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Aug 28, 2026 1 hr 38 min

Sally Beamish

from Composer of the Week Podcast Hosted by BBC Radio 3

Donald Macleod joins Sally Beamish at her home on the south coast of England to celebrate her 70th birthday. Across a lifetime in music, Beamish has combined careers as performer and composer, drawing inspiration from places, people and collaborations along the way. From a musical childhood in post-war London and her early years as a violist, to a transformative move to Scotland and a growing international reputation as a composer, Beamish reflects on the experiences that have shaped her creative life. Folk traditions, landscape, birdsong and long-standing creative relationships all play a part, as she looks back on a remarkable career and ahead to new projects. Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales Music featured includes: April Crescent The Wise Maid Gerropaedie Partita The Naming of Birds: III. Carduelis Cannabina, Emberiza Calendra Seavaigers Cello Sonata: II. Scherzo-Allegro Trance The Day Dawn Stone, Salt and Sky: Processional Gala Water Piobaireachd The Singing First Peace Viola Concerto No. 1 City Stanzas (Piano Concerto No. 3): Burlesque Bridging the Day Trinculo Sally's Tune Prelude and Canon Night Songs Pavan Caliban Spinal Chords For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Sally Beamish: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00309fv And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

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Sally Beamish

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This episode was published on August 28, 2026.

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