Jump into the present day as we focus on contemporary music in the latest episode of Backstage Pass. Leave Mozart and Beethoven aside for fifteen minutes, it’s all about the composers bringing their work to life today. Listen out for dancing clarinetists, jazzy riffs and unexpected collaborations.

This podcast features interviews with Unsuk Chin, Anders Hillborg and Kevin John Edusei.

Backstage Pass is the Philharmonia Orchestra’s first uniquely audio podcast. We already bring you video podcasts but this time it’s all about the audio.

We'll take you behind the scenes of the Orchestra, giving you exclusive access to the players and a glimpse of the hard work that goes on before each and every concert.

This week the podcast is dedicated to our new season launch, kicking off with Berlioz’ brilliant work – La Grande Messe des Morts.

There’ll be laughter and unexpected discoveries along the way as well as an interview with Maestro Esa-Pekka Salonen.

Sit back and listen to a different side of the Philharmonia.

 

In this audio podcast, Michael Fuller introduces his instrument - the double bass.

Composing a work for organ and orchestra is not an easy task, but celebrated Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho was up to the challenge in her new piece, Maan varjot (Earth's Shadows). Discover the collaborative process behind this new commission with this film featuring Kaija Saariaho and Esa-Pekka Salonen in conversation. Noted French organist, Olivier Latry, contributes his perspective and put the newly restored Southbank Centre organ through its paces. Come hear the Philharmonia Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen and Olivier Latry perform this new work in London on 26 June 2014, at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall: www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/480/london/royal_festival_hall/26_june_2014/salonen_conducts_sibelius. Maan varjot was co-commissioned by the Philharmonia Orchestra, Southbank Centre, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and Orchestre National de Lyon.

The composers Antonín Dvořák and his favourite pupil and son-in-law, Josef Suk, were both influenced by place and close relationships with loved ones. Travel to Prague with conductor Jakub Hrůša, a Prague resident, to uncover the stories behind Dvořák's Cello Concerto and Suk's rarely performed work, the Asrael Symphony. Part of the Bohemian Legends concert series in April & May 2014, at Royal Festival Hall and beyond, conducted by Jakub Hrůša: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/bohemian

re-rite is the Philharmonia Orchestra’s digital installation based on The Rite of Spring. Through this combination of immersive video and interactive design visitors can experience what it's like to play with a live orchestra. From conducting with Esa-Pekka Salonen to following the score note by note with each instrument - re-rite takes you inside the orchestra.

In this Listening Guide, pianist Nikolai Lugansky guides us through Beethoven's 5th Piano Concerto. Dubbed 'Emperor' by its English publisher, this was Beethoven's last piano concerto. Find out more in this film about what makes this hugely popular work special and forward-looking, complete with illustrative extracts from the work performed by Lugansky. For more information on the Philharmonia's upcoming performance of the work with Nikolai Lugansky, please visit www.philharmonia.co.uk/concerts/464/london/royal_festival_hall/9_march_2014/lugansky_performs_emperor_piano_concerto