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    joannamarshcomposer

    Composer. Ivor Novello winner.
    Choral ยท Opera ยท Orchestral

    My first ever visit to Norwich this week! The BBC My first ever visit to Norwich this week!  The BBC Singers conducted by Ashley Grote, were performing in the Norwich Organ Festival and they opened their concert with โ€˜All Shall Be Wellโ€™. 

I had a chance to look round the city the next morning and made a bee-line for the church with Julian of Norwich had spent 40 years and where the text I used for my piece was written, extracts from her โ€˜Revelations of Divine Loveโ€™

You can hear the broadcast on 15th July at 7:30pm on BBC Radio 3
    The last four days I have been with this brilliant The last four days I have been with this brilliant lot who have been recording my latest album at Peterborough Cathedral. (Good place to be during a heat wave!) 

Top memories: nice chats with composers, excellently designed Pizza Express hats and epic๐Ÿฆ•bones. Thank you - wonderful singers of Trinity College Cambridge! โค๏ธโœจ
    I donโ€™t normally share applause videos (feels a bi I donโ€™t normally share applause videos (feels a bit much), but this was a 4-minute standing ovation and Iโ€™m still feeling the amazement, so bear with me ๐Ÿ™ˆ

A month ago today, โ€˜Threadlandsโ€™ had its second performance by the RIAS Kammerchor and Ensemble Resonanz, conducted by Justin Doyle, at the stunning Elbphilharmonie.

I conceived the text and developed it alongside the brilliant poet Mark Fiddes. The idea came out of my years living and working in the Middle East, where questions of land, identity and belonging are woven into everyday life. Mark, also based in Dubai, felt that same pull, and our collaboration grew from a shared fascination with how identity gets tangled up with place, history and what we inherit across generations.

A life in music can honestly be hard work at times. Itโ€™s not all flights of fancy and wafting imagination; a lot of it is just graft. But then there are these very special moments where you feel hugely appreciated.
    One of the things that struck me most about Roskil One of the things that struck me most about Roskilde Cathedral was the light. 

Iโ€™m not used to cathedrals like this - brick and white paint rather than stone, and tall windows free of stained glass, so the whole interior fills with a soft, misty, frost-pale brightness.

Built on a site associated with Harald Bluetooth, (he is buried there) Roskilde became the first Gothic cathedral in Scandinavia to be built from brick, helping to spread Brick Gothic architecture across northern Europe. Since the fifteenth century it has also been the burial place of most Danish monarchs, whose tombs line the nave.

And then the organ. The famous Raphaรซlis organ traces its roots to 1554; behind its richly carved Baroque facade sit hundreds of original 16th-century pipes, restored to their 1655 glory - one of the most historically significant instruments in the world.

I was lucky to be there last week for the premiere of my new piece Fandangle for Stephen Farr, with cathedral organist Bine Katrine Bryndorf. A place I wonโ€™t forget any time soon

#RoskildeCathedral #BrickGothic #PipeOrgan #Denmark
    Wonderful to be at the premiere of my new organ pi Wonderful to be at the premiere of my new organ piece Fandangle last night, brilliantly performed by Stephen Farr in Roskilde Cathedral. (Fandangle. Stevie calls it Vajazzle. The programme settled on Prelude. There are options ๐Ÿ˜‚).

It was a pleasure to meet the organist Bine Bryndorf and to spend time in the extraordinary surroundings of Roskilde Cathedral.

More on the cathedral itself in my next post - one of the most atmospheric buildings I have visited in a very long time. Meanwhile, here is the kooky little cafรฉ I am in right now and Iโ€™m also sharing a gorgeous little red squirrel I met yesterday.
    Yesterday saw the premiere of my new anthem O Lux Yesterday saw the premiere of my new anthem O Lux Beata Trinitas at Trinity College Cambridge, written to celebrate Dame Sally Davies at the end of her time as Master

The piece was planned as a complete surprise for her and was beautifully performed by the choir at Evensong directed Steven Grahl.

The dayโ€™s celebrations continued in memorable fashion with the choir giving an evening performance of madrigals and part songs from three punts lashed together on the river behind the College, illuminated by fairy lights as dusk fell. It was one of those impossibly โ€˜Cambridgeโ€™ experiences. 

