In BBC Radio 3's 'The Essay' programme each episode features leading writers on the arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond, themed across a week. The programmes offer insight, opinion and intellectual surprise. In this week's episodes of the programme, 'Letters to a young composer', three Wise Music Group composers take part.
Inspired by Rilke's letters to an aspiring poet, Sally Beamish, Tarik O'Regan, Errollyn Wallen each write personal letters to a young composer – real or imagined – with their thoughts about their craft, their influences and the things they wish they'd known when they were starting out. Other contributors include John Rutter and Benbrick.
Covering themes of luck, resilience, an itinerant life and the seismic effects of Artificial Intelligence, these deeply personal essays reflect the realities of life as a leading composer.
Listen live or on BBC Sounds...
Tarik O'Regan (Monday April 29, 21:45 BST)