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English composer Sir John Rutter is one of the biggest names in the 20th and 21st century choral world, whose music, for many listeners, represents the sound of Christmas. Also an international conductor, editor, arranger and record producer, he describes himself as a musical 'magpie'. Donald Macleod visits John at his home in the Cambridgeshire countryside, amidst the celebrations of his 80th birthday, to discuss the twists and turns of his extraordinary career. Across the week, we delight in some of his hallmark carols, and hear about the full breadth and depth of his musical life in the past eight decades, with some of his hot-off-the-press recordings.

Today, John speaks to Donald about his relationship with London, where he grew up sharing an address with Sherlock Holmes. We hear about the musical experiences that set him on his path, like singing on the premiere recording of Britten’s War Requiem, the first carol he wrote as a teenager (which is still loved by audiences today) and the teacher who gave him the best piece of advice he ever received.

4 Orchestral Miniatures: Dance to Your Daddy
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
John Rutter, conductor

London Town: A Choral Celebration: Bells of London;
The Cambridge Singers
Taplow Young Voices
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
John Rutter, conductor

Shepherd’s Pipe Carol
Choir of Merton College, Oxford
Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra
Benjamin Nicholas, director

The Lord Bless You and Keep You
Choir of Merton College, Oxford
Charles Warren, organ
Benjamin Nicholas, director

Visions
Kerson Leong, violin
The Temple Boys’ Church Choir
Aurora Orchestra
Roger Sayer, director

Cityscapes: Flower of Cities All
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
John Rutter, conductor

Produced by Amelia Parker for Â鶹Éç Audio Wales and West