Composer of the Week: James MacMillan

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Composer of the Week

Music: Classical

Composer of the Week - Brand

An informative guide to composers' lives and their music.

An informative and accessible guide to composers' lives and their music.

Composer of the Week: James MacMillan (b 1959): A dawn, a community and a ring

James MacMillan (b 1959)

A dawn, a community and a ring

BBC Radio 3 - Composer of the Week, James MacMillan (b 1959), A dawn, a community and a ring

MacMillan considers his connection with his listeners and the process of composition.

MacMillan considers his connection with his listeners and the process of composition. He reveals his childhood entrancement with Wagner's Ring, which continues today.

Sir James MacMillan is reflecting on his prolific life in composition as he celebrates his 60th birthday this week.
 
He considers his connection with his listeners and the importance of hearing stories from audiences about their reactions to his music. With this in mind, he’s made a habit of writing music for the communities in which he lives. He also describes the daily habit of composition and the need to sometimes allow the creative process to rest. 

James encountered Wagner's Ring Cycle as a child. He was entranced by this music and happily remains under its spell today.   


O Radiant Dawn, from Strathclyde Motets
The Sixteen
 Harry Christophers, conductor

Miserere
The Sixteen
Harry Christophers, conductor

Oboe Concerto
Nicholas Daniel, oboe
Britten Sinfonia
James MacMillan, conductor

Mal: I cannot say I haven’t dreamt a 1,000 times of killing him (Act 3 Scene 3 from The Sacrifice)
Orchestra and Chorus of Welsh National Opera
Anthony Negus, conductor


Presenter: Donald Macleod
Producer: Rosie Boulton

Composer of the Week: James MacMillan (b 1959)

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.

Sir James MacMillan reflects on his life in composition as he celebrates his 60th birthday

Sir James MacMillan is reflecting on his prolific life in composition as he celebrates his 60th birthday this week.

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Composer of the Week

James MacMillan (b 1959)

A dawn, a community and a ring

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