Front Row - 17/09/2009

Richard Eyre, the former director of the National Theatre, joins Kirsty Lang to discuss his book of interviews with actors including John Gielgud, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen and directors including Peter Brook, Robert Lepage and Peter Hall. Kirsty also meets pupils of Roding Valley High School who are taking Arts Awards, the arts equivalent to The Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and learns from teachers and administrators about the scheme's benefits. At the age of 62, Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek remains one of the most distinctive musicians in jazz. As he releases his first ever live album - his first new disc for five years - Garbarek reflects on the global influences on his work, and the continuing importance of melody. Jazz writer Kevin Le Gendre assesses Garbarek's music and his varied career, which now spans five decades. Front Row pays tribute to writer Frank Deasy, whose death has just been announced.