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Classical Breakdown

John Banther

Booking Overview

This is a biweekly classical-music interview and analysis show featuring occasional performers and subject-matter specialists alongside host-led historical and listening deep dives. PR agencies could credibly pitch classical musicians, composers, conductors, musicologists, opera specialists, and other experts with a clear connection to repertoire or performance; booking difficulty is low because the show features accessible professional guests rather than only major celebrities.

Metrics

Episodes: 169

Frequency: Every two weeks

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Estimated listeners: 1,000 - 10,000

Gender skew: Neutral

Listener location: USA

YouTube: 23.6k subscribers

Instagram: 7.4k followers

Contact Information

Publicly listed emails

classicalbreakdown@weta.org

Looking for the right person? Join Podseeker to find direct host and producer contacts and manage your podcast outreach.

Host

John Banther - Classical music broadcaster and host at WETA Classical in Washington, D.C.

Booking Intelligence

Booking Requirements

low
Typical Credentials:  
Classical musicians, performers, and knowledgeable specialists with professional experience or scholarly expertise in repertoire, instruments, opera, or orchestral music.
Required Achievements:  
Professional performance experience, Specialized expertise in classical music or music history

Recent Guest Discussions

Nadia Pessoa - The Harp’s History, Use In The Orchestra, Modern Innovations, And Performance

Recent Topics

Music, Classical Music, Opera, Orchestral Music, Music History

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on
Classical Breakdown
:

William Schuman: The composer that shaped Juilliard, the Lincoln Center, and American music

September 29, 2026

Why is it that this composer's name is probably not known to you? John Banther and Evan Keely explore some of his extraordinary music and achievements in the arts, including how he shaped art institutions and his very unusual start in composing music.

What is a Harp with Nadia Pessoa: Ancient origins to modern innovations!

September 15, 2026

Not too many instruments in the orchestra have a history that spans the centuries, and use of the harp! Nadia Pessoa, a Washington, DC-area harpist, shares with us the harp's use in the orchestra from around 1600 to now, answers John's burning questions, and plays for us, including a recent viral tune on the harp.

Bonus! A performance of Handel's Water Music

September 08, 2026

Enjoy a Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra recording of the music we learned about last week, plus a listener comment that helps clarify the situation after Queen Anne's death!

Frequently asked questions

Here's some frequently asked questions for
Classical Breakdown
:

How do I get in touch with Classical Breakdown?

Classical Breakdown is hosted by John Banther. Its publicly listed email is classicalbreakdown@weta.org. For guest bookings, the host or producer is usually the best person to reach. Podseeker helps you find direct host and producer contacts and pitch from your own inbox.

What is the email for Classical Breakdown?

The publicly listed email for Classical Breakdown: classicalbreakdown@weta.org.

How many listeners does Classical Breakdown have?

Podseeker estimates Classical Breakdown reaches 1,000 to 10,000 listeners per episode. Only the publisher has exact numbers.

Who is an ideal guest for Classical Breakdown?

Classical Breakdown typically books working professionals with real expertise. Typical guest background: Classical musicians, performers, and knowledgeable specialists with professional experience or scholarly expertise in repertoire, instruments, opera, or orchestral music. Common among recent guests: Professional performance experience; Specialized expertise in classical music or music history. Recent guests include Nadia Pessoa.

How hard is it to get booked on Classical Breakdown?

Low. A guest with relevant expertise and a clear angle for its audience has a realistic chance.

What topics does Classical Breakdown cover?

Recent episodes cover Music, Classical Music, Opera, Orchestral Music, and Music History. Pitch an idea tied to one of these topics and mention a recent episode.

Publicly listed emails

classicalbreakdown@weta.org

Looking for the right person? Join Podseeker to find direct host and producer contacts and manage your podcast outreach.

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