Biography
I’m a composer currently living in Northumberland with strong links to New Zealand where lots of my music is performed, and Yorkshire, where lots of my workshops take place these days. I compose music inspired by landscapes, historical and geographical events and phenomena, road signs, letters of the alphabet, bananas, umbrellas, art works, and an eclectic assortment of other fixations. I compose music in a variety of styles according to conditions, but always try to challenge the ears and musical abilities of the performers a little with rhythmic intricacies, melodic quirks or timbral idiosyncrasies. I compose music for a wide range of musical ensembles with a wide range of musical confidence and abilities. It is my particular delight to tailor the music I compose to the specific peculiarities of those asking me for something new and distinctive. I am the musical director of a choir, The Bridge Singers, who like to sing my music and other people’s music with energy and gusto and a cheery spirit. I sing in choirs too, and play a selection of different instruments, and have an expressive face!!
Whether you need a short single-line song to help your children’s choir learn about flowering plants, or perhaps a short lullaby with simple harmonies to sing your pigeon to sleep, or maybe a 12-part vocal soundscape evoking the dark and intimidating environment of a deep coal mine, my choral music can provide what you require and desire. Always rhythmically vital, and emotionally stimulating, my music for choirs is quirky and distinctive. There are songs targeted at the full range of abilities and levels of musical confidence from young primary school choirs through enthusiastic community choirs to professional choirs requiring something more musically and vocally demanding. These songs are performed around the world – there’s something there for your choir, I’m sure!
Composed (136)
A lively, amusing song extolling the virtues of the most common type of British red telephone box, the K6 designed by Giles Gilbert Scott., 4m 30s
A lively, amusing song extolling the virtues of the most common type of British red telephone box, the K6 designed by Giles Gilbert Scott., 4m
Carol inspired by the Cahntry Chapel in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, which is paired with the Yorkshire version of The Holly And The Ivy as a partner song., 4m 30s
an ethereal, unravelling song inspired by Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture of the same name, 6m
A mostly jovial (but poignant at times) shanty inspired by Christopher Woods’ painting The Fisherman’s Farewell., 4m
Jovial sea shanty inspired by Christopher Woods’ painting The Fisherman’s Farewell., 4m
soprano solo, SSATB choir, glass orchestra played by choir members (tuned wine glasses, tuned blown bottles, marbles in glass dishes), 9m
for tenor trombone, flute, harp, double bass and percussion (marimba, glockenspiel and bass drum), 15m