From Birtwistle to Stormzy: why tradition must always be challenged

Keith Burstein
Monday, April 22, 2024

Composer Keith Burstein explores how music has changed in the three decades since The Hecklers booed Sir Harrison Birtwistle at the Royal Opera House – and reflects on why he felt called to such radical action in the first place

Sir John Tomlinson as the Green Knight in the April 1994 production of Harrison Birtwistle's 'Gawain' which was booed after the performance by The Hecklers on 14 April ©Clive Barda/ArenaPAL
Sir John Tomlinson as the Green Knight in the April 1994 production of Harrison Birtwistle's 'Gawain' which was booed after the performance by The Hecklers on 14 April ©Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

Register now to continue reading

Don’t miss out on our dedicated coverage of the classical music world. Register today to enjoy the following benefits:

  • Unlimited access to news pages
  • Free weekly email newsletter
  • Free access to two subscriber-only articles per month
Register for free

Already registered? - Sign in here