Never mind Harry Potter.. making music with kids is real magic

Patrick Doyle has composed the soundtracks to dozens of movie blockbusters. But writing a Glasgow school's hymn is one score he is proudly determined to settle

- BY BRIAN MCIVER

FOR most composers, playing a part in some of the biggest films ever made would be the standout moment of their working life.

Lanarkshire miner's son Patrick Doyle earned two Oscar nominations and helped shape the sound of films, including Harry Potter and a host of Pixar, Marvel and Disney blockbusters.

The maestro, who was selected to compose music for King Charles's coronation in 2023, has just been asked to conduct a concert of his soundtracks in Vienna, Austria, the world capital of classical music.

But despite earning so many honours and accolades in his 50-year career, Patrick admitted the best part of his job is the opportunity to give something back to young musicians and kids in the community.

The hard-working Scot is currently writing a special piece of music for a Glasgow primary school.

He also loves visiting the students at Glasgow-based Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), and admitted working with young people is more rewarding than anything else.

"I've given many talks on films, trying to encourage young people to get to work on film. I work with schools and try to do as much work as I can, especially in Scotland.

"I'm writing a piece of music for a school, St Benedict's in Easterhouse, that my young niece works in.

"I went there, gave a talk and a presentation, and we showed bits of the movies and I took questions from the young people. The idea was that I could write the school hymn. I'm very proud and hope they like it. I'm now doing a large orchestral version."