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When I was a teenager at boarding school, a trip was arranged to see Peter Grimes, an opera by Benjamin Britten, in London's west end. I was bowled away by the evening. Not only was the story compelling, but the music was brilliant, wonderfully evoking the varying moods of the sea. Next day, I began to write my own opera, named DIOW after a heathen God around whom the story was centred. I dreamt up the plot and wrote the libretto. The march of the people was strongly reminiscewnt of the crowd marching to Grimes' hut in Britten's work.
DIOW lasted twenty-six minutes. I knew it was nonsense then, but it was a start. I wanted to compose.
I regret that I allowed myself to be put off from composing in my early twenties and only took it up again aged sixty. Still, better late than never. I am producing around two short piano pieces a week at present. The style does show the influence of Britten, I have to admit, but I think there may also be some originality about it. Still, that's up to others to judge.