Brilliant to share a blanket and a prime viewing spot with fellow composer Cheryl Frances-Hoad
    Looking forward to attending three world premieres Looking forward to attending three world premieres coming up over the next few months:

14 June, 6.15pm
O Lux Beata Trinitas
Choir of Trinity College Cambridge
Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge 

17 June, 7.30pm
Fandangle
Stephen Farr, organ
Roskilde Cathedral, Denmark

17 September, 7.30pm
Going to Heaven!
Tenebrae, directed by Nigel Short
St Martin-in-the-Fields, London
    A few photographs and memories from eight years of A few photographs and memories from eight years of crossing paths with Sofi Jeannin and the BBC Singers.
    A wonderful few days in Cambridge celebrating the A wonderful few days in Cambridge celebrating the new organ at St Johnโ€™s College Chapel: a historic Willis instrument, beautifully rebuilt and repurposed by Harrison & Harrison, and now given a new life at the centre of one of the UKโ€™s great musical institutions.

It feels significant not only because of the instrument itself, but because of what it represents: serious long-term investment in musical culture, education and artistic standards. Generations of singers, organists and audiences will grow up with this sound in their ears. Instruments like this shape musicians for life.

Extraordinary too to hear Oliver Latry put the organ through its paces in a magnificent recital on Friday night

Very glad that my piece Worthy is the Lamb formed a small part of the celebrations in tonightโ€™s concert. A privilege to hear music flourish in a place that continues to value beauty, heritage, craftsmanship and the future of live performance so deeply.

The full concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Tuesday, 19 May at 8:30pm
    โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸŽถTwo brilliant days in Oxford this week. Fabulou โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸŽถTwo brilliant days in Oxford this week. Fabulous to find myself at New College Evensong surrounded a gathering of church music royalty -whether by luck or design, (many converging for the annual Choir Schools Association jamboree).

โญ๏ธSuper catching up with dear friends and colleagues, including my former assistant, the ever-brilliant Christopher Churcher, the formidable Jamie Burton, newly returned to Oxford after his years leading the Boston Symphony Chorus. Also a micro moment with Robert Quinney -the one person I fully expected to spot at Evensong, alongside Katherine Dienes-Williams (Winchester Director of Music) and Jonathan Mayes (Cathedral Music Trust), and so many others who represent the very highest level of our world; colleagues, collaborators, and brilliant friends.

And then the next morningโ€ฆ a morning coffee party for my dad (who doesnโ€™t love โค๏ธ a morning coffee party) A proper send-off as he prepares to leave Oxford (after more than a decade) for Hereford at the end of the month. So special to celebrate him surrounded by people whoโ€™ve been part of that chapter -including the wonderful Mary Lean, bridesmaid at my parentsโ€™ wedding and a constant, generous presence throughout his time here. Photo of my Dad from back in January - on his annual trip to Dubai

Hereโ€™s to new beginnings in Hereford, where heโ€™ll be close to family once again.
    Happy Easter ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ‘โœจ If youโ€™re looking for something Happy Easter ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ‘โœจ

If youโ€™re looking for something special and seasonal to listen to today, The Lambโ€™s Journey (Chandos; March 2024) with @ensemblealtera & @christopherlowrey is it.

They commissioned โ€˜Worthy is the Lambโ€™ for the album, and I was - and still am - completely blown away by this performance: electrifying sound, sheer dynamismโ€ฆ utterly compelling singing at its very best โšก๏ธ๐Ÿค
    Iโ€™m hugely honoured that my piece โ€˜All Shall Be We Iโ€™m hugely honoured that my piece โ€˜All Shall Be Wellโ€™ will be sung today as part of the installation of Dame Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury today.

Dame Sarah is to be installed as the first female leader of the Church of England, so it is perhaps fitting that โ€˜All Shall Be Wellโ€™ sets famous words by Julian of Norwich, from her Revelations of Divine Love, which are the earliest surviving English-Language works attributed to a woman.

Huge thanks to David Newsholme for choosing this piece for the service, which will be sung by the choristers of the Canterbury Cathedral boysโ€™ and girlsโ€™ choirs.
    @commotio_choir are a fabulous chamber choir found @commotio_choir are a fabulous chamber choir founded and directed by Matthew Berry.

If youโ€™re around in Oxford, they are performing my โ€˜Evening Prayerโ€™ tonight at 19:30 at St. Margaretโ€™s Church.
    When Dubai airspace suddenly closed last week, Jem When Dubai airspace suddenly closed last week, Jem Herbert found himself unexpectedly stranded here while on his way to the UK for an audition.

Some very kind people took him in first, but when they ran out of space we scooped him up. In the end he was with us for less than 24 hours.

