Classical Connections with John ToalEpisodes Episode guide
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Sestina, Gary Ryan, Belfast Music Society, Haydn
John's classical connection celebrates the music of Haydn on his 210th anniversary.
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Animal Requiem, St Malachy's Organ, William Tell Overture, Music for the Dead
John's classical connection features three pieces written for people who have died.
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Katherine Jenkins, Proinnsias Byrne, Paige McDonald, Jacques Loussier
John's classical connection is on French pianist Jacques Loussier.
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NI Concert Band, Open Youth Orchestra of Ireland, Oscars Preview, Ron Goodwin
John's classical connection is on film composer Ron Goodwin.
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Genes and music, Michel Legrand, BMS International Festival of Chamber Music 2019
Celebrating Michel Legrand. Deirdre Gribbin on her new piece “Hearing Your Genes Evolve”.
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Ziyu He, Harry Christophers, NI Opera, Jessye Norman
John picks three tracks celebrating soprano Jessye Norman in his classical connection.
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Stephen Hough, Matthew Whiteside, Kitty Whately and Stephan Loges
World renowned pianist Stephen Hough chats about his new book.
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Tasmin Little, Charles Wood Festival, Cahal Masterson, Arrangements and transcriptions
Violinist Tasmin Little chats to John about Belfast, French food and retirement.
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Oklahoma! Hannah Peel, Glenarm Festival of Voice, Vivaldi
Italian composer Vivaldi, born on this day in 1741, inspires John's classical connection.
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Howe family, Music and mood, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, Space
50 years on from the Apollo 11 moon landing, John picks three pieces connected to space.
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07/07/2019
John Toal with a mix of popular classical music, news, reviews and interviews.
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Barry Douglas, Pamela Stainer, Walled City Music Piano Festival, Bernard Herrmann
John picks three pieces by film composer Bernard Herrmann in his classical connection.
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Martin James Bartlett, Rachel Podger, Rebecca Murphy, Secret messages
John picks three pieces of music with secret messages in his classical connection.
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Vikingur Olafsson, Camarilla Ensemble, William Curran, Carnegie Hall
John picks three pieces with a special connection to New York's iconic Carnegie Hall.
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Alexey Stadler, Sam Kane, Heather Harper, Orpheus
The mythical Greek prophet Orpheus is the subject of John's classical connection.
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Proms launch, Mr Dubourg, Andrew Douglas, Notre-Dame de Paris
Notre-Dame cathedral is the inspiration for John's classical connection.
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Danny Elfman, Ivan Ilic, Company, On the Wing of the Sky, Handel
Danny Elfman on his Hollywood career and the premiere recording of his violin concerto.
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Harmony in Mind, Mohammed Fairouz, Die Fledermaus, Vikingur Olafsson, André Previn
John's classical connection celebrates pianist, composer and conductor Andre Previn.
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18/01/2026
John Toal with a mix of popular classical music, news, reviews and interviews.
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Bill Barclay
John Toal with a mix of popular classical music, news, reviews and interviews.
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Classical New Year
John Toal with a mix of popular classical music, news, reviews and interviews.
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Classical Connections 2025 Finale
John Toal with a mix of popular classical music, news, reviews and interviews.
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Classical Connections Christmas Playlist
John Toal with a mix of popular classical music, news, reviews and interviews.
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Classical Connections Christmas Playlist
John Toal with a mix of popular classical music, news, reviews and interviews.
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Aristo Sham
John Toal with a mix of popular classical music, news, reviews and interviews.
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Anna Handler
John Toal with a mix of popular classical music, news, reviews and interviews.
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Tara Erraught
John Toal with a mix of popular classical music, news, reviews and interviews.
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Hannah French, Jonathan Byers and Aaron O'Hare
John Toal with a mix of popular classical music, news, reviews and interviews.
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Cappella Caeciliana and Emmanuel Ceysson
John Toal with a mix of popular classical music, news, reviews and interviews.
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Katherine Hunka
John Toal with a mix of popular classical music, news, reviews and interviews.
