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George Benjamin - Performer, Conductor and Teacher

Donald Macleod discusses with Sir George Benjamin the composer’s talents as a performer, conductor and teacher.

Donald Macleod discusses with Sir George Benjamin the composer’s talents as a performer, conductor and teacher.

Composer of the Week marks the sixtieth birthday of the celebrated British composer Sir George Benjamin. All this week Benjamin joins Donald Macleod in the studio to provide listeners with personal insights into his music and distinguished career. They discuss the composer's musical connections, his inspirations, his interest in collaboration, the compositional process, and his work as a pianist, conductor and teacher.

One of Sir George Benjamin’s earliest musical experiences was being taught the piano and recorder at school. In his sixtieth birthday year, the composer talks to Donald Macleod about his experiences in later life as a teacher, the importance of music education, and its rewards. They also explore Benjamin’s career as a conductor and pianist - including his time improvising music to accompany silent films.

Piano Figures
George Benjamin, piano

At First Light
London Sinfonietta
George Benjamin, conductor

Written on Skin (VIII The Protector of Agnès)
Christopher Purves (Protector), baritone
Barbara Hannigan (Agnès), soprano
Mahler Chamber Orchestra
George Benjamin, conductor

Upon Silence
Susan Bickley, mezzo-soprano
Fretwork

Produced by Luke Whitlock for Ö÷²¥´óÐã Wales.

Photo credit: Matthew Lloyd

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Sir George Benjamin

    Piano Figures

    Performer: Sir George Benjamin.
    • NIMBUS : NI1528.
    • NIMBUS.
    • 1.
  • Sir George Benjamin

    At First Light

    Orchestra: London Sinfonietta. Conductor: Sir George Benjamin.
    • NIMBUS : NI5643.
    • NIMBUS.
    • 3.
  • Sir George Benjamin

    Written on Skin (VIII The Protector of Agnès)

    Singer: Christopher Purves. Singer: Barbara Hannigan.
    • NIMBUS : NI58856.
    • Nimbus.
    • 8.
  • Sir George Benjamin

    Upon Silence

    Singer: Susan Bickley. Ensemble: Fretwork.
    • NIMBUS : NI-5505.
    • NIMBUS.
    • 1.

Broadcast

  • Wed 9 Dec 2020 12:00

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