Errollyn Wallen

Belize-born British composer Errollyn Wallen, the newly appointed Master of the King's Music, kicks off a discussion on music education and composing for young voices. Joining her is Neil Brand, a silent film expert who shares his experience scoring for a 1926 Western. They explore the nostalgic charm of early Eurovision, the communal spirit of Oasis's "Champagne Supernova," and the poignant social commentary in The Kinks' "Sunny Afternoon." The conversation wraps up with Marvin Gaye's emotional duet, highlighting the power of music across generations.

Errollyn Wallen, a groundbreaking composer from Belize, discusses her remarkable journey in classical music. She shares her emotional connections to key pieces like Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 and reflects on her childhood influences. Wallen opens up about the personal struggles she faced, including body image and mental health, and how these shaped her art. She passionately addresses the importance of cultural ownership in music and advocates for accessibility in the classical scene while also cherishing the solitude and creativity found in her lighthouse home.