FIRST IMPRESSIONS: DEBBIE WISEMAN MBE
What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve just finished writing the music for HM the Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration and I’m writing themes for a new film by director Peter Kosminsky. I’m also putting the finishing touches to my first album release for Classic FM, The Musical Zodiac, released in September.
When are you at your happiest?
When I’m at the piano composing.
What is your greatest fear?
Finding a large spider and having no one in the house to come and remove it for me.
What is your earliest memory?
Making mush pies with my brother. Mush pies were anything we could find in the kitchen that we could throw into a large mixing bowl and mix around into disgusting goo. I remember enjoying the creativity of it.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
I’m impatient and want everything done yesterday.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My composition teacher Buxton Orr. An inspiring and brilliant composer.
What is your most treasured possession?
My piano: I wouldn’t feel complete without it.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Rudeness, especially not saying thank you.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My hair – it’s very frizzy and curly and needs lots of attention.
What is your favourite book?
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. I immersed myself in the book when I was composing the score for the series.
What is your favourite film?
Out Of Africa. At least 50 per cent of the reason for choosing this film is John Barry’s epic, moving score.
Debbie immersed herself in the pages of Wolf Hall, loves the Turangalîla Symphony and Out Of Africa and plays ping-pong
And your favourite piece of music?
Olivier Messiaen’s Turangalîla Symphony. I find something new in it every time I listen to it.
What is your favourite meal?
Grilled Dover sole.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
The snooker player Dennis Taylor. I love snooker and I’d love to chat with Dennis over dinner about that amazing 1985 World Snooker Championship final against Steve Davis. Also Joanna Lumley, as I think she’s brilliant and funny, and Alan Titchmarsh as we worked together on the Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration and he’s great fun.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever written about you?
In this business, people are rarely nasty to your face. Sometimes they might have a go behind your back – which is worse.
Do you believe in aliens?
It’s presumptuous to believe we’re the only creatures in the universe.
What is your secret vice?
Dark chocolate.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Always. I think it’s very important to thank people if they’ve been kind or generous or have just been a good friend.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘Have we got time for one more take?’
What would improve the quality of your life?
A chef. I wish I could create tasty meals, but I usually end up cooking boring, functional food.
Tell us one thing people might not know about you.
I’m a pretty good table-tennis player.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘She wrote a few good tunes.’
Debbie Wiseman will be performing Music & Words From Wolf Hall at the Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival on 31 May: www.salisburyfestival.co.uk
I’ve just finished writing the music for HM the Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration and I’m writing themes for a new film by director Peter Kosminsky. I’m also putting the finishing touches to my first album release for Classic FM, The Musical Zodiac, released in September.
When are you at your happiest?
When I’m at the piano composing.
What is your greatest fear?
Finding a large spider and having no one in the house to come and remove it for me.
What is your earliest memory?
Making mush pies with my brother. Mush pies were anything we could find in the kitchen that we could throw into a large mixing bowl and mix around into disgusting goo. I remember enjoying the creativity of it.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
I’m impatient and want everything done yesterday.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My composition teacher Buxton Orr. An inspiring and brilliant composer.
What is your most treasured possession?
My piano: I wouldn’t feel complete without it.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Rudeness, especially not saying thank you.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My hair – it’s very frizzy and curly and needs lots of attention.
What is your favourite book?
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. I immersed myself in the book when I was composing the score for the series.
What is your favourite film?
Out Of Africa. At least 50 per cent of the reason for choosing this film is John Barry’s epic, moving score.
Debbie immersed herself in the pages of Wolf Hall, loves the Turangalîla Symphony and Out Of Africa and plays ping-pongAnd your favourite piece of music?
Olivier Messiaen’s Turangalîla Symphony. I find something new in it every time I listen to it.
What is your favourite meal?
Grilled Dover sole.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
The snooker player Dennis Taylor. I love snooker and I’d love to chat with Dennis over dinner about that amazing 1985 World Snooker Championship final against Steve Davis. Also Joanna Lumley, as I think she’s brilliant and funny, and Alan Titchmarsh as we worked together on the Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration and he’s great fun.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever written about you?
In this business, people are rarely nasty to your face. Sometimes they might have a go behind your back – which is worse.
Do you believe in aliens?
It’s presumptuous to believe we’re the only creatures in the universe.
What is your secret vice?
Dark chocolate.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Always. I think it’s very important to thank people if they’ve been kind or generous or have just been a good friend.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘Have we got time for one more take?’
What would improve the quality of your life?
A chef. I wish I could create tasty meals, but I usually end up cooking boring, functional food.
Tell us one thing people might not know about you.
I’m a pretty good table-tennis player.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘She wrote a few good tunes.’
Debbie Wiseman will be performing Music & Words From Wolf Hall at the Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival on 31 May: www.salisburyfestival.co.uk