Music Matters

Tom Service visits Opera North for the world premiere of Pleasure, a dramatic opera set in a gay nightclub, written by the young up-coming composer Mark Simpson, making his debut in the genre. We interview him, and music critic Paul Griffiths reviews the opera too. Also, we visit Birmingham's Symphony Hall as it turns 25 this month to learn about its illustrious history, its relevance in the local community today, as well as its contribution to the UK's cultural life. Tom talks to its CEO Nick Reed and to local journalist Christopher Morley from the Birmingham Post.