But what a 24 hours. Within minutes we realised we had an extraordinary number of people in common, including Andrew Griffiths, who runs the National Opera Studio. 

The biggest surprise of all was discovering that Jem spent a gap year in Durham working at the choir school and taught my two nieces piano. He even had Boxing Day with my sister and her family.

So this quick photo was taken to send to them, which explains the slight absence of โ€œhair and makeupโ€.

It was the best small-world moment. We adored Jem and are determined to stay in touch โœจ

Also, huge credit to Opera Australia, who helped fund his trip as part of their Young Artist Program๐Ÿ™
    I want to take a moment to thank @ensemblealtera a I want to take a moment to thank @ensemblealtera and their director @christopherlowrey for their beautiful recording of the Magnificat from my St. Paulโ€™s Service. This is such a remarkable CD, and Iโ€™m grateful to feature alongside music by Cecilia McDowall, Elizabeth Poston, Kerensa Briggs and Barbara Strozzi amongst others. A must-listen!
    Brilliant to catch up with composer Jeffery Wilson Brilliant to catch up with composer Jeffery Wilson, who is in Dubai this week with a terrific team from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

I went to their showcase concert today - the result of just four daysโ€™ intense work - and really loved it. The students gave themselves to it so whole-heartedly. I actually found myself welling up a few timesโ€ฆ and I didnโ€™t even have a child on stage ๐Ÿคช๐Ÿ˜‚

These opportunities donโ€™t come around very often out here, and when you know how much goes into them, you really cherish them on behalf of everyone involved.

Jeffery, btw, taught our son at Junior Guildhall, so this is actually the photo I took to send to him.

Warm thanks to the Center for Musical Arts Dubai for facilitating the course (and for the invitation), and huge congratulations to everyone involved in todayโ€™s fabulous performance at the New Covent Garden Theatre, MOE
    ๐Ÿ’˜ Happy Valentineโ€™s Day ๐Ÿ’˜ To celebrate, listen to ๐Ÿ’˜ Happy Valentineโ€™s Day ๐Ÿ’˜

To celebrate, listen to my setting of Imtiaz Dharker's remarkable and beloved poem. It was a commission from some dear friends to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

Hereโ€™s a clip of the stunning recording from @thegesualdosix from their album โ€˜Lux Aeternaโ€™.
    So pleased I could be in Stockholm last night to h So pleased I could be in Stockholm last night to hear Zero8 and Chanticleer join forces in a stunning concert at the Konserthuset. Two choirs with such different personalities - Chanticleer glowing and vibrant with that effortless clarity and polish, Zero8 bursting with humour, swagger and huge emotional energy. Together they more than doubled their warmth and impact - honestly a top feast!

I was there to hear the music they co-commissioned, Winterโ€™s Garland, which unfolded with such a stunning warm blend (omg fantastic low bass notes ๐Ÿ‘€). But there was so much else to love in the rest of the programme. My favourites were @bmorganshreds arrangement of Shall We Gather, a gorgeous Indian piece Brahmamokate arranged by @vinoodlemahoodle and the joyous theatrics of Didnโ€™t my Lord deliver Daniel (Aaron Dale). Btw - very cool to find all these familiar faces in the audience โœจ
    Still smiling after the National Youth Choir Emerg Still smiling after the National Youth Choir Emerging Artists 2025 showcase. I mentor the composers on the programme each year, and last night was a brilliant celebration of the whole scheme - hearing new work shaped by guest composer-mentors (many of them there in the room - so fantastic to catch up!), performed by a choir made up of emerging artists and alumni.

The evening flowed so thoughtfully, with music woven together with videos and interviews about the programme: the room full of friends and supporters from across the music world ๐Ÿฅฐ

At a time when the arts/ music can feel weighed down by bleak headlines, this felt like pure joyous optimism. Exactly what we need more of.

Thank you NYC team for creating a space where this kind of magic can happen โœจ
    Staircase moment at @tenebraechoirโ€™s competition f Staircase moment at @tenebraechoirโ€™s competition for early-career composers with the wonderful @jmaxferdinand and Cecilia McDowall.

Huge congratulations to everyone who took part - such a pleasure to meet the composers and hear such a terrific range of pieces. And honestly: how ridiculously lucky they were. To have your music sung by Tenebrae is a dream scenario for any composer. The performances were absolutely on fire.

