Legendary pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy took some time with us to discuss his relationship with Rachmaninov's music, which he has been exploring with the Philharmonia Orchestra for over a year. As the series comes to a close, Maestro Ashkenazy takes us back in time to his youth in Russia where we hear about his first musical experiences and early encounters with Rachmaninov's music. He is joined by his wife, Thorunn "Dody" Ashkenazy, in this extended interview. 

Our latest podcast is a special extended edition of Backstage Pass, recorded live at Henley Festival. On the 10 July 2015 the Philharmonia Orchestra performed with Gregory Porter, Alison Balsom, Laura Mvula, Shona McGarty, Ballet Black and Ji Liu in a celebration of George Gershwin's music, led by Troy Miller and Fabio D'Andrea. Follow the musicians backstage in this episode for a glimpse of this spectacular event.

The podcast features interviews with Alison Balsom, Gregory Porter, Laura Mvula and dancers from Ballet Black as well as a host of other special guests. 

This week's Backstage Pass is a behind-the-scenes documentary about the orchestra's latest education project. We follow 300 young singers and instrumentalists as they rehearse a work inspired by the discovery of Richard III in a Leicester car park. Composed by John Webb with creative input from the students, the musicians go on to complete a fantastic world premiere performance side by side with members of the Philharmonia.

Share the experience of the group as they find their feet with this ambitious composition, The Last Plantagenet.

Earlier this year the Philharmonia Orchestra recorded tracks for Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron soundtrack from Abbey Road Studios, London. For this special edition of Backstage Pass we are happy to feature an extended interview with the film's composer Brian Tyler.

Welcome to the musical world of Tony Stark, The Hulk, Black Widow, Captain America, Thor, and many more epic Marvel superheros.

Talking bats, humanlike cats and tall hats - welcome to the world of Ravel and his opera l'Enfant et les Sortilèges. This episode we talk to world renowned soprano Barbara Hannigan about her role as the Princess, Esa-Pekka Salonen on the magic of Ravel and director Irina Brown from backstage at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall.

If that isn't enough of a glimpse backstage, you'll hear from the costume designer, assistant conductor, Philharmonia Voices and Parisian soloists.

Step beyond the stage to the edge of the ocean with a special edition of Backstage Pass. This episode takes you behind the scenes of The Blue Planet in Concert.  From David Attenborough to the Royal Festival Hall stage, discover the magic of George Fenton's music and listen to audience reactions on the night.

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.