Free Thinking

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Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

The ideas shaping our lives today - with artists and thinkers in debates and interviews.

The ideas shaping our lives today - with leading artists and thinkers in extended interview and debate.

Free Thinking: Diva

Diva

BBC Radio 4 - Free Thinking, Diva

As the V&A opens an exhibition about performers, Naomi Paxton discusses what makes a diva.

From Maria Callas to Billie Holiday, Adelina Patti to Lizzo. Naomi Paxton is joined by Ditlev Rindom, Peggy Reynolds and Brianna Robertson-Kirkland to discuss what makes a diva.

Maria Callas (1823-1977) and Adelina Patti (1843-1914) are two of the performers whose images are on show at the Victoria and Albert Museum's Diva.  Professor Peggy Reynolds and Dr Ditlev Rindom have been to visit the exhibition which runs from opera, through films like Cleopatra, to pop performers such as Grace Jones, Lizzo and Cher. But what about performers from an earlier era ? Brianna Robertson-Kirkland shares her research, whilst Michael Twaits shares what the idea of Diva means to drag performers. Naomi Paxton hosts. 

Producer: Sofie Vilcins

Diva opens June 24th at the V&A museum. 
BBC Radio 3 broadcasts opera every Saturday evening except during the Proms season and discussions about the making of music each Saturday on Music Matters. 

You can find other Free Thinking conversations about Women in the World collected on the programme website

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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