joanna@joannamarsh.co.uk

  • Home
  • About
  • Recordings
  • Shop
  • News
  • Contact

Brass dectet

  1. Home
  2. Brass dectet
September 1, 2025
Subscribe to Joanna's

Newsletter:

    © Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved.

    Facebook

    joannamarshcomposer

    đŸŽ” C O M P O S E R đŸŽ”
    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 John’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 UK’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 tonight’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
    â˜€ïžđŸŽ¶Two brilliant days in Oxford this week. Fabulou â˜€ïžđŸŽ¶Two 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). ⭐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 morning
 a morning coffee party for my dad (who doesn’t love ❀ 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 who’ve been part of that chapter -including the wonderful Mary Lean, bridesmaid at my parents’ wedding and a constant, generous presence throughout his time here. Photo of my Dad from back in January - on his annual trip to Dubai Here’s to new beginnings in Hereford, where he’ll be close to family once again.
    Happy Easter 🌿🐑✹ If you’re looking for something Happy Easter 🌿🐑✹ If you’re looking for something special and seasonal to listen to today, The Lamb’s Journey (Chandos; March 2024) with @ensemblealtera & @christopherlowrey is it. They commissioned ‘Worthy is the Lamb’ for the album, and I was - and still am - completely blown away by this performance: electrifying sound, sheer dynamism
 utterly compelling singing at its very best âšĄïžđŸ€
    I’m hugely honoured that my piece ‘All Shall Be We I’m hugely honoured that my piece ‘All Shall Be Well’ 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 ‘All Shall Be Well’ 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 boys’ and girls’ choirs.
    @commotio_choir are a fabulous chamber choir found @commotio_choir are a fabulous chamber choir founded and directed by Matthew Berry. If you’re around in Oxford, they are performing my ‘Evening Prayer’ tonight at 19:30 at St. Margaret’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 “hair and makeup”. It was the best small-world moment. We adored Jem and are determined to stay in touch ✹ Also, huge credit to Opera Australia, who helped fund his trip as part of their Young Artist Program🙏
    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. Paul’s Service. This is such a remarkable CD, and I’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 days’ intense work - and really loved it. The students gave themselves to it so whole-heartedly. I actually found myself welling up a few times
 and I didn’t even have a child on stage đŸ€Ș😂 These opportunities don’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 today’s fabulous performance at the New Covent Garden Theatre, MOE
    💘 Happy Valentine’s Day 💘 To celebrate, listen to 💘 Happy Valentine’s Day 💘 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. Here’s a clip of the stunning recording from @thegesualdosix from their album ‘Lux Aeterna’.
    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, Winter’s Garland, which unfolded with such a stunning warm blend (omg fantastic low bass notes 👀). 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 Didn’t my Lord deliver Daniel (Aaron Dale). Btw - very cool to find all these familiar faces in the audience ✹
    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 đŸ„° 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 ✹
    Staircase moment at @tenebraechoir’s competition f Staircase moment at @tenebraechoir’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 Tenebrae’s page
 but in the meantime: bravo all round 👏✹
