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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

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Sean Rafferty at Home

Factual: Life Stories

Music: Classical

Sean Rafferty visits musicians at home and at work to learn about their lives and music

Sean Rafferty visits leading musicians at home and at work to learn about their lives and music

Sean Rafferty at Home: Sir John Tomlinson

Discussion & Talk

Music: Classical: Opera

Sir John Tomlinson

01/01/2018

BBC Radio 3 - Sean Rafferty at Home, Sir John Tomlinson

Sean gets an insight into the life and work of this great bass.

From his 1984 Mercedes to his basket weaving and art collection, the great bass John Tomlinson gives Sean an insight into his life, work and musical influences at his Sussex home.

From the moment Sir John Tomlinson collects Sean from Lewes station in his 1984 Mercedes (the same one he used to drive to Bayreuth every summer), it's clear that this great bass is as warm and welcoming as his voice suggests. He reflects on his upbringing in Oswaldtwistle where Handel and Gilbert and Sullivan were formative musical influences; and on how he's found relaxation during a hectic international career which has taken him from Mozart's operas to playing Wager's Wotan and pioneering roles for Sir Harrison Birtwistle and Thomas Adès in more recent times. Sir John's art collection and regency home, which has been kept almost in its original state from flooring to kitchen sink, offer fascinating insights into the life and work of one of this country's greatest singers.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

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Sean Rafferty at Home

Sir John Tomlinson

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