Classical Circuit Podcast Episode 5 — Composer, Broadcaster, and Writer Jack Pepper

Host Ella Lee chats with the acclaimed composer about balancing a portfolio career and on avoiding burnout

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.

One of the UK’s youngest commissioned composers, Jack Pepper also became the UK’s youngest national radio presenter when he joined Scala Radio in 2019 at the age of 19. 

As a composer, he writes classical orchestral works, music and lyrics for musical theater, and pop songs. He has composed for ensembles such as the Royal Opera House Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

In this Classical Circuit episode, Pepper discusses how he balances a portfolio career, his one week at Oxford University, and how to avoid burnout. He also offers advice for young people who are at the start of their careers or are feeling stuck, perhaps due to a lack of contacts or resources.

In 2023, Pepper devised and led a new UK music education campaign with Music For Youth, “A Thank You Note” (#ThankYourMusicTeacher), which led to two concerts at Royal Albert Hall, and saw 3,000 young people perform music written by him in tribute to his piano tutor.

Additionally, he has written for numerous national and industry publications, and is a contributor to Gramophone Magazine. His debut book (published by Templar/Bonnier books), Raising The Roof: The Colorful Characters Of Classical Music, with illustrations by Michele Bruttomesso, will be released on June 6, 2024.