ENO podcast: Edward Gardner

Monday 14 June 2010 10:01 EDT

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Edward Gardner is no longer English National Opera's best kept secret. The former choral scholar and repetiteur goes from strength to strength helming ENO through productive and interesting times.

The world's stages are now beckoning. During a break in final rehearsals for Mozart's great opera seria "Idomeneo" in a new production from multi-media queen Katie Mitchell he talks informally to Edward Seckerson about what being music director of a company like this entails. The long conversations with directors (what kind of things is Terry Gilliam asking him ahead of his operatic debut next season?), the relationship with chorus and orchestra, the psychology involved in nurturing singers and getting the very best from them.

He talks about ENO's Young Artist programme and what makes it different from other such schemes. He talks about next season - the two Fausts - Gounod and Berlioz - and his first Boccanegra. And, of course, his life beyond ENO and how his operatic work impacts on his concert work. Just how "theatrical" is Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius?

Right-click here and click "Save target/link as..."

Click here for more Independent Classical podcasts on iTunes

Visit ENO.org for more information