‘Russian protest punk and symphonies might seem worlds apart. But the idea is the same: weaponise your art’

My Riot Symphony is inspired by the bravery of the Ulster Orchestra, who give its premiere, and of women, from anti-Nazi campaigner Sophie Scholl to Sinead O’Connor and Pussy Riot

I’m about to hit “send”. At the other end of the email is the Ulster Orchestra. Attached is a score: The Riot Symphony.

I sometimes think composition is like an act of gross indecency, publicly exposing yourself in the full knowledge of the dire consequences. After all that work, is it any good? And what am I thinking sending this to my home orchestra with that word on the front page? Riots, after all, don’t have a great reputation in Belfast.