How difficult was it to break into the music industry in the 1940s having not studied at a conservatory? What's the difference between singing as a soloist in a concert, and performing an opera? Are classical music conductors usually open to feedback?

In this week’s episode, John is joined by concert and opera singer Dame Janet Baker.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was it like growing up in Egypt in the 1930s? How difficult is it to move between writing for children and adults? What is the best thing to do when afflicted with writer’s block?

In this week’s episode, John is joined by writer Dame Penelope Lively

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What did Mikhail Gorbachev identify as the key problem within the Soviet Union? How should the British Ambassador in Moscow manage their relationship with the Kremlin? And was it the experience of working in the KGB that made Vladimir Putin such a ruthless operator?

In this week's episode, John Tusa speaks to diplomat and former British Ambassador to the USSR, Rodric Braithwaite.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to become a conductor? Are great conductors always open to feedback? Why has the teaching of music in schools been underfunded for decades, and what has this meant for British culture?

This week, John speaks to conductor, John Carewe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did an Englishman organise the rescue of over 600 Jewish children from the Nazis in Czechoslovakia? Did the children receive a warm welcome in Great Britain? And what was the fate of the parents who were left behind?

In this week's episode, John speaks to Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines MBE, who escaped the Nazis as part of the Kindertransport in 1939.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What was at the heart of the dispute that led to Michael Heseltine taking on Margaret Thatcher for the Tory leadership? What type of Prime Minister would he have been? And does Michael Heseltine still think Brexit was a mistake?

This week, John speaks to politician, publisher, and gardener, Lord Michael Heseltine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to run one of the world’s most influential newspapers? How easy is it to work in the United States as a British journalist? What was it like to play on Wimbledon’s iconic Centre Court?

In this week’s episode, John speaks to journalist Sir Geoffrey Owen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to be a composer? Why shouldn’t you worry about the past? How does a composer come to terms with an ever-changing musical landscape?

In this week’s episode, Sir John Tusa speaks to composer, Thea Musgrave.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.