their voices in song.

File Download (14:07 min / 13 MB)

Newsnight Podcast #1

Classic FM — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 17:30:00 +0100

Welcome to the very first Classic FM Newsnight podcast, presented by John Brunning.
On this edition you will hear John talking to Opera star Yvonne Kenny and Richard Tognetti, the leader of the acclaimed Australian Chamber Orchestra. We also have Classic Newsnight regulars Chris Powling on books and Dr Rob Hicks on Health.
Enjoy!

File Download (12:59 min / 12 MB)