HECTOR Cortes, 61, is a retired conductor and author. Born and bred in Gibraltar, he decided to retire in Westbury and has lived in Wiltshire for more than four years.
During his time as a conductor Mr Cortes has performed for Pope John Paul II alongside his wife Johanna, who is a soprano soloist. The couple are staging a concert in memory of British servicemen killed in the Second World War later this year. Mr Cortes has written three books since retiring, two thrillers called Anti Christ and In The Name Of Evil and a third novel called Memoirs Of A Trombone Player. He has two sons aged 21 and 24 and a daughter aged 27.
What do you like most about living in Wiltshire?
I like the fact that it's quiet and nice and peaceful. That's really why I wanted to move here so that I could retire from music and focus on my writing.
Where would you recommend for a good evening out and why?
There is an Italian café in Trowbridge called Dean's, which is being turned into a restaurant.
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It serves lovely Italian pasta and sandwiches and the coffee there is beautiful.
Who would your ideal dining partner be and why?
If it wasn't my wife it would have to be Mozart. I have performed a lot of Mozart and there is one part of Requiem that I just can't get, so I would ask him how the hell he did that!
Which local landmark or attraction would you recommend?
The White Horses on the Wiltshire Downs. The hills are beautiful and the view is absolutely stunning.
What is your favourite book and why?
Well I'm a bookaholic so I've got quite a few favourites.
I really like the Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwall but my favourite book is probably Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. It's full of atmosphere and is set in Spain so the images are very familiar to me.
What is your favourite music and why?
When I was composing I
specialised in Edward Elgar who wrote early 20th century English music.
One of my teachers was a friend of Elgar's so he really inspired me with that. I also like little-known Spanish music by the composer De Falla and I enjoy Zarzuela, which is light Spanish opera.
How do you relax?
I relax by reading which is my main hobby but I also used to collect toy soldiers. I had around 8,000 when I was in Gibraltar but when we moved to Westbury I had to sell most of them. I've now got about 800.
What keeps you awake at night?
Funnily enough, it's not the usual things like money because I am retired now. But sometimes I can't sleep because I'm thinking about music, either because I've been listening to an emotional piece or sometimes because I have not been able to master a technical part of music.
If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you take?
My piano, a whole library of books and plenty of manuscript paper so that I could write books and music.
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