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Raffaello Morales is the musical and managing director of the Fidelio Orchestra, a London based organisation reimagining how audiences experience classical music. Originally from Rome, and trained in both music and physics, Raffaello’s journey has taken him from academia to finance and ultimately to Fidelio, where he brings together live performance, hospitality, events and cultural programming to make music feel fresh, social and alive.
Episode summary
In this episode of Variety, Raffaello Morales joins us to explore the shifting world of classical music, live performance and cultural spaces. The conversation moves through the realities of running Fidelio, the balance between artistic ambition and commercial pressure, and the challenge of making classical music feel more open, relevant and alive.
Raffaello also reflects on conducting, audience connection, arts funding, music education and the role culture can play in uncertain times. Along the way, the episode looks at what makes live performance so powerful; not perfection, but presence, risk, communication and the shared experience between performer and audience.
In this episode
- Raffaello’s upbringing in Rome and early musical training
- Studying music and physics side by side
- Moving to London for postgraduate study and a PhD
- Working in finance before leaving banking
- Building Fidelio as both an orchestra and events business
- The relationship between music, hospitality and community
- Why technique alone is not enough in performance
- The problem of elitism and access in classical music
- Arts funding, education and the role of government
- How classical music can adapt for modern audiences
- Conducting, score study and interpretation
- The importance of eye contact, physicality and leadership
- The beauty of imperfection in live performance
- The future of culture, education and meaningful shared experiences
What is The Variety Show?
The Variety Show is a celebration of the extraordinary people who bring live performance to life. Each week, host Adam Sternberg sits down with a dazzling range of guests – from magicians to contortionists, gospel singers to tap dancers to uncover the real stories behind their craft. How do artists decide to dedicate their lives to performing? What inspires them, challenges them, and keeps them coming back to the stage? Through intimate conversations, Variety gives listeners a behind-the-curtain look at the journeys, passions, and influences that shape today’s performers. Whether you’re a fan of live entertainment, a lover of the arts, or simply curious about the paths less traveled, this podcast offers a fresh perspective on the world of performance.
If you have any comments about the podcast or are a performer who wants advice please do email info@thevarietyshowpodcast.co.uk