Classical music has been known to have a calming effect on people for centuries. Many people turn to classical music to relax after a long day at work or to help them sleep at night. But why is classical music so calming? Research has shown that listening to classical music can positively impact mental health. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Classical music has been shown to slow down the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decrease the levels of stress hormones in the body. It can also improve moods and increase feelings of relaxation. In addition to its calming effect on men ..read more

The Backstage with Robert Emery Podcast “The one thing I couldn’t live without is music - I’d go mad” — Right Said FredWhat is Right Said Fred known for? Robert Emery talks to Fred and Richard Fairbrass, the brothers better know as Right Said Fred. They talks about selling 30 million albums, how they dealt with their massive success, their struggle with depression, and how on occasion, they like to live life to the max; including buying a fridge so big it wouldn't fit inside the house! They of course also answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; what is your mos ..read more

The Backstage with Robert Emery Podcast “There are three key things that a person needs to be successful; be curious and adaptable, read a lot, and apply yourself” — Jim MellonWhat is Jim Mellon known for? Robert Emery talks to Jim Mellon, a billionaire entrepreneur-investor-philanthropist. Often in the top 10% of the Sunday Times Rich List, Jim is a visionary entrepreneur with a flair for identifying emerging global trends. Jim talks about his route to becoming one of the world's wealthiest individuals, why he believes he will live to over 100, and how humanity will shortly be feeding itself ..read more

Preparing for a concert is a bit like preparing for a job interview; with the exception that you face a panel of 80 or so players, staring and waiting to decide in the first five minutes of a rehearsal if you're the worst candidate in history or not. That first three-hundred seconds can make or break you, regardless if you have a baton in your hand or just a good old CV - and as anyone who has been successful in an interview knows, it's all in the preparation. So how does this conductor prepare for those three-hundred seconds? First Steps My first step is getting a job in the first place! Ther ..read more

The Backstage with Robert Emery Podcast “I would say to any composer: Talent is important, perseverance is important, hard work is important, but luck is important as well...” — John RutterWhat is John Rutter known for? Robert Emery talks to John Rutter, composer and conductor best known for his choral compositions, including many Christmas carols and anthem. John talks about his process of composing, the commission to write an anthem for the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, and how tragedy stuck in 2001 with his son being killed in a road accident. He of course also answers ..read more

The Backstage with Robert Emery Podcast “You don’t strive to push your Gran down the stairs just to get that part” — Jodie Prenger Robert Emery talks to Jodie Prenger, actress and singer best known for winning the ‘I’d Do Anything’ TV programme in 2008, giving her the opportunity to play Nancy in the West End revival of ‘Oliver!’ at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Jodie talks about her work on stage, and the influence the National Theatre had on her. She of course also answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; Oliver or Annie? Jodie has gone on to forge an incredi ..read more

Reading time: 3 mins There is a higher chance of Elton John turning straight than you not salivating at the wonder of LeCrans Hotel & Spa. To be honest, I'd never heard of LeCrans Montana; two hours from Geneva. The Valais is a region of this beautiful country that is not particularly familiar to me. But after using my trusty friend Mr Google, I thought I should investigate to see how many of these spectacular images were photoshopped. It turns out none. I'm generally not a 'boutique' hotel sort of chap. I like my big brands; Shangri-La, Four Seasons, One&Only, Ritz Carlton to name bu ..read more

The Backstage with Robert Emery Podcast “Seeding young minds with classical music is a bit of an emotional crusade” — David Miller Robert Emery talks to David Miller, American Tenor who is a member of the successful classical crossover group Il Divo, who has sold over 28 million copies worldwide. David talks about the challenges of being on tour, recording albums and how he believes that living 'in the now' is the biggest factor of his success and happiness. And of course, he answers a quick-fire round of questions culminating in the big question; The White House or Buckingham Palace? Since hi ..read more

It's Q&A time! I run this fun little escapade on my Facebook page, and I’ve decided to port some of the fabulous questions into this blog post. I’ll endeavour to keep it updated as and when I’m not painting my nails. If you have a burning desire to ask me a question, either go and take some Gaviscon, of pop over to the Book of Face here and write to me. At the age of about ten my parents gave me a choice; drama (I was acting in professional productions at that age) or music. I chose music, and at that point I knew this is what I was supposed to do. In terms of proper work, I’ve really don ..read more

The Backstage with Robert Emery Podcast “There’s never one big break, that’s such a myth - there’s degrees of getting recognised” — Cassidy Janson Robert Emery talks to Cassidy Janson, actress and now singer/songwriter best known for playing the lead in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and joining Beverley Knight and Amber Riley to form the trio; The Leading Ladies. Cassidy talks about the challenges of being a musical theatre actress, the struggle to record her debut album, and what it's like to be a standby Elphaba in London's West End. And of course, she answers a quick-fire round of ques ..read more