    On Sunday 8th February, @chanticleersf and @zero8c On Sunday 8th February, @chanticleersf and @zero8chorus will be giving the Swedish premiere of my ‘Winter’s Garland’ at the Konserthuset Stockholm. ‘Hands and the Hour’ is the first movement of this three-part choral collection. The music sets words by Jane Draycott about holding on to hope, while standing in the liminal space between endings and new beginnings.
    Really glad I made it to Dubai Opera for the conce Really glad I made it to Dubai Opera for the concert of the newly formed UAE National Orchestra ✹ The whole thing already feels so thoughtfully shaped from the programme to the sound world to the identity of the ensemble. A special mention for Nadim Tarabay’s piece: vivid, distinctive, beautifully structured, and such a skilful way of weaving traditional Emirati singing into the orchestra đŸŽ¶ The use of oriental instruments throughout felt completely natural (so often it can feel a clunky add-on). Exciting to be there at the very beginning 🌟
    Today marks Epiphany. Two years ago, the Choir of Today marks Epiphany. Two years ago, the Choir of St John’s College under the direction of Christopher Gray, premiered my piece Refugee at their Epiphany Carol Service. This video is taken from their live stream. Refugee is a setting of a poem by Malcolm Guite, inviting us to reflect on the contemporary realities of displacement and to consider the human cost of exile. Btw - I'm always intrigued by the discussion about whether to mix girl and boy choristers in a choir like this. I'm honestly not sure I would know whether I was listening to boys or girls here - would you? đŸ€·â€â™€ïž It's just a stunning sound!
    Thank you @londiniumchoir for these gorgeous video Thank you @londiniumchoir for these gorgeous videos of ‘The Hidden Light’ and ‘Refugee’ from my choral triptych ‘Echoes in Time.’ Londinium are performing a fantastic programme on Friday 19th December in St. John’s Waterloo including these pieces alongside music by Tarik O’Regan, Ben Rowarth and Simon Beattie. What a Christmas treat! Not to be missed đŸ€©đŸŽ¶
    Currently in New York, where the highlight of my t Currently in New York, where the highlight of my time has been hearing Chanticleer perform my three pieces - Winter’s Garland. Their performance was honestly exquisite! ✹It was even more special to be able to share it with three great musician pals from my Cambridge and Royal Academy days - Richard Tanner, Philippa Hyde and Simon Yates. A final delight: a warm chat at Chanticleer’s Gala with New York legend of stage and screen Dana Ivey - a conversation as enriching as the evening itself. Plus
 a great view out of my window this morning 🌆
    A little peek into rehearsals with @zero8chorus đŸŽ¶ A little peek into rehearsals with @zero8chorus đŸŽ¶ Hearing their sound live was something else: so deep, rich, and beautifully tuned. Excited to be hearing their co-commission partners @chanticleersf perform these pieces in New York next week on the 5th and 7th December at St. Ignatius Loyola. (And Don’t forget both choirs are giving a joint concert in Sweden February 8th!) đŸ„ł Toi toi to Chanticleer for the premiere of Winter’s Garland this Saturday in Fairfax, VA
    đŸ”„Such a pleasure to meet and hear the fabulous sin đŸ”„Such a pleasure to meet and hear the fabulous singers of Zero8 in Stockholm this week. You can hear their new co-commission with @chanticleersf on Chanticleer’s newest release “Joy to the world” - a stunning album. Do check it out - your Christmas music needs are completely covered here!đŸŽ„âœšđŸŽ¶ Both choirs have a date in the diary for a joint performance on 8 Feb in Sweden which will be quite something! 💖
    Follow on Instagram

