Michael Berkeley

Interview recorded at London 2008

36' 25"

Oxford University Press

Or if you prefer, download an MP3 of this interview here (37MB)

Michael Berkeley is one of those British music figures that has enjoyed success in a number of different roles. His father was Lennox Berkeley, his godfather Benjamin Britten, so it’s no surprise that the young Michael followed in their footsteps as a composer. But he has been broadcasting for almost as long, particularly on BBC Radio 3 where he currently hosts Private Passions. Berkeley has served on the board of the Royal Opera House, amongst many others, and for 10 seasons was artistic director of the Cheltenham International Festival, where his passion for contemporary music transformed the programmes and engaged a new audience.

Broadminded, acutely culturally aware and immensely creative, Michael Berkeley is full of stories and clear opinions on how music and the arts work in the UK and abroad. Being so articulate and knowledgeable, it’s fascinating to hear Michael’s private passions and to discover how things look from the unique perspective of a composer/broadcaster/festival director.

Tariq Ali

Sir Mark Elder

Sir John Tusa

Gillian Moore

Pod Talk presented by Robert Cohen and produced by Tommy Pearson.

© Robert Cohen 2009

Theme music: Sonata for Solo Cello, Op 8 (Mvt III) by Zoltan Kodaly,

published by Universal Edition.