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Available for 22 days

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