Commissions and Competitions

In the last few weeks I have composed 44 tracks for Episode 1 of a forthcoming audio-drama. An excitingly brisk pace of composition that has been very enjoyable!

I have also worked with an US High School, taking the home recordings of individual students and producing a beautiful ensemble performance.

Earlier this year, I composed two original choral works for competitions - one of which has been cancelled due to the lockdown and the deadline of the other has been extended. I'm also preparing the orchestral score for a short film competition that caught my eye.

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Danny and the Wild Bunch, a film by Robert Rugan.

This film is scored for full orchestra. The full score is available to view here. It was composed for a competition entry and can now be published as it was unsuccessful. Contrary to the general etiquette of these things, I was disappointed not to reach the final. It’s no small task to compose for symphony orchestra and have the score performance ready. I will be interested to hear the 5 finalists’ works, even as I was surprised to hear the original score given to the film on release.

Composition Commissions

After several months of working on projects for other people, it has been a lovely change to write some original music of my own.

My brother’s film company were hired to make a trailer for the local am-dram production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Due to its amateur status, a temp track could be used for their short-term promotion. But the performances, locations, costumes and filming were so good that a responsive score was desirable. Earlier this month I submitted my entry to the Zurich Film Festival Scoring Competition. I am still in the habit of writing for symphony orchestra and so I have written a lavish and racing soundtrack for the trailer. Film to follow!

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Voces 8 singing "Remember Now"

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What a fantastic time we had in St. Andrews! In 36 hours we travelled 600 miles on 7 trains and 2 buses, toured the cathedral in sunshine and the castle under silvery skies. We even fitted in a flying visit to the Medieval Church in Leuchars before heading home. But the highlight was spending Thursday evening in the company of Voces 8, as with good humour and consummate talent, they patiently performed 4 new compositions and led critical discussion with each composer. Thank you, Voces 8 and thanks also to Chris Bragg, Sonia Stevenson and Bede Williams for arranging the event.