BBC Radio 3 to pay tribute to composer Oliver Knussen
Following the sad news of the death of composer and conductor Oliver Knussen, BBC Radio 3 will broadcast a special edition of Music Matters from 2015, which features an extended interview with the late composer, recorded at his home in Suffolk.
Published: 9 July 2018
He selflessly championed the music of fellow composers and was an all-round lovely, thoughtful, engaging man who will be hugely missed by everyone
This broadcast will replace the edition of Music Matters originally scheduled to air this evening (Monday 9 July) which was a repeat of Saturday’s programme, now available on iPlayer Radio.
Tributes will also be paid to the Oliver Knussen on the station’s drive time programme In Tune this afternoon (5pm-7pm, Monday 9 July) as presenter Sean Rafferty speaks to musicians and close personal friends of Knussen including the violinist Leila Josefowicz and his fellow composers George Benjamin and Mark-Anthony Turnage.
Commenting on the passing of Oliver Knussen, Alan Davey, Controller BBC Radio 3, BBC Proms, BBC Orchestras and Choirs says: “Oliver’s death is devastating. He is a towering and irreplaceable figure in British music and had many associations over the years with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Proms and BBC Radio 3.
"His compositions had such strength, economy and clarity. He selflessly championed the music of fellow composers and was an all-round lovely, thoughtful, engaging man who will be hugely missed by everyone. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
SRB
