I am the Senior Producer (leading on video content) for the Philharmonia Orchestra in London. Below are a selection of films I have worked on.
Nicola Benedetti – Philharmonia Orchestra Featured Artist – 23/24 Season – Producer
Nemanja Radulović on Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2 – Producer
Benjamin Grosvenor on Chopin’s Piano Concertos (2022) – Producer
The Philharmonia Sessions (2020-2021) – Producer
During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, orchestras had to reinvent themselves for digital platforms. I worked closely with the production company, Wash, Eastwood Records, and Philharmonia Orchestra staff and players to create exceptional music videos in extreme conditions. The Vaughan Williams video above is now one of the top performing pieces of content on the Philharmonia’s YouTube channel and was given a 5-star review in The Times: “I was completely unprepared for the emotional impact this short streamed concert had on me.”
Weimar Berlin: Bittersweet Metropolis – 6 films (2019) – Producer, director, editor
FULL PLAYLIST – all 6 films: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqR22EoucCycaLdnLZRzh7PezP-FjJtN6
In 2019 I created a series of films to introduce audiences to the culture of Weimar Germany (1919-1933), giving essential context to a series of concerts in June and September 2019. Written and presented by Gavin Plumley, I took a small team to Germany and shot on location in Berlin, Weimar, Dessau and Buchenwald. Additional interviews were done in period locations in London.
Esa-Pekka Salonen on Italian and French Masterpieces (2019)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director
“I think that for most artists, or for many artists, there has been a defining moment and that’s contact with the otherness. All of a sudden you’re facing something that is totally alien to you and that energy usually gets things to move along.” – Esa-Pekka Salonen. I caught Esa-Pekka in Verona, while on tour with the Philharmonia, and interviewed him about his programme of French and Italian works, performed by the Philharmonia in 2019.
Tamás Sándor Meets Composer Péter Eötvös in Budapest (2019)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor
I took Philharmonia Principal Second Violin Tamás Sándor to Budapest to meet an icon of Hungarian music, composer Peter Eötvös. An intimate introduction to a culture of music.
The Next Generation: Claire Chase (flute) & Dai Fujikura (composer) (2019)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, 2nd camera
“It needs to groove”… what happens when you put two of the brightest voices in new music together in a room? I got these two friends and artists together to for a rapid-fire chat about how a new piece of music comes together.
Wu Wei (sheng) Artist Portrait with Michael Fuller (double bass) (2018)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, 2nd camera, editor
“It doesn’t belong just to the Chinese, it’s kind of a present for all the people.” Wu Wei is a virtuosic performer on the sheng, a Chinese mouth organ, and in this film he introduces Philharmonia double bassist Michael Fuller to this ancient instrument.
Composer Hannah Kendall On Her New Piece, Baptistry (2018)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, 2nd camera, editor
What does it take to put together a new piece for symphony orchestra? Where does a composer draw their inspiration from? I spent time with composer Hannah Kendall around the premiere of a new piece, performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra.
Pekka Kuusisto on Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto (2018)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor
I interviewed violinist Pekka Kuusisto, who makes some unexpected and fascinating musical connections in this very personal reflection on Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto.
Instrument: Euphonium (2018)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director
A continuation of the Philharmonia Orchestra’s hugely popular instrument films. Those films were originally shot as part of the production of the Philharmonia’s app, The Orchestra. Responding to YouTube audience demand, I am producing a new series of these films to feature instruments not covered in the first round of filming in 2011/12.
Philharmonia Orchestra 2018/19 Season: What we do is for everyone (2018)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor
In close collaboration with the Philharmonia Orchestra’s Marketing team, I produced a trailer for the Orchestra’s 2018/19 season announcement, taking a new approach and working with a director of photography to realise and create a new look. Narrated by Principal Conductor & Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen.
Finland at 100: Esa-Pekka Salonen Reflects (2017)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, 2nd camera, editor
Esa-Pekka Salonen on Sibelius & Finland’s Independence Movement (2017)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, camera (Finland GVs), editor
Two films – Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen reflects on Finland’s centenary and composer Jean Sibelius’s role in the formation of Finnish identity. Shot on location in Finland.
