Tom Service talks to the composer Eleanor Alberga about the premiere of her first symphony, 'Strata’. They discuss her creative process, the challenges she faces as well as her influences, which can be found in her native Jamaica and in the music of Bartok and Schoenberg.

Also, an oratorio in Hebrew which was written in 1774, has its UK premiere! Tom eavesdrops on rehearsals of 'Ester' by Cristiano Lidarti with words by Rabbi Saraval. He learns about the fascinating history of the piece from David Conway, members of Hampstead Garden Opera and conductor Andrew Griffiths.

With the help of the Sonica Festival in Glasgow, we ask: 'What is sonic art?' The festival is celebrating its tenth anniversary and we hear from the festival's Artistic Director Cathie Boyd and from artist Kathy Hinde.

And, Jazz guitarist and genre-challenger Bill Frisell on his life as well as his fears and joys in music as his biography, 'Beautiful Dreamer', written by Philip Watson, is published this month.

Producers: Elizabeth Arno and Juan Carlos Jaramillo

Photo: Bill Frisell (c) Carole D’Inverno