1. How and when did you get interested in composing?

I started composing when I was 14 because of my education at Westminster Cathedral Choir School.

2. Is composing your 'day job' or do you do something else as well?

Composing is my main work. I also play the organ. I usually do at least 6 hours composition a day.

3. Where do you mostly get your ideas?

From the texts I set. I am mainly a choral composer.

4. What are you working on at the moment?

Motets for English and German publishers and a large-scale organ piece.

5. Describe your typical working day.

I rise at 5.00am and am usually at work by 5.30. I play for church services for an hour in the morning or afternoon; otherwise I spend most of the time composing. I go to bed at about 11.30pm.

6. What is it like hearing a new piece played for the first time?

It can be very exciting but it is always nerve wracking!

7. What has been the highlight of your career so far?

My children's operas and their association with special needs schools.

8. What has been the lowlight of your career so far?

Playing the organ at the last night of the BBC Proms and the instrument going wrong! Awful.

9. What is your greatest ambition?

That my music is widely used after my death. Also to meet as many people as possible.

10. Which musician in history do you most admire and why?

Stravinsky. His music is always inspiring.

11. Which present-day musician do you most admire and why?

All those musicians who share their talents with young people.

12. Which period of history would you most like to have lived in and why?

The present -- the opportunities are enormous and the techniques of composition are almost limitless.

13. What is the best thing about being a composer?

Knowing that I can speak to people's souls -- this is a massive responsibility.

14. What is the worst thing about being a composer?

There isn't any downside. It's the most wonderful thing.

15. If you weren't a composer, what other career might you have chosen?

Politics.

16. What is your concept of heaven?

Knowing what creation is all about. Also drinking without a hangover!

17. What is your concept of hell?

I haven't one. I can't really believe in devils with pitchforks and similar torments. The absence of love would be the worst possible thing.

18. What is your favourite food?

Pasta.

19. If someone gave you three months off with unlimited travel and living expenses, what would you do?

Go into space -- fascinating.

20. If you could have one thing in the world that would really help you as a composer, what would it be?

A wide appreciation of all other arts and the ability to paint and write superb poetry.