Esa-Pekka Salonen Remembers His Philharmonia Orchestra Debut with Mahler’s Third Symphony (2017)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor
Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen remembers his big break conducting Mahler’s 3rd Symphony with the Philharmonia Orchestra in 1983. I met with him at Helsinki’s National Opera and Ballet to find out more. I also shot a series of shorts about Mahler’s symphonies, which you can watch on the Philharmonia’s YouTube channel in a Mahler playlist [click here].
TRAILER (3/3): Esa-Pekka Salonen | Mahler’s Third Symphony (2017)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer
The Philharmonia Orchestra received funding from The Space to do a live broadcast of Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting Mahler’s 3rd Symphony at Royal Festival Hall, London. I was the producer for the live broadcast, working efficiently with a large team to make the broadcast happen in a very short time-scale. The live broadcast received over 120,000 views on Facebook and YouTube. You can watch the whole performance on YouTube: [click here]
Pekka Kuusisto on Daníel Bjarnason’s New Violin Concerto (2017)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, camera (rehearsal, GVs), editor
Pekka Kuusisto, violin, introduces a new violin concerto, written for him by Icelandic composer, Daníel Bjarnason. Shot in Finland and London.
Finnish Runo-Song: Pekka Kuusisto (violin) & Ilona Korhonen (voice) (2017)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor
Violinist Pekka Kuusisto and vocalist Ilona Korhonen gave me an introduction to a special performance they gave at Southbank Centre, giving a new perspective on Finnish runo-song. I travelled to Finland to film this preview. I also filmed a fascinating interview with the two artists:
Sibelius’s Roots: An Interview with Pekka Kuusisto & Ilona Korhonen (2017)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor
Philharmonia Orchestra at Garsington Opera (2017)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Self-shooting director/producer, editor
An atmospheric introduction to the Philharmonia Orchestra’s newest residency at Garsington Opera. Principal Harp, Heidi Krutzen, introduces the residency. Camera: Canon C300.
Lawrence Power Performs Salonen’s Pentatonic Étude for solo viola (2017)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor
I worked with Guy Wigmore of Wash Media and Myles Eastwood of Eastwood Records to create the first recording of Esa-Pekka Salonen’s Pentatonic Étude, which he wrote for British violist Lawrence Power. Watch my interview with Lawrence Power here. The interview was featured in The Strad.
Santtu-Matias Rouvali, Principal Guest Conductor (2017)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, editor
I travelled to Finland to meet one of the Philharmonia’s new Principal Guest Conductors, Santtu-Matias Rouvali.
Symphonize: Leicester (2017)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, camera, editor
Symphonize is a pioneering creative partnership between Leicester-based Soft Touch Arts and the Philharmonia Orchestra that aims to empower young people through intensive, collaborative working which taps into their passion for popular music and technology whilst offering an opportunity to explore different musical styles and approaches. Longer term, it is hoped that participation will contribute to equipping young people with practical, creative and social skills that are transferable to everyday life, and boost self-esteem and ambition.
Tansy Davies: Forest (2017)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor
Composer Tansy Davies took us to one of the locations that inspired her new concerto for four horns, “Forest.”
Christmas Card: Silent Night (Cello Octet) (2016)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor
Filmed in St Mary de Castro Church in Leicester, UK. DOP: Guy Wigmore, Washmedia. Sound: Myles Eastwood, Eastwood Records. Silent Night arranged by Richard Birchall.
Discover Carl Nielsen with Paavo Järvi and Andrew Mellor (2016)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, camera, editor
“It might be Scandinavian, but his music is altogether hotter, more volatile and certainly more of a rollercoaster ride.” Take a closer look at the life and music of Danish composer Carl Nielsen with journalist Andrew Mellor and conductor Paavo Järvi. Filmed behind the scenes at the Royal Festival Hall in London for a series of concerts featuring the music of Carl Nielsen.
Universal Notes: A Musical Collaboration Between India and the UK (2016)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Director of photography, editor
The Philharmonia Orchestra and Darbar collaborated on an exciting cross-cultural music project called Universal Notes in 2016. A new piece of music was created over a year of workshops in India and the UK and premiered at Darbar Festival on 16 Sept 2016. Taking inspiration from India’s raga mode of melody, the project moves away from jamming and ‘fusion’ styles, with an ambition to create music that brings two great classical traditions together equally. This film, which I shot on location in Bangalore and Mumbai, introduces the project and its participants.
