Nobel Peace prize-winner and Burmese political activist Aung San Suu Kyi is to be the subject of a new work by British composer Jonathan Dove, commissioned as part of BBC Radio 3’s Portraits Day. Dove was appointed ‘composer in residence’ of the special day of programming celebrating musical portraits on May 7, and invited listeners to suggest major figures of the 21st century to be the basis of a work, which would reflect modern times. Aung San Suu Kyi was the most popular choice in a list that included director Quentin Tarantino, scientist Tim Berners-Lee and actress Meryl Streep.

‘I am delighted to be able to portray someone so influential and admirable, who shows such steadfastness in the face of opposition,’ said Dove. ‘Her peaceful and powerful demeanour has already allowed me to imagine how a musical form might portray her. Portraits Day was wonderful – an incredible way to engage with an audience.’