The Ivors Interview - James MacMillan

James MacMillan is one of today’s most successful living composers and is also internationally active as a conductor. His musical language is flooded with influences from his Scottish heritage, his Roman Catholic faith, social conscience and close connection with Celtic folk music, blended together with influences from Far Eastern, Scandinavian and Eastern European music. In 2009, he was awarded The Ivors Classical Music Award.

Where do you keep your Ivor?

I have it at home in the kitchen.

What was the last book you read?

Criticising the Critics by Aidan Nichols OP – a collection of talks and lectures, addressing many of the most vocal critics of Catholicism.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Forget the football career...

If you had a time machine, which period of history would you visit first?

My first stop would be AD 30-33, Jerusalem.

Does contemporary classical music have an image problem, and if so, what could be done to improve it?

No.

Which composers did you admire when you were growing up?

I greatly admired Messiaen because he was inspired by similar things. I admired Shostakovich because he believed in the still viable power of symphonic form. And I admired Britten because he made contemporary music vital and meaningful for people in this country.

What do you think of music critics?

I think they are god’s gift to the world – geniuses, all of them.

What do you do to relax?

I play with my new granddaughter, Sara.

Do you think great music can simultaneously communicate with the mind, body and the soul?

Yes, I certainly do.

What makes you laugh?

Gordon Brown.

Do you listen to much new music – and is it important for a composer to keep in touch with what other people are doing?

Yes. I am always fascinated by the music of my colleagues and I am always looking for opportunities to perform many of their works.