Stravinsky’s Journeys (2016)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director of photography, editor
Journey from the glamour of Paris to the sun-kissed hills of Hollywood and discover how Igor Stravinsky was able to transform his art throughout his extraordinary life. One the greatest icons of the 20th century, Stravinsky’s legacy continues to inspire creatives today and we met London-based artists to find out how his work has influenced theirs. Featuring high-quality BBC archive footage of Stravinsky conducting the New Philharmonia Orchestra in 1965, this film is a chance to fully immerse yourself in Stravinsky’s incredible journey.
Presented by Esa-Pekka Salonen, Sara Mohr-Pietsch and Jonathan Cross (series advisor), with contributions from Robin O’Neill (Principal Bassoon, Philharmonia Orchestra), Peter Sellars (director), Anna Meredith (composer), Akram Khan and Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker (choreographers), Samuel West (actor), Mark Swed (LA Times) and Jonathan Hepfer (artistic director, Monday Evening Concerts).
Discover this film, and others, as an interactive documentary, and book tickets for Stravinsky: Myths & Rituals: philharmonia.co.uk/stravinsky
The Vocabulary Lesson I: Symphonies, Concertos and Beyond (2015)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor, main camera, animation
In preparation for the Philharmonia Orchestra’s final concert of the 14/15 Royal Festival Hall season, First Violin member, Adrián Varela, introduces us to some of the musical forms featured in the concert. First in a series of basic orchestra vocabulary lessons.
Vladimir Ashkenazy on the Path of Sibelius (2015)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, main camera, co-editor, research
This spring Vladimir Ashkenazy travelled to Finland to follow in the footsteps of Jean Sibelius.
Join the conductor as he journeys to the heart of Sibelius’ music and explores the country that inspired the world–renowned composer. This is the first long-form documentary produced by the Philharmonia Orchestra. (Co-production with Sibelius 150)
SibHack Promo (2015)
Sibelius 150 (Finland)
My role: Camera
SibHack is an event for code, music and digital creativity, inspired by the life, work and time of Sibelius. It is hackathon spanning over 48 hours (Thursday to Saturday) and it looks for creative and open-minded ways to combine the iconic composer with modern technology. SibHack was first held in Helsinki at the Ateneum Museum in October 17-19, 2014, and resulted in 13 demos of which 10 were chosen to present at the demo session.
The Tabla Lesson (2015)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor
Philharmonia Orchestra violist, Gijs Kramers, gets a special one-to-one lesson with master tabla player, Sanju Sahai. Learn all about the basics of tabla in this film, and find out what Bach sounds like when accompanied by tabla. If you have your own tabla, take them out and follow along!
City of Light: Paris, 1900-1950: Uncover the history of the French flute with Sam Coles (2014)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor
Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Flutist Sam Coles brings the history of the flute to life in the beautiful surroundings of the Théâtre des Champs-Elysèes, Paris. Find out how the flute we know and love today developed over time and was perfected by makers and performers based in Paris, culminating in Debussy’s groundbreaking work for solo flute, Syrinx (1913).
The Firebird Project: Performance Film (2014)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor
A film of the original choreography created for the 2013/14 Firebird Project featuring dancers from The Royal Ballet School, Feltham Community College and Richmond Park Academy. The music is performed by an orchestra of young musicians from Richmond Music Trust and Hounslow Music Services, with a few members of the Philharmonia Orchestra who helped coach the young musicians.
The Firebird Project: Documentary (2014)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, camera
What happened when we brought together young musicians and dancers from southwest London to create their own version of Stravinsky’s The Firebird? Find out about this unique and moving project in our in-depth documentary. Featuring students from The Royal Ballet School, Feltham Community College, Richmond Park Academy, Richmond Music Trust and Hounslow Music Services. Filmed over the period of six months. Premiered in Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London.