Winner announcements coming from Tenebraeโ€™s pageโ€ฆ but in the meantime: bravo all round ๐Ÿ‘โœจ
    Follow on Instagram

    Instagram

    joannamarshcomposer

    Composer. Ivor Novello winner.
    Choral ยท Opera ยท Orchestral

    My first ever visit to Norwich this week! The BBC My first ever visit to Norwich this week!  The BBC Singers conducted by Ashley Grote, were performing in the Norwich Organ Festival and they opened their concert with โ€˜All Shall Be Wellโ€™. 

I had a chance to look round the city the next morning and made a bee-line for the church with Julian of Norwich had spent 40 years and where the text I used for my piece was written, extracts from her โ€˜Revelations of Divine Loveโ€™

You can hear the broadcast on 15th July at 7:30pm on BBC Radio 3
    The last four days I have been with this brilliant The last four days I have been with this brilliant lot who have been recording my latest album at Peterborough Cathedral. (Good place to be during a heat wave!) 

Top memories: nice chats with composers, excellently designed Pizza Express hats and epic๐Ÿฆ•bones. Thank you - wonderful singers of Trinity College Cambridge! โค๏ธโœจ
    I donโ€™t normally share applause videos (feels a bi I donโ€™t normally share applause videos (feels a bit much), but this was a 4-minute standing ovation and Iโ€™m still feeling the amazement, so bear with me ๐Ÿ™ˆ

A month ago today, โ€˜Threadlandsโ€™ had its second performance by the RIAS Kammerchor and Ensemble Resonanz, conducted by Justin Doyle, at the stunning Elbphilharmonie.

I conceived the text and developed it alongside the brilliant poet Mark Fiddes. The idea came out of my years living and working in the Middle East, where questions of land, identity and belonging are woven into everyday life. Mark, also based in Dubai, felt that same pull, and our collaboration grew from a shared fascination with how identity gets tangled up with place, history and what we inherit across generations.

A life in music can honestly be hard work at times. Itโ€™s not all flights of fancy and wafting imagination; a lot of it is just graft. But then there are these very special moments where you feel hugely appreciated.
    One of the things that struck me most about Roskil One of the things that struck me most about Roskilde Cathedral was the light. 

Iโ€™m not used to cathedrals like this - brick and white paint rather than stone, and tall windows free of stained glass, so the whole interior fills with a soft, misty, frost-pale brightness.

Built on a site associated with Harald Bluetooth, (he is buried there) Roskilde became the first Gothic cathedral in Scandinavia to be built from brick, helping to spread Brick Gothic architecture across northern Europe. Since the fifteenth century it has also been the burial place of most Danish monarchs, whose tombs line the nave.

And then the organ. The famous Raphaรซlis organ traces its roots to 1554; behind its richly carved Baroque facade sit hundreds of original 16th-century pipes, restored to their 1655 glory - one of the most historically significant instruments in the world.

I was lucky to be there last week for the premiere of my new piece Fandangle for Stephen Farr, with cathedral organist Bine Katrine Bryndorf. A place I wonโ€™t forget any time soon

#RoskildeCathedral #BrickGothic #PipeOrgan #Denmark
    Wonderful to be at the premiere of my new organ pi Wonderful to be at the premiere of my new organ piece Fandangle last night, brilliantly performed by Stephen Farr in Roskilde Cathedral. (Fandangle. Stevie calls it Vajazzle. The programme settled on Prelude. There are options ๐Ÿ˜‚).

It was a pleasure to meet the organist Bine Bryndorf and to spend time in the extraordinary surroundings of Roskilde Cathedral.

More on the cathedral itself in my next post - one of the most atmospheric buildings I have visited in a very long time. Meanwhile, here is the kooky little cafรฉ I am in right now and Iโ€™m also sharing a gorgeous little red squirrel I met yesterday.
    Yesterday saw the premiere of my new anthem O Lux Yesterday saw the premiere of my new anthem O Lux Beata Trinitas at Trinity College Cambridge, written to celebrate Dame Sally Davies at the end of her time as Master

The piece was planned as a complete surprise for her and was beautifully performed by the choir at Evensong directed Steven Grahl.

The dayโ€™s celebrations continued in memorable fashion with the choir giving an evening performance of madrigals and part songs from three punts lashed together on the river behind the College, illuminated by fairy lights as dusk fell. It was one of those impossibly โ€˜Cambridgeโ€™ experiences. 

