Michael Berkeley’s guest on BBC Radio 3's Private Passions this Sunday 26 October is the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. Recorded at Chequers last week, the Prime Minister discusses 'his love of music, and how it has been integral to his life and career, and a comfort through difficult times'.
Sir Keir’s music choices include Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, Brahms, Elgar and Mozart. He also includes some Northern Soul and the jangle band Orange Juice in a nod to his student days at Leeds University.
Sir Keir talks about 'growing up around music, and the deaths of his mother and younger brother'. He also remembers his violin lessons, studying as a junior student at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and performing with the Croydon Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.
Sir Keir explains that learning music ‘instils communication and team skills for life’ and that music 'gives children and young people the skills that they are going to need in other walks of life, and a confidence’. He addresses his concerns that GCSE and A-Level music take-up rates are particularly low and that ‘we have let music, creatives and art slip’.
Michael Berkeley raises 'musicians’ frustrations following Brexit and the red tape surrounding touring and international work'. Sir Keir acknowledges this saying ‘this is why we must move as quickly as we can on it.’
The interview airs on Radio 3 at midday on Sunday 26 October 2025, and will also be available on BBC Sounds.