
Anna Devin and Elizabeth Watts
Elizabeth Watts sits down with musicians who have their own stories to tell about how neurodivergence affects their personal and professional lives.
Neurodivergence is more prevalent among musicians than the general population. Soprano Elizabeth Watts, who has ADHD, explores how neurodiversity influences the lives and creativity of fellow musicians. She is joined by fellow soprano Anna Devin, who has dyslexia and dyspraxia, for a candid conversation about how their unique ways of thinking shape their experiences in music and life. Along the way, they share meaningful pieces that reflect their personal journeys.
Today, Anna shares several pieces that highlight aspects of singing that are difficult for her, such as learning fast text in a foreign language. She also shares pieces that give her creative freedom, for example through improvising ornaments or through a sound world that brings a visual scene to life. Elizabeth brings one recording that keeps her brain awake and engaged, and another that she uses to bribe herself to do tasks she would otherwise put off completing.
Adding a scientific lens to the discussion, Professor Catherine Loveday offers explanations and insights into the relationship between neurodiversity and musical creativity.
A Tandem Production for ѿý Radio 3
Last on
Music Played
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Francis Poulenc
Fêtes galantes
Performer: Alexandre Tharaud. Singer: Sabine Devieilhe.- ERATO.
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Engelbert Humperdinck
Hansel and Gretel (Pantomime)
Conductor: Charles Mackerras. Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.- CHANDOS.
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Johannes Brahms
Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen [How lovely are your dwellings] from German Requiem
Conductor: Yannick Nézet‐Séguin. Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra.- LPO.
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George Frideric Handel
Scaglian amore e sangue [They hurl love and blood] from Arminio
Singer: Anna Devin. Director: Laurence Cummings. Orchestra: Göttingen Festival Orchestra.- ACCENT.
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Giacomo Puccini
La Boheme (Act 3: 'Mimi! - Speravo di trovarvi qui' [Mimi! I was hoping to find you here])
Singer: Mirella Freni. Singer: Rolando Panerai. Conductor: Herbert von Karajan. Orchestra: Berliner Philharmoniker.- DECCA.
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Johann Sebastian Bach
Fugue in C minor, BWV 847/2 (The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1)
Performer: Sir András Schiff.- ECM.
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Richard Wagner
Tristan and Isolde (Prelude: excerpt)
Conductor: Sir Antonio Pappano. Orchestra: Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.- WARNER.
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Maurice Ravel
Scheherazade (1st mvt, 'Asie')
Performer: Fazil Say. Singer: Marianne Crebassa.- ERATO.
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Alexa Sunshine Rose
I Release Control (excerpt)
Performer: Alexa Sunshine Rose.- BANDCAMP.
Broadcast
- Sat 24 May 2025 13:00ѿý Radio 3
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