Let me introduce you to MTM's latest guest, the Australian Soprano Miriam Allan!

Miriam 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 Cantata’s, Monteverdi’s Madrigals, and Handel’s arias, some of which have won awards.

In this episode, she retold some fascinating stories from her upbringing in Newcastle, she had some inspiring tales from her career, and she was full of great advice for young, emerging artist; so join our host, James Haywood, in the exploration the Miriam Allan's creative life.

To follow Miriam's career, head to her website:

https://miriamallan.com/

To purchase tickets to her upcoming performances with the Bach Akademie Australia, head to their wesbite:

https://www.bachakademieaustralia.com.au/

Or you can find recordings of Miriam Allan on YouTube:

https://youtube.com/channel/UCgS0CuWWtc_-B2Whi0iUkEQ?si=7uwNji2n9sG158jq

Let us introduce you to Danushka Edirisinghe - cellist and student of the Royal Academy of Music.

He is well on his way to becoming an exceptional musician!

Danuska has already performed at the Barbican and Wigmore Halls. He has appeared on stage with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the London Sinfonia, and the London Symphony Orchestra, and later this year he – as well as member of New York’s Juilliard School – will be performing at the BBC Proms!

In this episode, Danuska reminisces about how he came to love the cello, he speaks about some of the memorable concerts in which he has taken part, as well as his experiences honing his craft.

Danuska also spoke about his experiences with the Isla String Quartet. He and James dissect what like it is like to play as part of a quartet and Danuska mentioned some of the groups up coming concerts.

To keep tabs on Danuska’s career, his upcoming BBC Proms appearance, as well as his performances with the Isla String Quartet, follow the links below.

⁠https://www.instagram.com/danushkacello/⁠

⁠https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/proms/bbc-proms-2026/salonen-conducts-20th-century-classics

Excitingly, this episode of Meet the Musicians was recorded on location!

In February 2026, James travelled to Paddington, London, to speak with the violinist, and Royal College of Music Professor, Madeleine Mitchell.

Their discussion ran the whole gamut, from her upbringing in Essex, to her meeting (and interviewing) the legendary violinist Yehudi Menuhin, as well as her experience as an educator and international performing artist.

Also discussed was Madeleine's time as a recording artist and, in an MTM first, this episode includes one of three pieces written for her by the composer Michael Nyman featured on the In Sunlight album. The full album is available on Spotify.

To hear more of Madeleine's music, and to learn more about her upcoming concerts, head to her website: https://www.madeleinemitchell.com/

Or follow her on Facebook.

You can also follow MTM on Facebook, or check out our website: https://meet-the-musicians.com/