There’s more to tracing the genesis of a masterpiece than simply studying the score; it requires standing in the light that first illuminated the composer’s mind. For any conductor, visiting the town of Rapallo on the Italian Riviera is a profound experience of the  “Mediterranean light” that infuses Sibelius’s life-affirming 2nd Symphony. Earlier this month, … Read more

7/7/25 Music is essential if humanity is to meet the existential challenges we face today. Why? Because it engages the whole brain – to survive as a species, we need music! In his seminal book The Master and His Emissary psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist explains how humanity needs to balance the left and right brain hemispheres … Read more

Welcome to the first post of a series exploring the bizarre, illuminating, and serendipitous events I’ve encountered in the last few years. In doing so, I hope the lessons learnt will be useful! This initial post is about running and music  – specifically the challenge of marathon running and the Everest of Beethoven’s 9 Symphonies. … Read more

  Much has transpired in my personal and creative journey since 2020 and the onset of the Covid pandemic. I will gradually unpack these experiences here – but for now, let’s just say that I’m finally ready to embrace social media. As my friends know, I’ve always been averse to interacting in cyberspace. Given the … Read more

The sheer stupid insanity of which we as a species are capable is, quite literally, incredible. Recently a dear friend and colleague, the UK based violinist Enrico Alvares responded to this stupidity by masterminding a remarkable concert to raise money for the International Rescue Committee. The IRC provides vital Humanitarian aid to refugees throughout the … Read more

  Exploring the role deep listening can play in the development of creativity in people of all ages, with a special focus on the young. My “Sonic Immersion” project took place from November 2020 – May 2021. The UK was in Coronavirus lockdown during much of this time and the project responded by giving young … Read more

Enabling collaboration and bringing people together however and whenever possible is the conductor’s true role. This has been a challenging year for all, but it has been so amazing to feel the power of live music on the few occasions it has been possible. It has been incredible to see how brave, creative and resourceful … Read more