“A rare opportunity to hear directly from a composer whose work has shaped modern film music.”
David Arnold in Conversation at the Royal College of Music offered an engaging and insightful look into one of Britain’s most celebrated screen composers. Presented as part of the London Soundtrack Festival, it balanced anecdotal storytelling with thoughtful reflections on the craft, making it appeal to dedicated film music enthusiasts and general audiences alike.
Arnold, whose career spans over three decades, spoke candidly about his journey from early projects like The Young Americans to scoring blockbuster movies such as Independence Day and multiple James Bond entries, including Tomorrow Never Dies and Casino Royale. The conversation, hosted by film and soundtrack journalist Sean Wilson, felt informal yet focused which allowed Arnold’s personality to shine through. He is dry, self-deprecating and quietly passionate, which is an appealing blend of traits. He frequently returned to the importance of collaboration, highlighting how relationships with directors and producers shape a score as much as musical inspiration itself. He also illustrated how creating a good score is similar to the telling of a good joke – content is one thing but structure, timing and delivery are everything.
The setting of the Royal College of Music’s Performance Hall contributed to the intimate tone. Unlike a formal lecture, the event felt conversational which added to Arnold’s relatability and likability. His ability to articulate complex musical ideas in accessible language was a standout strength, reinforcing his reputation not just as a composer but as a witty, engaging raconteur.
If the event had any limitation, it was its brevity; with such a wide-ranging career including work on TV shows like Sherlock and Good Omens, there was an inevitable sense that certain areas were only briefly touched upon. This nonetheless did not diminish the overall experience. All in all, it was an entertaining highlight of the festival which left the audience with a deeper appreciation of the artistry behind the screen.David Arnold in Conversation was part of the London Soundtrack Festival which concluded on Sunday 12th April 2026.