Composer Michael Stimpson on maintaining a music career after a life-changing illness

Florence Lockheart
Thursday, September 7, 2023

After his vision was damaged by a rare virus in 1976, Michael Stimpson didn’t let his loss of sight derail his musical career. Now celebrating his 75th birthday with the release of a seven-disc box set of his work, the composer looks back on the motivations and coping mechanisms which allowed him to remain resilient in the face of adversity

'I was aware of two abiding feelings resulting from this illness. The first was a wonderful sense of calm and peace of mind, and the second was a driving force to move on' ©Andrew McCombie
'I was aware of two abiding feelings resulting from this illness. The first was a wonderful sense of calm and peace of mind, and the second was a driving force to move on' ©Andrew McCombie

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