Countercurrent: conversations with Professor Roger Kneebone

The Very Rev Dr Mark Oakley is Dean of Southwark. He has held many ecclesiastical roles, including Rector of St Paul’s Covent Garden, then Chancellor at St Paul’s Cathedral. He is deeply interested in poetry, is a prolific writer and has a PhD in English literature. A turning point for Mark as a young minister in his twenties was his work with young men dying from HIV/AIDS. In this conversation we explore the role of poetry and metaphor in Mark’s ministry and find surprising resonances between our areas of practice. 

Stephen Kovacevich is one of the  most celebrated concert pianists of his generation. Since his Wigmore Hall debut in 1961 he has been known for his interpretations of Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Schubert. Stephen and I look back over his career and discuss his experiences as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and conductor, collaborating with many of the world’s leading performers and orchestras. He and pianist Martha Argerich will be performing at the Wigmore Hall in October 2025 in a concert to celebrate his 85th birthday.

Michael Booth is Chief Library Assistant at the London Library, where he has worked for forty years. One of his remarkable skills is an ability to track down books that have gone missing amongst the Library’s collection of over a million volumes. We discuss the combination of observation, experience and detective work that enable him to find even the most elusive items in the Library’s enormous repository.  https://www.londonlibrary.co.uk  

Toby Purser is Head of Conducting at the Royal College of Music in London. His musical interests encompass symphonic, operative and contemporary repertoires alongside film music and intercultural collaborations. He founded the Orion Orchestra in 2005 and is its artistic director. Toby has been guest conductor with many leading orchestras across the world. In this conversation we explore the many facets of a conductor’s role. https://www.tobypurser.co.uk

Wayne Meeten, a craftsman renowned for his mastery of ancient Japanese metalworking and influenced by Tai Chi, shares his artistic journey. He recounts the serendipitous turns from an early career as a jeweler to becoming an award-winning silversmith. Wayne discusses the emotional depth of his craft and the challenge of creating unique pieces using only traditional techniques. He explores the balance between creativity and confidence, as well as the profound impact of his experiences in Japan and mentorship on his artistic expression.

Janis Wong, a Data and Technology Law Policy Advisor with a PhD in computer science, dives deep into the evolving dynamics between law and technology. She discusses the transformative role of the Law Society in supporting solicitors post-2007 Legal Services Act and emphasizes the importance of legal education in a global context. Wong also addresses the challenges of navigating digital evidence in the legal framework and the need for collaboration between legal experts and tech professionals, particularly as AI advances rapidly in society.

Howard Phipps, an acclaimed artist and printmaker known for his evocative wood engravings of the natural world, engages in a rich conversation about his craft. He delves into the nuances of wood engraving techniques and the significance of light and negative space in capturing landscapes. Phipps shares his personal journey, reflecting on the interplay between art, nature, and memory. He also discusses the importance of knowing when a piece is 'finished' and the obsessive nature of detail-oriented work in an age of instant gratification.

Adele Wagstaff, a talented portrait artist trained at Newcastle University and the Slade School of Fine Art, discusses her artistic journey and the nuances of portrait creation. She speaks about the importance of anatomy in art and how intimacy emerges between artist and subject. Adele shares insights on the challenges of teaching art and fostering creativity among students. Additionally, she reflects on the emotional complexity of creating portraits and navigating the subjective nature of art competitions, illustrating the profound connections she forms through her work.

Helen Leek is a pianist who has won many prizes, including the International Young Concert Artists Competition and the Brant International Piano Competition. She performs as a soloist and chamber musician and teaches piano at Royal Holloway, University of London. She also gives masterclasses and adjudicates at competitions within the Royal  College of Music. In this conversation explore her approach to music and discuss parallels between our professional worlds. Helen dedicates this podcast to the memory of psychotherapist Bill Hendry, who died suddenly in March 2025.

Dame Eleanor Sharpston KC served as an Advocate General at the Court of Justice of the European Union from 2006 to 2020, before being removed following Brexit. Eleanor has held academic roles at the University of Cambridge, has numerous honorary doctorates and is a Bencher at the Middle Temple. In this conversation we discuss her remarkable career and explore parallels between our different paths.