Brilliant to share a blanket and a prime viewing spot with fellow composer Cheryl Frances-Hoad
    Looking forward to attending three world premieres Looking forward to attending three world premieres coming up over the next few months:

14 June, 6.15pm
O Lux Beata Trinitas
Choir of Trinity College Cambridge
Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge 

17 June, 7.30pm
Fandangle
Stephen Farr, organ
Roskilde Cathedral, Denmark

17 September, 7.30pm
Going to Heaven!
Tenebrae, directed by Nigel Short
St Martin-in-the-Fields, London
    A few photographs and memories from eight years of A few photographs and memories from eight years of crossing paths with Sofi Jeannin and the BBC Singers.
    A wonderful few days in Cambridge celebrating the A wonderful few days in Cambridge celebrating the new organ at St Johnโ€™s College Chapel: a historic Willis instrument, beautifully rebuilt and repurposed by Harrison & Harrison, and now given a new life at the centre of one of the UKโ€™s great musical institutions.

It feels significant not only because of the instrument itself, but because of what it represents: serious long-term investment in musical culture, education and artistic standards. Generations of singers, organists and audiences will grow up with this sound in their ears. Instruments like this shape musicians for life.

Extraordinary too to hear Oliver Latry put the organ through its paces in a magnificent recital on Friday night

Very glad that my piece Worthy is the Lamb formed a small part of the celebrations in tonightโ€™s concert. A privilege to hear music flourish in a place that continues to value beauty, heritage, craftsmanship and the future of live performance so deeply.

The full concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Tuesday, 19 May at 8:30pm
    โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸŽถTwo brilliant days in Oxford this week. Fabulou โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸŽถTwo brilliant days in Oxford this week. Fabulous to find myself at New College Evensong surrounded a gathering of church music royalty -whether by luck or design, (many converging for the annual Choir Schools Association jamboree).

โญ๏ธSuper catching up with dear friends and colleagues, including my former assistant, the ever-brilliant Christopher Churcher, the formidable Jamie Burton, newly returned to Oxford after his years leading the Boston Symphony Chorus. Also a micro moment with Robert Quinney -the one person I fully expected to spot at Evensong, alongside Katherine Dienes-Williams (Winchester Director of Music) and Jonathan Mayes (Cathedral Music Trust), and so many others who represent the very highest level of our world; colleagues, collaborators, and brilliant friends.

And then the next morningโ€ฆ a morning coffee party for my dad (who doesnโ€™t love โค๏ธ a morning coffee party) A proper send-off as he prepares to leave Oxford (after more than a decade) for Hereford at the end of the month. So special to celebrate him surrounded by people whoโ€™ve been part of that chapter -including the wonderful Mary Lean, bridesmaid at my parentsโ€™ wedding and a constant, generous presence throughout his time here. Photo of my Dad from back in January - on his annual trip to Dubai

Hereโ€™s to new beginnings in Hereford, where heโ€™ll be close to family once again.
    Happy Easter ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ‘โœจ If youโ€™re looking for something Happy Easter ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ‘โœจ

If youโ€™re looking for something special and seasonal to listen to today, The Lambโ€™s Journey (Chandos; March 2024) with @ensemblealtera & @christopherlowrey is it.

They commissioned โ€˜Worthy is the Lambโ€™ for the album, and I was - and still am - completely blown away by this performance: electrifying sound, sheer dynamismโ€ฆ utterly compelling singing at its very best โšก๏ธ๐Ÿค
    Iโ€™m hugely honoured that my piece โ€˜All Shall Be We Iโ€™m hugely honoured that my piece โ€˜All Shall Be Wellโ€™ will be sung today as part of the installation of Dame Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury today.

Dame Sarah is to be installed as the first female leader of the Church of England, so it is perhaps fitting that โ€˜All Shall Be Wellโ€™ sets famous words by Julian of Norwich, from her Revelations of Divine Love, which are the earliest surviving English-Language works attributed to a woman.

Huge thanks to David Newsholme for choosing this piece for the service, which will be sung by the choristers of the Canterbury Cathedral boysโ€™ and girlsโ€™ choirs.
    @commotio_choir are a fabulous chamber choir found @commotio_choir are a fabulous chamber choir founded and directed by Matthew Berry.

If youโ€™re around in Oxford, they are performing my โ€˜Evening Prayerโ€™ tonight at 19:30 at St. Margaretโ€™s Church.
    When Dubai airspace suddenly closed last week, Jem When Dubai airspace suddenly closed last week, Jem Herbert found himself unexpectedly stranded here while on his way to the UK for an audition.

Some very kind people took him in first, but when they ran out of space we scooped him up. In the end he was with us for less than 24 hours.

