Farewell to Stromness

Personal stories about Farewell to Stromness, by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies.

Written in 1980 as a protest against uranium mining in Orkney, the music has touched and changed people's lives.

The Orkney landscape which inspired Max's music is described by his partner Tim Morrison.

We hear from Rosalind Newton, for whom the music provided peace after the death of her grandmother.

Conductor Christopher Warren-Green recalls his performance of the music at the wedding of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

In Stromness we discover a community coming together to face the threat of uranium mining.

Guitarist Sean Shibe and writer Ivan Hewett consider why this simple piece is so subtle and affective.

And we hear from Jeana Leslie how the music, with its quiet melancholy inspired by folk music, has became traditional , and was a favourite for Peter Maxwell Davies to perform to visitors at his remote island home.

Producer: Melvin Rickarby

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2019.