The Finzi Trust

Jon James speaks to composer, Richard Barnard, inaugural winner of the Finzi International Choral Composing Competition.

Robert Plane gives a unique performer's perspective into the clarinet concerto, including how he inherited it from legendary clarinettist Dame Thea King, the secrets behind its rhapsodic power and its enduring success beyond these shores. 

Fiona Mackenzie talks of her 'holy grail' to extend the legacy of folklorists Margaret Fay Shaw and her husband John Campbell, who collected thousands of folksongs and preserved a precious corner of Celtic culture.

Robert Gower, who joined as a trustee in 1981 and has chaired the Trust for the last twenty-five years, gives fascinating insights into the early days of the organisation, including Joy Finzi's enthusiasms, British Music festivals and the expansion of activities since then. Six 'Desert Island' discs illustrate his lifelong commitment to British music, including some Finzi classics that still connect with him 'like an arrow straight to the heart.'

Soprano Madeleine Holmes reveals why she's 'potty about Italy', her search for twentieth century song there, the nature of artistic pilgrimage and what disc she'd take with her on a desert island. 

Julian recounts his revealing pilgrimage to some of Europe's finest historical organs, including an encounter with the 'erratic wind' of an instrument in Göteborg.

Jonathan James speaks to Paul Spicer, a long-serving Finzi trustee and specialist in British choral music, about Finzi's masterpiece, 'Lo, the Full, Final Sacrifice'. After a fascinating insight into how the piece has established itself in the choral repertoire, Paul takes us through the score from the piano, bringing alive each detail and providing an invaluable resource for choirs and their directors, Finzi enthusiasts, and lovers of 20th century British music.

(In-depth analysis of the work starts at 26'55.)

Sarah spills the beans on her scholarship interview and picks up a thread that has run throughout her diverse career: story-telling.

Featuring 'Wan', composed by Sarah Angliss from the album Air Loom.

Contemporary specialist Darragh finds funk and harmonic transcendence in compositions for violin and electronics.

Anneke revives and reimagines the virtuoso caprices of 19th century hornist, Jacques-François Gallay