Blue Touch Paper composer discussion

As part of a consultation phase about the future of Blue Touch Paper, The London Sinfonietta brings together a group of composers to discuss how they make their best work.

Composers John Adams, Mira Calix, Larry Goves and Christian Mason were joined by Enno Senft (principal bass of the London Sinfonietta), Sally Groves (director of Schott Music) and Jane Williams (then Head of Artistic Planning for the London Sinfonietta) in a conversation chaired by Andrew Burke (Chief Executive of the London Sinfonietta).

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Section 1: Is there a difference between music written as a result of a commission compared to the music composers want to write?

Section 2: Do composers find themselves writing music they think they ought to write in order to get it played?

Section 3: How is it best for composers to get useful feedback about their developing compositions?

Section 4: What are the possibilities for composers collaborating with people outside of music, and what can be learnt from composers who work with their own ensemble?