Category: News

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#Set Opera Free

I was absolutely delighted when I was asked to write and record a new aria for a collectively-composed Twitter opera a few weeks ago!

My partner for the project, soprano Mari Wyn Williams, suggested basing the aria on the story of Branwen. She is a major character in the ‘Mabinogi’, the earliest prose stories in the literature of Britain. Originally written in Middle Welsh, Branwen is married to Matholwch, King of Ireland, as an offering – but the marriage does not bring peace..!

My aria is the first of ten due to be completed. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, I still haven’t met Mari in person and this recording was created entirely online!

There are some fabulous operas emerging from 30+ composers, based around the world. Do have a listen on Twitter: #SetOperaFree

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Making Music Online

The coronavirus pandemic has had a particularly big impact on performing musicians. It’s been really sad having to suspend rehearsals and postpone exciting events.

Technology is helping to transform the way I work, though.

I’m now able to offer piano lessons online. Even if you’ve never met me before and live many miles away from London – do get in touch if you’d like anything from a piano taster session to some advice on a tricky piece that you’re working on.

I’ve also put together a weekly, online music theory course that I’m currently teaching to a group of 20 people. The course aims to cover the basics of music theory in bitesize chunks, with each session lasting around 45 minutes. There are 5 or 6 sessions in total and I’ve tried to include some interesting bits of musical history along the way. The course can be adapted to American / international music terminology and can be taught 1-1 or to a large group.

And finally…

Whilst rehearsals have a very different format now – Camberwell Community Choir is flourishing online! Trying to cram people into the St Giles’ Centre hall is no longer an issue and we definitely have space for more people, regardless of where you are in the world! Join us to brighten up your week through music.

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Welcome to my new website

I hope that you enjoy reading about what I get up to and that it may offer some suggestions or even inspiration if you’re involved in – or appreciative of – music.

Although I was not initially enthusiastic about the prospect of having to update my previous website, it’s ended up being really positive thing to do. Being a professional musician is not an ‘easy’ career path in many respects. But taking the time to look back at my musical journey so far makes me realise how lucky I am to make a living from something that I love.

Of course, having my own website is a way to shout about what I’m doing in the hopes that some visitors may want to have a chat about what I can do for them. But I’ll try to get back to anyone who has any general questions or would like any advice about a career in music. I suppose that’s why technology and music are such a powerful combination – they each bring together people and share ideas from anywhere in the world.

Thank you for reading and taking an interest.