Musical Strength

Linton Stephens is joined by the soprano Nadine Benjamin ahead of a performance of her autobiographical opera BEAM, part of the Summer at Snape season. She reflects on how music has the power to heal and why she finds strength in her voice. The music psychologist Natasha Hendry talks to Linton about her research into race and racism in music education and the music industry. As Radio 3 celebrates the London Festival of Architecture, Music Matters visits Bold Tendencies at its unique home in Peckham’s former multi-storey car park, and speaks to the organisation’s founder Hannah Barry, the acoustician Dave Parsons, the pianist Samson Tsoy and producer Fraser Smith, to learn how the building’s fabric impacts sound quality and informs artistry. And, Linton also hears from soprano Stephanie Corley, director James Brining, and conductor James Holmes, about a new collaborative production of A Little Night Music by both Opera North and the Leeds Playhouse, and learns how Sondheim’s portrayal of human relationships speaks to audiences today.