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Donald Macleod discusses Thea’s operas and also her teaching style, asking whether she would actively encourage someone to be a composer

All this week, Donald Macleod is in conversation with Thea Musgrave as the Scottish born composer celebrates her 90th birthday.

Apart from Harrison Birtwistle, among living British composers, Thea has written more operas than anyone else. These include works about Mary Queen of Scots, American abolitionist and former slave Harriet Tubman, and SimΓ³n BolΓ­var.

In this programme, Thea discusses her operas and also her teaching. Donald questions her about her teaching style: how did she go about teaching someone else to compose and asks would she actively encourage someone to be a composer?

The Peace Chorus (Mary Queen of Scots, Act 1)
Ashley Putnam, soprano
Jake Gardner, baritone
Jon Garrison, tenor
Virginia Opera Association
Peter Mark, conductor

The Seasons
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Nicholas Kraemer, conductor

Helios - Concerto for oboe and orchestra
Nicholas Daniel, oboe
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Nicholas Kraemer, conductor

Presenter: Donald Macleod
Producer: Rosie Boulton for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wales

59 minutes

Last on

Wed 3 Oct 2018 12:00

Music Played

  • Thea Musgrave

    Mary, Queen of Scots (Act I: The Peace Chorus)

    Singer: Ashley Putnam. Singer: Jake Gardner. Singer: Jon Garrison. Conductor: Peter Mark.
    • LYRITA : SRCD-236.
    • LYRITA.
    • 3.
  • Thea Musgrave

    The Seasons

    Orchestra: Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Conductor: Nicholas Kraemer.
    • COLLINS CLASSICS 1529-2.
    • COLLINS CLASSICS.
    • 2.
  • Thea Musgrave

    Helios for oboe and ensemble

    Performer: Nicholas Daniel. Orchestra: Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Conductor: Nicholas Kraemer.
    • COLLINS CLASSICS 1529-2.
    • COLLINS CLASSICS.
    • 3.

Broadcast

  • Wed 3 Oct 2018 12:00

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