Hello, I'm Christy Young, and this is a download from the Desert Island

Discs Archive. This edition may be slightly different from what was

actually broadcast, but it's the only version we have. It comes from the

British Library's radio collection. It was

archived without the music, so although the Castaways choices are introduced,

they're not part of this recording. Full details can be found on the Castaways page on the Desert Island Discs website.

The program was originally broadcast in 1981.

And the presenter was Roy Plumlee.

This year the English National Opera Company celebrates its 50th birthday,

and I'm glad to welcome ashore one of the principal singers in the company

who's been with them for quite a few years it's Eric Schilling.

Eric you're a Londoner is that right? Absolutely yes born and bred East London

and cockney of parents and so on. You went to school there?

Yes, I did.

My education was very simple, nothing very grand and glorious.

I did go to the local high school and there in fact I found myself in the early days.

It was in the same class as Frank Muir, which might be of interest of some people.

Did he wear a pink bow tie in those days?

No, I'm afraid he didn't.

Although I do remember he was a very literary young man.

Even then, I believe he wrote a play in the first year at the secondary school as it was then.

Did you grow up to hear a lot of music?

...