From the bees on the roof to one of the finest violins in the world, the Academy is full of surprising treasures. In this episode, Anna Picard introduces people and parts of the building that listeners might not know about, and discovers what goes on behind the scenes to ensure that the Academy’s remarkable collection of instruments will be played by generations to come. Including singing from an original Elizabethan part book, an introduction to Oliver Knussen’s beloved collection of owls, and violinist James Ehnes playing a priceless Stradivarius, the stories behind these objects unlock the history of the Academy.

Presenter: Anna Picard

Producer: Natalie Steed

Contributors: Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, Ian Brearey, Kathryn Adamson, Patrick Russill, Barbara Meyer, IJmkje van der Werfe, James Ehnes, Sheldon Gabriel, Philip Cashian

Executive Producers, Royal Academy of Music: George Chambers, Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, Safi Schlicht

Featured music:

JS Bach Adagio from Sonata in G minor, BWV 1001, performed by James Ehnes

Beethoven Symphony No 8 in F, Op 93, performed by the Academy Chamber Orchestra with Lorenza Borrani

Mendelssohn A Midsummer Night’s Dream performed by the Academy Symphony Orchestra with Andrew Gourlay

Tallis O Nata Lux performed by Academy students Isla MacEwan, Anita Monserrat, Samuel Kibble, Henry Ross, Charles Cunliffe

JS Bach Largo from Sonata in C, BWV 1005, performed by James Ehnes

Stravinsky Marche triomphale du diable from L’histoire du soldat performed by the Academy Manson Ensemble with Oliver Knussen

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In the early part of the 20th century, Harriet Cohen, an Academy alumna, was a household name. Superficially known for her beauty and glamour, she wielded influence with some of the most important literary, political and cultural figures of her time – and she was a remarkable pianist. In this episode, Anna Picard explores Harriet’s life and legacy, placing her alongside her pianist contemporaries Myra Hess and Irene Scharrer, and the man who taught them all, Tobias Matthay. We explore the Academy’s pedagogical tradition, discuss the ‘male gaze’ with Joanna MacGregor and hear from the late, great Quentin Crisp.

Presenter: Anna Picard

Producer: Natalie Steed

Contributors: Helen Fry, Joanna MacGregor, Stephen Siek, Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, Allyson Devenish, Rebecca Leung

Executive Producers, Royal Academy of Music: George Chambers, Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, Safi Schlicht

Featured music:

JS Bach Piano Concerto No 1 in D minor, BWV 1052, performed by Harriet Cohen

JS Bach Prelude No 1 in C, BWV 846, performed by Harriet Cohen

JS Bach arr Cohen Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 731, performed by Harriet Cohen

Mozart Piano Sonata No 5 in G, K 283, performed by Irene Scharrer

Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte performed by Myra Hess

JS Bach Prelude and Fugue in F sharp, BWV 858, performed by Academy student Rebecca Leung

Kabalevsky Piano Sonatina in C, Op 13 No 1, performed by Harriet Cohen

Bax A Mountain Mood performed by Harriet Cohen

With thanks to APR recordings for the use of their transfers of the historic recordings listed above. All are available on at aprrecordings.co.uk.

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When the Royal Academy of Music opened its doors to its first 20 students in 1823, there were equal numbers of boys and girls. In this first episode, Anna Picard traces the stories of some of the women of the Academy including Fanny Dickens, the elder sister of Charles Dickens. We also hear from the participants of a pioneering women-only conducting course and try to unravel what playing in a gendered way might mean. Along the way there is, as always, some glorious music from Academy students.

Presenter: Anna Picard

Producer: Natalie Steed

Contributors: Kathryn Adamson, Briony Cox-Williams, Phyllis Weliver, Jonathan Freeman- Attwood, Hannah Stell, Elizabeth Kenny, Lucy Powell, Sian Edwards, Peggy Wu, Beth Fitzpatrick

Voice of Frederick Corder: Michael Bertenshaw

Executive Producers, Royal Academy of Music: George Chambers, Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, Safi Schlicht

All the music in this episode is performed by Royal Academy of Music students:

Mozart Serenade in B flat, K 361, ‘Gran Partita’, performed by Royal Academy of Music Symphonic Wind

Haydn String Quartet in G, Op 77 No 1 (second movement), performed by the Echea Quartet

Ferdinand David Trombone Concertino, Op 4, performed by Hannah Stell

Tchaikovsky The Queen of Spades, Op 68, performed by Hannah Stell

Wagner Ride of the Valkyries performed by Hannah Stell

Rebecca Clarke Ave Maria performed by Milette Gillow and Ivy Liang

Rebecca Clarke The Cloths of Heaven performed by Lauren Macleod and Stella Marie Lorenz

Schubert Symphony No 4 in C minor, D 417, 'Tragic', performed by the Academy Chamber Orchestra with Lorenza Borrani

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