The intricate world of orchestras is often overlooked, leaving many listeners unaware of the challenges faced by those managing these musical powerhouses. From programming countless concerts to coordinating musicians from diverse backgrounds, the orchestral experience is shaped significantly by the unseen efforts of its management. In a special Notenköpfe podcast episode from RONDO Magazine recorded on-site at Classical:NEXT 2025 in Berlin, Australian pianist and journalist Chris Lloyd delves into the worlds of two industry leaders, Bill Chandler, Director of the BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus and conductor Kelly Lovelady, Founder of the chamber orchestra Ruthless Jabiru, who share their unique insights on orchestral management and the evolving landscape of classical music.
Bill Chandler and Kelly Lovelady each represent different ends of the orchestral spectrum. Bill, with nearly a century of history behind him at the BBC Symphony Orchestra, has seen the institution evolve while remaining a pillar of classical music. Kelly, on the other hand, founded Ruthless Jabiru to create a unique space for Australasian musicians in the UK, focusing on new works and community engagement. She is also a member of the 2026 Classical:NEXT Jury. Their contrasting experiences provide a comprehensive view of the orchestral world.
The Orchestra Landscape Today
The podcast kicks off with a fascinating overview of the current state of orchestras, especially in light of the challenges posed by the 21st-century landscape. Bill discusses how orchestras must adapt to stay relevant in a society that engages less with classical music.
This is echoed by Kelly who emphasises the importance of social activism and championing new music within her ensemble. “Relevance is going to be key for the future.”
Both guests highlight the pressing need for orchestras to innovate in their marketing and communication strategies to reach broader audiences.
Personal Journeys and Professional Growth
Over 14 years ago, Kelly established Ruthless Jabiru, driven by a desire to create a collaborative environment for musicians of all generations. The unique challenges of growing an ensemble that champions new music while fostering a sense of community among its members are no small feat. “I want to take responsibility for being a force for change in our art form” she reflects.
On the other hand, Bill recounts his transition from performing as a violinist in the Houston Symphony Orchestra to leading one of the UK’s most prestigious orchestras, reflecting on how his early experiences shaped his leadership style and his vision for orchestral performance. He describes the “magic moments where an idea is born. Usually it’s not one person’s idea, it’s a collective, it’s bounced around. They always say if you steal from one person, you’re plagiarising, but if you steal from everybody, that’s research. Keeping your eyes open and having this kind of openness is really an exciting part of it.”
The Shift from Musician to Administrator
One of the podcast’s key discussions revolves around the relatively rare transition from performer to administrator. Bill reveals how his experiences as a musician have enriched his understanding of orchestral dynamics, allowing him to blend artistry with management effectively. He discusses the importance of storytelling in music, both in individual performances and across concert seasons. “I actually find in a way that I am being even more creative now than I was as a violinist and I think the reason for that is that I’m able to tell stories in a very different way. We think about storytelling as being fundamental to the art of music and in this sense, I’m looking for it in a piece of music. I’m looking at the architecture of a piece of music, how a piece of music takes you on a journey.”
Kelly’s entrepreneurial spirit complements this, as she navigates the challenges of running a smaller ensemble while remaining dedicated to artistic integrity. “I really relish having creative control of my own path and having the agency to make the sort of work I want to make. I think that’s a really powerful and important element to my practice.” “The way that I like to work is with a central piece that sort of has a more direct connection to [a] campaigning concept and then building a program outwards around that that has these sonic connections to the piece.”
The Future of Orchestras
Both guests agree on the necessity for orchestras to embrace change, particularly in how they engage with new generations of musicians and audiences. Bill emphasizes the importance of creating a space for creativity within orchestras, while Kelly shares her insights on the agility and flexibility of smaller ensembles. Together, they illuminate the path forward for classical music in a rapidly changing world.
Key Takeaways
The podcast offers valuable insights into the orchestral world, revealing the complexities of management and the need for innovation. Key takeaways include the importance of adaptability in orchestral programming, the role of storytelling in music, and the potential for smaller ensembles to lead the way in creative practices. As the classical music landscape continues to evolve, the insights from Bill Chandler and Kelly Lovelady serve as a guiding light for both established and emerging orchestras.
Listen to the full podcast here.