Michael Nyman: interview

East End boy and - having written classic scores for Peter Greenaway films and ‘The Piano’ - one of the UK's best known composers, Michael Nyman is one of our 40th birthday heroes

See all Time Out's 40th birthday London heroes

What’s it like to be a London hero?
‘It’s an odd feeling being a hero for any reason but, as a true cockney and a life-long resident of London, I suppose there is a certain inevitability to it, and I’m grateful to be the only "contemporary classical composer" on the list!’

Who are your London heroes?
‘Edmundo Ros and Rodney Marsh.’

What’s your favourite place or thing in London?
‘QPR, Loftus Road.’

What’s your personal favourite moment in London? Where were you and what was happening?
‘Showing my three-minute "Legalise Pot Rally" film at the Roundhouse in 1968, but I’m not really sure what was happening!’

What’s the future for your field in London? What are your hopes, and what needs to happen?
‘Could there be someone out there who would actually allow my music to be played at the Proms?’

See all Time Out's 40th birthday London heroes

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