This Thoroughly Good Classical Music Podcast episode features Romanian pianist Alexandra Dariescu who, on the 19th August releases her recording of Clara Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor (pared the Grieg Piano Concerto). She's also playing a major role in the Leeds International Piano Competition later this year giving the first Alexandra Dariescu Award for the outstanding performance of music by a female composer - Clara Schumann's concerto is one of the concerto that finalists can select for the Concerto Final. The Leeds gets underway on 11 September, with the Finals staged on 20 and 21 September. Alexandra joins Petroc Trelawny presenting the Leeds on BBC television.

The Thoroughly Good Classical Music Podcast hears from mezzo-soprano Fleur Barron in this episode, previewing her appearance at the 2024 Ryedale Festival in particular her collaboration with dancer Suleiman Suleiman and musician Hibiki Ichikawa intertwining a Japanese Kabuki play with Schubert's iconic Winterreise song cycle.

In this podcast Fleur talks about her international influences, illustrating what fuels her work - discovery - something closely aligned to Thoroughly Good's approach to classical music.

Fleur appears at Ryedale from 13th July. Spring Snow is scheduled for 16th July. Listen to the podcast for repeat performance dates in London and Europe.

https://ryedalefestival.com/event/13-spring-snow/

Organist and pianist James McVinnie is Artist in Residence at Southbank Centre in London this year. His programming like many of his recordings often juxtaposes old and new These juxtapositions can bring about a delicious kind of cognitive shift for the listener. James explored his art, his approach to performance and explains more about his fascination with the intersection between baroque and minimalism.

Recommended recording: Counterpoint, 2021 🎧https://open.spotify.com/album/1YaUdmi1BHvotzVS95uuqj?si=L10oITkmRp-uw8syTud7og