Outline.A music special and documentary celebrating the life and works of Stephen Oliver who was to become a leading composer of the late 20th century.
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The Least of My Troubles - Stephen Oliver
Background to the project
A tribute to a short but brilliant career of 20th century composer Stephen Oliver.
As well as the astonishing success of 'Nicholas Nickleby' for the RSC, 'Blondel' composed by Stephen Oliver (lyrics by TIM RICE) had several runs both in the West End and in the States. Other notable successes the score for the film 'Lady Jane', and 'Lord Of The Rings' for the BBC Radio dramatisation, whilst also being a regular guest on BBC 4's 'Stop The Week'. Stephen also wrote and presented his own TV series 'Understanding Opera' for BBC2. |
Had Stephen not died young (1990s) he would now be a household name. He left behind a catalogue of over 40 operas and works large and small. Stephen also wrote for TV and film. (Read more in the link below to Guardian article 'So Much, Yet Not Enough')
A memorial concert was held when Stephen would have been 60, and this was reported in detail by The Independent article 'In memory of a brief but brilliant career'. Actors and other artists who performed at that concert including SIMON CALLOW, CANTABILE (THE LONDON QUARTET) are to be invited to be in this special programme and to make the music Stephen has gifted to us a celebration.
A memorial concert was held when Stephen would have been 60, and this was reported in detail by The Independent article 'In memory of a brief but brilliant career'. Actors and other artists who performed at that concert including SIMON CALLOW, CANTABILE (THE LONDON QUARTET) are to be invited to be in this special programme and to make the music Stephen has gifted to us a celebration.
Friendships In Constant Repair
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Batignano Festival
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The title 'The Least of my Troubles' is one of the tracks from the musical 'Blondel' (lyrics TIM RICE). This tribute celebrates not only Stephen's music and compositions, but also his work on radio, other TV shows.
* No programme has every been made about this prolific and popular composer, it's long overdue!
* No programme has every been made about this prolific and popular composer, it's long overdue!
The evening offers a musical portrait of a man whose contribution to music on these islands was almost bewilderingly multifarious." |