2 May 2024

Listen to this! Classical music for all

From Three to Seven, 4:00 pm on 2 May 2024
Conductor and music educator Beth Cohen

Photo: Supplied / Beth Cohen

Beth Cohen is a US-born, Christchurch-based conductor, music educator and consultant who’s passionate about helping people engage and connect with classical music.

She hosts a podcast Listen to this! which, she says, is for everyone – whether they’re an experienced classical listener, new to classical, or don’t like or don’t listen to classical music.

Conductor and music educator Beth Cohen

Photo: Supplied / Beth Cohen

RNZ Concert’s David Morriss caught up with Beth Cohen recently to find out how she came to make the podcast.

"I've always had a mission to bring classical music to people," says Cohen.

"[The podcast] is not just about attracting new audiences or marketing new audiences. This is how to connect with our audience and really get them to engage with classical music on a personal level."

Listen to this! is on Plains FM 96.9 Canterbury, and available on Apple podcasts and Spotify.

Music in the interview

Beethoven, Ludwig van: Piano Sonata No 30 in E Op 109 (3), excerpt - Paul Lewis (pno) (Harmonia Mundi HMC 901909)

Ritchie, Anthony: Albatross in flight - New Zealand SO/Marc Taddei (RNZ 2018)