Interviews with musicians, composers and conductors
Music should always be about something, be for something, be because of something. We spend years honing instrumental or vocal technique, and it is right that that is the primary focus of teaching, but what’s the point if we don’t try and use it to say something. People need the space at a young age to find what their artistic voice might be.
Performing in St. Paul’s Cathedral is an experience one never forgets. The building is awesome and the organ matched it pillar for pillar. I think playing at the Royal Albert hall was another great occasion that I will not forget.
Theft from everyone – those I don’t admire just as much as those I do. High formal rigour, extreme interpretational looseness. Scafra, fractal structures, dot music, free serialism, modes, canon.
Probably playing at short notice for Frank Sinatra at the Albert Hall (someone in his team was indisposed). His drummer warned me off anything ‘flashy’ – “Mr Sinatra don’t like no concertos”. But the great man said, “Aw, let the kid play” (what a gent!).
Surround yourself with inspiring people. Find a mentor or, better yet, find several! Never be afraid to keep learning. Perform music of all eras. Work with composers who are writing today.