Dvořák & Suk: A Journey with Jakub Hrůša (2014)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director
The Czech conductor Jakub Hrůša introduces the intertwined lives of the composers Antonín Dvořák and his favourite pupil and son-in-law, Josef Suk. Shot on-location in Prague and environs. Find out more about the associated concert series here: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/bohemian
Listening Guide: Leoš Janáček’s Sinfonietta with Jakub Hrůša (2014)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director
Shot on-location with a crew of two, the Czech conductor Jakub Hrůša took us around his city to learn about Leoš Janáček and his Sinfonietta. Find out more about the associated concert series here: http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/bohemian
Philharmonia Orchestra on Tour: Paris & The Rite of Spring (2013)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor
We went on a journey with Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonia Orchestra to Paris, as they prepared for a particularly special performance of the Rite of Spring at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées – the venue of the original première – in the piece’s centenary year, 2013.
Shostakovich’s Opera: Orango
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor
An extended documentary about the recently-discovered opera by Shostakovich, ‘Orango’. It features interviews with Esa-Pekka Salonen, who premièred the work, Gerard McBurney, who orchestrated the work, and Irina Brown, who directed the Philharmonia Orchestra’s semi-staged production and European Première in May 2013.
As well as learning about how the work surfaced, and its orchestration, we also delve into some of the musical influences surrounding Shostakovich when he wrote the piece. Set against the historical context of the early 1930s, this film lifts the lid on a fascinating period in not only musical history, but the history of the Soviet Union.
Adrián Varela and Kirpal Singh Panesar in conversation
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Producer, director, editor
Philharmonia Orchestra violinist Adrián Varela and Tar Shehnai player Kirpal Singh Panesar came together to learn about each other’s instrument, techniques, and ensemble playing.
Witold Lutosławski Biography (four parts)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Director, second camera
Early Life (Part 1)
A series of four biographical films on the Polish composer, Witold Lutosławski. Series Advisor, Steven Stucky and Philharmonia Orchestra Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor, Esa-Pekka Salonen traveled to Poland to discover how personal tragedy and traumatic world events shaped Lutosławski’s personality and his music.
World War II (Part 2)
Stalinist Years (Part 3)
Maturity (Part 4)
Mendelssohn Elijah 1846
Rite Digital for Winged Lion
My role: Director, camera, editor
Paul McCreesh’s latest recording release on his own label, Winged Lion. Filmed at Watford Coliseum during recording sessions last year, this features an ensemble of over 400 artists. For more on Winged Lion see www.wingedlionrecords.com
Joseph Phibbs: Rivers to the Sea (New Commission)
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Director, editor
I interviewed the composer Joseph Phibbs about his new work, Rivers to the Sea. Commissioned by the Philharmonia Orchestra and Anvil Arts, it will première in June 2012.
Luigi Dallapiccola: Il Prigioniero
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Self-shooting director, editor, translations, research
I flew to Florence, Italy to make a film on the composer Luigi Dallapiccola to help promote a concert of his opera Il Prigioniero.
Berlioz Grande Messe des Morts
Winged Lion
My role: Editor
A film about a large-scale recording project in Poland.
RE-RITE Launch Party
Philharmonia Orchestra
My role: Editor
RE-RITE, the Philharmonia Orchestra’s digital residency, traveled to Lisbon, Portugal in January 2011 and was launched with a party featuring DJ Gabriel Prokofiev, known for his innovative classical music remixes.
RE-RITE is an immersive/interactive installation featuring Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring that lets you experience what it’s like to be in the midst of an orchestra playing live.
Gabrieli Young Singers’ Scheme
Gabrieli Consort & Players (London, UK)
My role: Self-shooting director, sound, editor
In October 2010 Gabrieli Consort & Players and Paul McCreesh launched at their London home Christ Church, Spitalfields the Gabrieli Young Singers’ Scheme. Working with Chetham’s School of Music, the North East Youth Chorale, Taplow Youth Choir and Ulster Youth Choir, the scheme aims to get young people not only to sing, but to engage with choral repertoire and to perform it to the highest possible standard.
Paul McCreesh (Gabrieli director) and the choir directors and singers tell us more about the scheme, with footage from the performance and rehearsals of Handel’s Solomon (choruses), filmed at the Gabrieli Young Singers’ Scheme launch event.