
Donald Macleod discusses Thea’s operas and also her teaching style, asking whether she would actively encourage someone to be a composer
All this week, Donald Macleod is in conversation with Thea Musgrave as the Scottish born composer celebrates her 90th birthday.
Apart from Harrison Birtwistle, among living British composers, Thea has written more operas than anyone else. These include works about Mary Queen of Scots, American abolitionist and former slave Harriet Tubman, and Simón Bolívar.
In this programme, Thea discusses her operas and also her teaching. Donald questions her about her teaching style: how did she go about teaching someone else to compose and asks would she actively encourage someone to be a composer?
The Peace Chorus (Mary Queen of Scots, Act 1)
Ashley Putnam, soprano
Jake Gardner, baritone
Jon Garrison, tenor
Virginia Opera Association
Peter Mark, conductor
The Seasons
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Nicholas Kraemer, conductor
Helios - Concerto for oboe and orchestra
Nicholas Daniel, oboe
Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Nicholas Kraemer, conductor
Presenter: Donald Macleod
Producer: Rosie Boulton for BBC Wales
Last on
Music Played
![]()
Thea Musgrave
Mary, Queen of Scots (Act I: The Peace Chorus)
Singer: Ashley Putnam. Singer: Jake Gardner. Singer: Jon Garrison. Conductor: Peter Mark.- LYRITA : SRCD-236.
- LYRITA.
- 3.
![]()
Thea Musgrave
The Seasons
Orchestra: Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Conductor: Nicholas Kraemer.- COLLINS CLASSICS 1529-2.
- COLLINS CLASSICS.
- 2.
![]()
Thea Musgrave
Helios for oboe and ensemble
Performer: Nicholas Daniel. Orchestra: Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Conductor: Nicholas Kraemer.- COLLINS CLASSICS 1529-2.
- COLLINS CLASSICS.
- 3.
Broadcast
- Wed 3 Oct 201812:00BBC Radio 3







