Classical music has been known to have a calming effect on people for centuries. Many people turn to classical music to relax after a long day at work or to help them sleep at night. But why is classical music so calming?
Robert Emery talks to Sarah Miles for part two of their podcast episode. The English theatre and film actress who was nominated for four BAFTA's, two Golden Globes and an Oscar. Sarah talks about her biological connection with the British Royal family, finishing RADA and going straight into the West-End where Sir John Gielgud famously said "Did you know you have a bottom just like a boy? Two poached eggs in a handkerchief."
Robert Emery talks to Fred and Richard Fairbrass, the brothers better know as Right Said Fred. They talks about selling 30 million albums, how they dealt with their massive success, their struggle with depression, and how on occasion, they like to live life to the max; including buying a fridge so big it wouldn't fit inside the house!
Robert Emery talks to Jim Mellon, a billionaire entrepreneur-investor-philanthropist. Often in the top 10% of the Sunday Times Rich List, Jim is a visionary entrepreneur with a flair for identifying emerging global trends.
Preparing for a concert is a bit like preparing for a job interview; with the exception that you face a panel of 80 or so players, staring and waiting to decide in the first five minutes of a rehearsal if you're the worst candidate in history or not. That first three-hundred seconds can make or break you, regardless if you have a baton in your hand or just a good old CV - and as anyone who has been successful in an interview knows, it's all in the preparation. So how does this conductor prepare for those three-hundred seconds?
Robert Emery talks to John Rutter, composer and conductor best known for his choral compositions, including many Christmas carols and anthem. John talks about his process of composing, the commission to write an anthem for the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, and how tragedy stuck in 2001 with his son being killed in a road accident. He of course also answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; Composing or Conducting?
Robert Emery talks to Jodie Prenger, actress and singer best known for winning the ‘I’d Do Anything’ TV programme in 2008, giving her the opportunity to play Nancy in the West End revival of ‘Oliver!’ at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Jodie talks about her work on stage, and the influence the National Theatre had on her. She of course also answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; Oliver or Annie?
There is a higher chance of Elton John turning straight than you not salivating at the wonder of LeCrans Hotel & Spa. To be honest, I'd never heard of LeCrans Montana; two hours from Geneva. The Valais is a region of this beautiful country that is not particularly familiar to me. But after using my trusty friend Mr Google, I thought I should investigate to see how many of these spectacular images were photoshopped. It turns out none.
Robert Emery talks to David Miller, American Tenor who is a member of the successful classical crossover group Il Divo, who has sold over 28 million copies worldwide. David talks about the challenges of being on tour, recording albums and how he believes that living 'in the now' is the biggest factor of his success and happiness.
It's Q&A time! I run this fun little escapade on my Facebook page, and I’ve decided to port some of the fabulous questions into this blog post. I’ll endeavour to keep it updated as and when I’m not painting my nails.
Robert Emery talks to Cassidy Janson, actress and now singer/songwriter best known for playing the lead in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and joining Beverley Knight and Amber Riley to form the trio; The Leading Ladies. Cassidy talks about the challenges of being a musical theatre actress, the struggle to record her debut album, and what it's like to be a standby Elphaba in London's West End. And of course, she answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; Kate Monster or Lucy the Slut?
Hate is a strong word. I try to use it sparingly; cold-callers saying I've been involved in an accident when I haven't, people who sniff and don't use a tissue, computer viruses, and kumquats are all things I hate. Dubstep and Death Metal music I dislike, but can't say I have the passion of hatred for them. It consequently amazes me the number of people who say they hate classical music. Here and now I'm going to give you proof that classical music defamers unknowingly like the genre. There are five pieces that even the classical-haters secretly love, so if you ever meet said person, you can shove this article in their face and sing as loudly as possible DA DA DA DUUUUUUMMMMMMMM!
I thought it was time to change that, so here are three incredible composers you’ve never heard of - until now.
Robert Emery talks to Peter Polycarpou, British stage, TV and film actor best known playing Chris Theodopolopodous in the hit TV series 'Birds Of A Feather'. Peter talks about his approach to work, tells some incredible stories on what happens behind the scenes in the world of theatre, and answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; Les Mis or Miss Saigon?
Some people are Philatelists and put stamps in a pretty little book instead of using them to send things. Others are Oenophiles and have bottles of wine to look at instead of drink. Sadly there isn't yet a name for my collection, so I'm going to call myself an Audioheadphoneologist; yes, I collect headphones.
In this special episode of the 'Backstage with Robert Emery' podcast, RDCE discusses if the genre of classical music is alive and kicking, or if it's as dead as the press would like you to believe.
Preparing for a concert is a bit like preparing for a job interview; with the exception that you face a panel of 80 or so players, staring and waiting to decide in the first five minutes of a rehearsal if you're the worst candidate in history or not. That first three-hundred seconds can make or break you, regardless if you have a baton in your hand or just a good old CV - and as anyone who has been successful in an interview knows, it's all in the preparation. So how does this conductor prepare for those three-hundred seconds?
Robert Emery talks to Jumoké Fashola, the broadcaster, journalist, vocalist and live literature curator. Jumoké talks about how she began in TV and radio, her love of music from Gershwin to Gospel and Handel to Hamilton, and how poetry has been a constant in her life.
We all know our Beethoven to Beatles (the band, not the insect) and Mozart to Madonna (the singer, not the depiction of the little baby Jesus's Mother); but just like the TV market, we are scared to try an unknown brand, or in this case composer. We live in a world of celebrity; so if the composer is not well-known, then they're not a ‘celebrity’ and often overlooked or dismissed.
I thought it was time to change that, so here are three incredible composers you’ve never heard of - until now.
In this special episode of the 'Backstage with Robert Emery' podcast, RDCE discusses the reason learning a musical instrument is so hard, and how to overcome these issues.
Covering the skillsets needed to play an instrument, techniques to keep playing, the differences between adult and child learning and the importance of setting goals. This episode is designed to be short and informative for parents of children who play, or indeed an adult who is learning.
If you've read any of my other hotel reviews, you'll think I'm a well-travelled snob; and you'd be right. When I'm working abroad, I have over generous promoters and producers who pay for me to stay in the worlds best digs - but when I'm working in London, they are not so generous. So if I don't fancy my two-hour commute home, I spend my pocket money and search for the best cheap hotels in London, where I swap Lanesborough's £26,000-a-night new Royal Suite for something which I can afford to do regularly without worrying out it. This is a simple list of hotels in London I have frequented below £150 a night.