Past Episodes of Meet the Musicians
MTM, Ep. 1 – An interview with the Musical Directors of One Equal Music, Tom Holowina and Eleanor Adeney
In the premiere episode of MTM, Broadcaster James Haywood sat down with two rising stars in Queensland, Australia’s, choral music scene – Tom and Eleanor of One Equal Music.
Read while you listen! Tom and Eleanor’s story can be found here: https://www.oneequalmusic.org/our-ensembles
MTM, Ep. 2 – An Interview with composer Abigail Lui
In this episode, our host James Haywood, speaks with local Queensland violinist and emerging composer Abigail Lui. Impressively, whilst still an emerging artist, many of Abigail’s compositions have been recorded on the ABC Classics Label. To find out more about Abigail’s incredible story, read while you listen: https://www.abigaillui.com/#bio
MTM, Ep. 3 – An interview with, mezzo soprano, Monica Ruggiero
A discussion with the emerging mezzo soprano, Monica Ruggiero. In this episode Monica spoke to James, about growing up in Milan, her studies at Melbourne’s Royal College of Arts (Secondary School), and she shared her opera favorites. She also had some great advice for other young artists.
Like and follow while you listen: https://www.instagram.com/monicaruggieromezzo/
MTM, Ep. 4 – An interview with mezzo soprano, Morgan Rosati
Another episode..another mezzo! In this episode Morgan Rosati sat down with broadcaster James Haywood. She retold wholesome memories from her upbringing in Celano, Italy, and she spoke about the highs and lows of being an emerging artists.
If Morgan’s story has inspired you, be sure to follow her on social media: https://www.facebook.com/morganrosatimezzo/
MTM, Ep. 5 – An Interview with violinist, Madeleine Mitchell
Excitingly, this episode was recorded on location!
In February 2026, James traveled to Paddington, London, to speak with the violinist and Royal College of Music Professor Madeleine Mitchell.
She retold her fond memories of growing up in Essex, of meeting (and interviewing) the legendary violinist Yehudi Menuhin, and she had some great advice for aspiring musicians and recording artists.
read while you listen: https://www.madeleinemitchell.com/
MTM, Ep. 6 – An interview with Baritone, and Voxalis Opera’s Artistic Director, Camillo Lopez.
In this episode, our host James Haywood, spoke with Voxalis Opera Artistic Director, Camilo Lopez. Camilo opened up about his life in Venezuela and his courageous journey to Australia. Camilo also spoke about his experience as an AD of Voxalis Opera and shared some details about the ensembles upcoming 2026 season.
Read while you listen: https://www.voxalis.com.au/about
MTM, Ep. 7 – An interview with two Pianists, Jayson Gilliam and Iyad Sughayer
Ahead of their tour down under, our host James Haywood, caught up with the pianists Jayson Gillham and Iyad Sughayer.
Of course we talked about their upcoming concert (no spoilers here though, you’ll have to listen), the artists and pieces that have inspired them, and we delved into their studies and careers to date.
Read more about Jayson and Iyad here:
https://www.jaysongillham.com/
https://iyadsughayer.com/
MTM, Ep. 8 – An interview with cellist and Royal Academy of Music student, Danushka Edirisinghe.
In this episode, James Haywood speaks with Danushka about his musical journey and experiences.
Although still a young artist, he has performed at the Barbican and Wigmore Halls, and has appeared in concert with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the London Sinfonia, and the London Symphony Orchestra!
Excitingly, Danushka will be performing in the 2026 BBC Proms!
To find out more about this rising talent, follow him on social media: @danushkacello
MTM, Ep. 9 – An interview with Australian soprano Miriam Allan.
Miriam Allan has had an impressive career in the early music scene. She has sung with the Bach Collegium Japan, Gent’s Collegium Vocale, and with the French ensemble Les Arts Florissants. She has made many recordings of Bach’s Cantatas, Monteverdi’s Madrigals, and Handel’s Arias.
She retold some fascinating stories from her upbringing in Newcastle, she had some inspiring tales from her career and she also had some advice for young artists.
Read while you listen: https://miriamallan.com/