But what a 24 hours. Within minutes we realised we had an extraordinary number of people in common, including Andrew Griffiths, who runs the National Opera Studio. 

The biggest surprise of all was discovering that Jem spent a gap year in Durham working at the choir school and taught my two nieces piano. He even had Boxing Day with my sister and her family.

So this quick photo was taken to send to them, which explains the slight absence of โ€œhair and makeupโ€.

It was the best small-world moment. We adored Jem and are determined to stay in touch โœจ

Also, huge credit to Opera Australia, who helped fund his trip as part of their Young Artist Program๐Ÿ™
    I want to take a moment to thank @ensemblealtera a I want to take a moment to thank @ensemblealtera and their director @christopherlowrey for their beautiful recording of the Magnificat from my St. Paulโ€™s Service. This is such a remarkable CD, and Iโ€™m grateful to feature alongside music by Cecilia McDowall, Elizabeth Poston, Kerensa Briggs and Barbara Strozzi amongst others. A must-listen!
    Brilliant to catch up with composer Jeffery Wilson Brilliant to catch up with composer Jeffery Wilson, who is in Dubai this week with a terrific team from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

I went to their showcase concert today - the result of just four daysโ€™ intense work - and really loved it. The students gave themselves to it so whole-heartedly. I actually found myself welling up a few timesโ€ฆ and I didnโ€™t even have a child on stage ๐Ÿคช๐Ÿ˜‚

These opportunities donโ€™t come around very often out here, and when you know how much goes into them, you really cherish them on behalf of everyone involved.

Jeffery, btw, taught our son at Junior Guildhall, so this is actually the photo I took to send to him.

Warm thanks to the Center for Musical Arts Dubai for facilitating the course (and for the invitation), and huge congratulations to everyone involved in todayโ€™s fabulous performance at the New Covent Garden Theatre, MOE
    ๐Ÿ’˜ Happy Valentineโ€™s Day ๐Ÿ’˜ To celebrate, listen to ๐Ÿ’˜ Happy Valentineโ€™s Day ๐Ÿ’˜

To celebrate, listen to my setting of Imtiaz Dharker's remarkable and beloved poem. It was a commission from some dear friends to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

Hereโ€™s a clip of the stunning recording from @thegesualdosix from their album โ€˜Lux Aeternaโ€™.
    So pleased I could be in Stockholm last night to h So pleased I could be in Stockholm last night to hear Zero8 and Chanticleer join forces in a stunning concert at the Konserthuset. Two choirs with such different personalities - Chanticleer glowing and vibrant with that effortless clarity and polish, Zero8 bursting with humour, swagger and huge emotional energy. Together they more than doubled their warmth and impact - honestly a top feast!

I was there to hear the music they co-commissioned, Winterโ€™s Garland, which unfolded with such a stunning warm blend (omg fantastic low bass notes ๐Ÿ‘€). But there was so much else to love in the rest of the programme. My favourites were @bmorganshreds arrangement of Shall We Gather, a gorgeous Indian piece Brahmamokate arranged by @vinoodlemahoodle and the joyous theatrics of Didnโ€™t my Lord deliver Daniel (Aaron Dale). Btw - very cool to find all these familiar faces in the audience โœจ
    Still smiling after the National Youth Choir Emerg Still smiling after the National Youth Choir Emerging Artists 2025 showcase. I mentor the composers on the programme each year, and last night was a brilliant celebration of the whole scheme - hearing new work shaped by guest composer-mentors (many of them there in the room - so fantastic to catch up!), performed by a choir made up of emerging artists and alumni.

The evening flowed so thoughtfully, with music woven together with videos and interviews about the programme: the room full of friends and supporters from across the music world ๐Ÿฅฐ

At a time when the arts/ music can feel weighed down by bleak headlines, this felt like pure joyous optimism. Exactly what we need more of.

Thank you NYC team for creating a space where this kind of magic can happen โœจ
    Staircase moment at @tenebraechoirโ€™s competition f Staircase moment at @tenebraechoirโ€™s competition for early-career composers with the wonderful @jmaxferdinand and Cecilia McDowall.

Huge congratulations to everyone who took part - such a pleasure to meet the composers and hear such a terrific range of pieces. And honestly: how ridiculously lucky they were. To have your music sung by Tenebrae is a dream scenario for any composer. The performances were absolutely on fire.

Winner announcements coming from Tenebraeโ€™s pageโ€ฆ but in the meantime: bravo all round ๐Ÿ‘โœจ
    Follow on Instagram