Composer and conductor Ryan Wigglesworth, now chief conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, reflects on his musical journey ahead of his role as featured artist at the Aldeburgh Festival. He recalls his first visit to Aldeburgh as a teenage fanboy, inspired by Benjamin Britten's legacy, and his deep bond with mentor Oliver Knussen. Wigglesworth emphasizes the importance of integrating new music into classical programming, debuts Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande with the BBC Scottish Symphony, and premieres his own viola concerto. He also discusses challenges facing music education and the need for grassroots initiatives.
