Seven Deadly Sins Interview: composer Bob Chilcott

One of the UK’s best-loved composers and choral directors, Bob Chilcott, will be appearing at this year’s Budleigh Music Festival on 28 June  - the opening day of this year’s Festival. He will be leading a choral workshop and performance of his most popular composition, ‘A Little Jazz Mass’ in its 20th anniversary year. We caught up with Bob to find out his seven deadly sins.

LUST: Who or what do you find yourself lusting after today and why?

Today it's raining yet again. I am lusting after a holiday with my wife and youngest daughter in the sunshine in the Caribbean. Probably the wrong time of year, I know, but wouldn't it be lovely!

GREED: What should you be cutting down on (non food or drink) and why?

Watching YouTube clips (mainly things that make me laugh, Peter Kay, Spike Milligan, Mock the Week and also pop from a while ago like Peter Gabriel and Billy Joel) when I should be working. Bad mistake having a computer in the same room as a piano.

GLUTTONY: What one thing could you happily eat or drink until you burst, and why?

Eggs Florentine (poached eggs and spinach on a muffin with hollandaise) but even better is when you replace the spinach with a field mushroom.) Paradise.

SLOTH: What should you be putting your back into now and why?

Writing some music! I have had a few days off and I'm walking around like a zombie and loving it. Self motivation is sometimes very hard!

WRATH: Who or what makes you angry and why?

Intolerant and narrow minded people who divide and exclude others. Musicians learn what it takes to find consensus, to create something unified with others and that is magic and life affirming.

ENVY: Who are you jealous of and why?

To be honest, I'm not really jealous of anyone. There are certainly times when I have been in my life, for one reason or another, but not now. As a creative person, coming to terms with what you can and cannot do is a big part of the job. It's much more self fulfilling to enjoy the success and good fortune of others.

PRIDE: What’s your proudest achievement and why?

I'm super proud of my wife and my five children. And I'm proud of the fact that I am working doing something I have done all my life and still absolutely loving it. 

Budleigh Music Festival takes place from 28 June -7 July. Visit www.budleighmusicfestival.co.uk

This interview is taken from the May issue of Exeter Living. You can read the magazine online here.