Classical Circuit Podcast Episode 10 — Cellist Julian Lloyd Webber

Host Ella Lee chats with the cellist on the topic of music education, along with various issues the industry is facing at the moment

Launched this year, Ella Lee’s classical music podcast, “Classical Circuit” explores the intricacies of the classical music industry, and all that comes with working in it. Hailing from across the profession, the podcast guests discuss their careers and personal opinions.

“Classical Circuit” is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. We had a chance to talk to Ella about her inspiration behind creating this podcast in this exclusive interview.

Julian Lloyd Webber's musical life is remarkably varied. As a solo cellist, he has performed with many of the world’s finest orchestras and conductors, as well as every leading symphony and chamber orchestra in the UK. His discography includes his BRIT Award-winning Elgar Cello Concerto, conducted by Yehudi Menuhin, and ‘Variations’, a collaboration between him and his brother Andrew, which has sold over a million copies. Julian has premiered more than fifty works over his career and inspired composers such as Malcolm Arnold, Joaquín Rodrigo, and Eric Whitacre to write new music for the cello. He was also the London Underground’s first official busker, and he was also the only classical musician to perform at the Closing Ceremony of the 2012 Olympics.

Julian is a leading advocate for accessible music education, and has been throughout his whole career. Founded by Julian in 2007, the In Harmony programme has introduced the power of music to more than sixty thousand school children from the least privileged parts of England. He was also Principal of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for five years, a place at which he still holds the position of Emeritus Professor.

In this episode, we dig into the topic of music education, along with various issues the industry is facing at the moment. Julian also talks about working with Yehudi Menuhin, and the injury that forced him to retire from his cello career.