John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet: pictures from the Bristol Proms

The iconic British composer was joined on stage by Classic FM's very own John Suchet for an exploration of his life in music – and a bit of a surprise birthday celebration!

1. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

Composer John Rutter, whose choral works are performed around the world, spoke about his life and music with Classic FM's John Suchet. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
2. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
3. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Suchet, on stage at Bristol's Old Vic. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
4. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Suchet on stage in Bristol. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
5. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

The event was to mark the composer's 70th birthday, this September. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
6. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
7. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
8. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

There was even a birthday cake! Picture credit: Samuel Bay
9. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
10. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
11. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
12. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
13. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
14. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
15. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
16. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

Members of the choir of Clare College, Cambridge – with which John Rutter is closely associated – performed on stage in Bristol. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
17. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
18. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
19. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
20. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
21. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
22. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay
23. John Rutter in conversation with John Suchet

John Rutter. Picture credit: Samuel Bay