    Instagram

    joannamarshcomposer

    đŸŽ” C O M P O S E R đŸŽ”
    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 John’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 UK’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 tonight’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
    â˜€ïžđŸŽ¶Two brilliant days in Oxford this week. Fabulou â˜€ïžđŸŽ¶Two 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). ⭐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 morning
 a morning coffee party for my dad (who doesn’t love ❀ 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 who’ve been part of that chapter -including the wonderful Mary Lean, bridesmaid at my parents’ wedding and a constant, generous presence throughout his time here. Photo of my Dad from back in January - on his annual trip to Dubai Here’s to new beginnings in Hereford, where he’ll be close to family once again.
    Happy Easter 🌿🐑✹ If you’re looking for something Happy Easter 🌿🐑✹ If you’re looking for something special and seasonal to listen to today, The Lamb’s Journey (Chandos; March 2024) with @ensemblealtera & @christopherlowrey is it. They commissioned ‘Worthy is the Lamb’ for the album, and I was - and still am - completely blown away by this performance: electrifying sound, sheer dynamism
 utterly compelling singing at its very best âšĄïžđŸ€
    I’m hugely honoured that my piece ‘All Shall Be We I’m hugely honoured that my piece ‘All Shall Be Well’ 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 ‘All Shall Be Well’ 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 boys’ and girls’ choirs.
    @commotio_choir are a fabulous chamber choir found @commotio_choir are a fabulous chamber choir founded and directed by Matthew Berry. If you’re around in Oxford, they are performing my ‘Evening Prayer’ tonight at 19:30 at St. Margaret’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 “hair and makeup”. It was the best small-world moment. We adored Jem and are determined to stay in touch ✹ Also, huge credit to Opera Australia, who helped fund his trip as part of their Young Artist Program🙏
    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. Paul’s Service. This is such a remarkable CD, and I’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 days’ intense work - and really loved it. The students gave themselves to it so whole-heartedly. I actually found myself welling up a few times
 and I didn’t even have a child on stage đŸ€Ș😂 These opportunities don’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 today’s fabulous performance at the New Covent Garden Theatre, MOE
    💘 Happy Valentine’s Day 💘 To celebrate, listen to 💘 Happy Valentine’s Day 💘 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. Here’s a clip of the stunning recording from @thegesualdosix from their album ‘Lux Aeterna’.
    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, Winter’s Garland, which unfolded with such a stunning warm blend (omg fantastic low bass notes 👀). 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 Didn’t my Lord deliver Daniel (Aaron Dale). Btw - very cool to find all these familiar faces in the audience ✹
    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 đŸ„° 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 ✹
    Staircase moment at @tenebraechoir’s competition f Staircase moment at @tenebraechoir’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 Tenebrae’s page
 but in the meantime: bravo all round 👏✹
    On Sunday 8th February, @chanticleersf and @zero8c On Sunday 8th February, @chanticleersf and @zero8chorus will be giving the Swedish premiere of my ‘Winter’s Garland’ at the Konserthuset Stockholm. ‘Hands and the Hour’ is the first movement of this three-part choral collection. The music sets words by Jane Draycott about holding on to hope, while standing in the liminal space between endings and new beginnings.
    Really glad I made it to Dubai Opera for the conce Really glad I made it to Dubai Opera for the concert of the newly formed UAE National Orchestra ✹ The whole thing already feels so thoughtfully shaped from the programme to the sound world to the identity of the ensemble. A special mention for Nadim Tarabay’s piece: vivid, distinctive, beautifully structured, and such a skilful way of weaving traditional Emirati singing into the orchestra đŸŽ¶ The use of oriental instruments throughout felt completely natural (so often it can feel a clunky add-on). Exciting to be there at the very beginning 🌟
    Today marks Epiphany. Two years ago, the Choir of Today marks Epiphany. Two years ago, the Choir of St John’s College under the direction of Christopher Gray, premiered my piece Refugee at their Epiphany Carol Service. This video is taken from their live stream. Refugee is a setting of a poem by Malcolm Guite, inviting us to reflect on the contemporary realities of displacement and to consider the human cost of exile. Btw - I'm always intrigued by the discussion about whether to mix girl and boy choristers in a choir like this. I'm honestly not sure I would know whether I was listening to boys or girls here - would you? đŸ€·â€â™€ïž It's just a stunning sound!
    Thank you @londiniumchoir for these gorgeous video Thank you @londiniumchoir for these gorgeous videos of ‘The Hidden Light’ and ‘Refugee’ from my choral triptych ‘Echoes in Time.’ Londinium are performing a fantastic programme on Friday 19th December in St. John’s Waterloo including these pieces alongside music by Tarik O’Regan, Ben Rowarth and Simon Beattie. What a Christmas treat! Not to be missed đŸ€©đŸŽ¶
    Currently in New York, where the highlight of my t Currently in New York, where the highlight of my time has been hearing Chanticleer perform my three pieces - Winter’s Garland. Their performance was honestly exquisite! ✹It was even more special to be able to share it with three great musician pals from my Cambridge and Royal Academy days - Richard Tanner, Philippa Hyde and Simon Yates. A final delight: a warm chat at Chanticleer’s Gala with New York legend of stage and screen Dana Ivey - a conversation as enriching as the evening itself. Plus
 a great view out of my window this morning 🌆
    A little peek into rehearsals with @zero8chorus đŸŽ¶ A little peek into rehearsals with @zero8chorus đŸŽ¶ Hearing their sound live was something else: so deep, rich, and beautifully tuned. Excited to be hearing their co-commission partners @chanticleersf perform these pieces in New York next week on the 5th and 7th December at St. Ignatius Loyola. (And Don’t forget both choirs are giving a joint concert in Sweden February 8th!) đŸ„ł Toi toi to Chanticleer for the premiere of Winter’s Garland this Saturday in Fairfax, VA
    đŸ”„Such a pleasure to meet and hear the fabulous sin đŸ”„Such a pleasure to meet and hear the fabulous singers of Zero8 in Stockholm this week. You can hear their new co-commission with @chanticleersf on Chanticleer’s newest release “Joy to the world” - a stunning album. Do check it out - your Christmas music needs are completely covered here!đŸŽ„âœšđŸŽ¶ Both choirs have a date in the diary for a joint performance on 8 Feb in Sweden which will be quite something! 💖
    Follow on Instagram