大象传媒

Acclaimed as one of the world's great living composers, Sir James MacMillan last appeared on All Things Considered when he was in Cardiff rehearsing for the premiere of a work he鈥檇 written for Welsh National Opera. Fourteen years later, his reputation has not diminished. His new work, 'When Soft Voices Die' was premiered in the opening night of the Proms last month. His percussion concerto 'Veni, Veni Emmanuel' has now had more than 500 performances around the world, and his 'Stabat Mater' was streamed from the Sistine Chapel in Rome.

And there鈥檚 a steady stream of work for orchestras, choirs and soloists heard extensively at international music festivals, including an annual event he launched in the former coalmining community of Cumnock in Ayrshire, where he was brought up. It was also there that his deep commitment to the Roman Catholic faith was nurtured.

Roy Jenkins interviews Sir James about his life, work and deep Catholic faith.