Proms 2018: 鈥楧on鈥檛 do it unless you have to!鈥� 鈥� the advice of composer Thea Musgrave for anyone seeking a career in music
3 August 2018
It’s been quite a year for Edinburgh-born Thea Musgrave. The acclaimed composer and conductor has celebrated her 90th birthday, received an honorary doctorate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and received the Queen’s Award for Music at Buckingham Palace.
This month her compositions will be performed at the Edinburgh International Festival and the 大象传媒 Proms.
A woman and a composer
Musgrave’s career has spanned over 60 years, encompassing a time when female composers were a rarity.
Once questioned about being a ‘woman composer’ she replied, “Yes I am a woman, and I am a composer. But rarely at the same time“.
Now in her 91st year, Thea’s passion for music remains, although she admits it can be a difficult career.
Asked by the 大象传媒 to offer advice to young composers, she replied “Don’t do it, unless you have to. And if you do, enjoy every minute of it.”
From the archive
Thea Musgrave - Tom Service Interview
大象传媒SO - 15/02/2014. Thea Musgrave - Tom Service Interview
Reflections on a musical career
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Thea Musgrave: Phoenix Rising (Prom 33)
The 大象传媒 Symphony Orchestra performs at Proms 2018.
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大象传媒 SSO live dates
大象传媒 Scottish Symphony Orchestra with Thea Musgrave鈥檚 works.
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90 years old ...and counting!
Jamie MacDougall celebrates the 90th birthday of acclaimed Scots鈥揂merican composer Thea Musgrave.
Thea Musgrave at the 大象传媒
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Music Matters
Thea Musgrave tells Tom Service about the stories behind her music.
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大象传媒 Music: Thea Musgrave
A biography of the Edinburgh-born composer and conductor.
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Celebrating Women Composers
A Radio 3 playlist of works by seminal women composers.
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Composer of the Week
Donald Macleod discusses the music of Thea Musgrave (b.1928) with the composer.
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22 women composers are championed by the Proms as the festival reflects on the moment 100 years ago when some women got the vote.
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