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Donald Macleod and Debbie Wiseman discuss the challenges of composing for royal events.

Debbie Wiseman has over two hundred credits for her music, ranging from television and film, to the concert hall and music for royal pageantry. Not only is she a multi-award winning composer, but also a pianist and conductor, often performing in and recording her own works. Wiseman also works as a Visiting Professor at a number of academic institutions including the Royal College of Music. As a composer for the concert hall, Wiseman has collaborated with Hayley Westenra, Stephen Fry, Nigel Havers, Vanessa Redgrave and Alan Titchmarsh. She has provided music for two royal anniversaries. Donald Macleod visits Debbie Wiseman at her home in London to discuss her long and varied career.

Today Donald and Debbie talk about her work away from the big screen, including her music for the Queen’s 90th birthday, and the piece she composed to be performed on a barge in the middle of the river Thames, as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Wiseman also discusses her collaboration with gardener, Alan Titchmarsh on her concert work, The Glorious Garden.

Quiet Room
Debbie Wiseman, piano

Gigue
Ensemble H20
Debbie Wiseman, conductor

The 90th Birthday Celebration Suite (excerpts)
National Symphony Orchestra
Debbie Wiseman, conductor

The Glorious Garden (excerpts)
Alan Titchmarsh, narrator
National Symphony Orchestra
Debbie Wiseman, conductor

Tom’s Midnight Garden (excerpts)
Studio Orchestra
Debbie Wiseman, conductor

Produced by Luke Whitlock, for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Wales