Volker Bertelmann - Conclave

On this episode, I spoke to composer Volker Bertelmann about his work on Conclave. Bertelmann was nominated this year at the 2025 Academy Awards. CONCLAVE follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting the new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence uncovers a trail of deep secrets left in the dead Pope’s wake, secrets which could shake the foundations of the Church. CONCLAVE is based on bestselling author Robert Harris’ 2016 thriller of the same name. Optioned for the screen by House Productions, it is scripted by Peter Straughan, the Oscar® - nominated writer of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and directed by Oscar®-winning filmmaker Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front).