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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 across his eight decades, with some of his hot-off-the-press recordings.

Today, Donald and John discuss his pivotal move to Cambridge – initially not to study music. We hear about the intriguing summons that led to his big break, the life-changing crossroads decisions he was faced with, and the key musical relationships he built in the city before and after graduating.

Banquet Fugue (from The Reluctant Dragon)
The King’s Singers
City of London Sinfonia
Richard Hickox, conductor

A Clare Benediction
Clare College Choir
Dmitri Ensemble
Graham Ross, conductor

Nativity Carol
The Cambridge Singers
City of London Sinfonia
John Rutter, conductor

Mary’s Lullaby
Polyphony
Stephen Layton, conductor

Reflections: Prelude - Toccata
Steven Osborne, piano
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
John Rutter, conductor

What Sweeter Music; Dormi Jesu
The Cambridge Singers
City of London Sinfonia
John Rutter, conductor

Wind in the Willows (Extract – Opening…Scene at Badger’s House)
The King’s Singers
City of London Sinfonia
Richard Baker, narrator
Richard Hickox, conductor

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