Weir Judith (b 1954): the next MQM

[ahinton]

Rubbra was erased and Tippett was tippexed.

whereas Bliss was presumably Blissfully ignorant of this because he'd died by then...

But did anyone think to offer it to Walton? who, incidentally, noted, when Bliss's successor was appointed, that they'd "got the wrong Malcolm". Was it offered to Berkeley? Arnold was not knighted until some years later but Berkeley was already a Sir by then (not that this really makes any difference, I imagine). I remain curious as to how the appointment procedure works, who supervises it and makes the decision and whether and to what extent composers are approached and accept it or not.

[Honoured Guest]

Would it be appropriate to appoint an emigre (Walton)?

Would it, at the time, have been appropriate to appoint a Catholic (Berkeley)?

As the Queen makes the appointment, I assume there's a royal committee or personal advisor. Who appoints the committee or personal advisor?

I heard (or read) somewhere in the media that Judith Weir considered the request for some time before accepting it.

[bluestateprommer]

Interesting read from Tom Service in The Guardian on Judith Weir's appointment as MQM:

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jul/21/judith-weir-master-of-queens-music

On her own nomination, and whom she nominated:

"The palace asked a lot of people who it should be, and I said Jonathan Dove would be the best person. But they took no notice of me and a few weeks ago they told me they had had the most suggestions that it ought to be me – so well done."

This bit is also interesting to read from JW (emphasis mine):

"I have an interest in teaching at all levels, but taking up this job has reminded me how sketchy my knowledge really is of what's going on in schools. The yearly stipend will help me to travel around the UK – without doing that, it's very difficult to know what's really happening – and possibly to have the time to do a piece every year for those communities."

[french frank]

Interesting read from Tom Service in The Guardian on Judith Weir's appointment as MQM:

http://www.theguardian.com/music/201...f-queens-music

Yes - an interesting character. Lots of areas of public life where she could usefully poke her nose in. I hope she does.

[Lento]

Interesting to read that Judith Weir felt inspired by the Queen's enthusiasm for music in this country, presumably educational matters. Also that she cycled to Buck House.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/queen-elizabeth-II/10984279/Master-of-the-Queens-music-jokes-about-her-new-woman-boss-aged-88.html

[Serial_Apologist]

she cycled to Buck House.

Chauffeur-driven, I assume - otherwise she wouldn't have been allowed past the gates let alone the sentries, one assumes...

[french frank]

one assumes...

And one would know ...


Can't read the Telegraph article, but this might be similar:

http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts-ents/music/queens-new-composer-judith-weir-hails-boss.1406046066

[BBMmk2]

She is an interesting choice.