Mark Simpson

Mark Simpson is a leading talent among young British composer-instrumentalists * in 2006 first-ever winner of both the BBC Young Musician of the Year and BBC Proms/Guardian Young Composer of the Year competitions * studied at Royal Northern College of Music, Oxford University and Guildhall School of Music and Drama * as a clarinettist made Wigmore Hall debut at 17 and has appeared as soloist with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Northern Sinfonia * as a composer has written commissioned works for London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra and Britten Sinfonia * leading interpreters include violinist Nicola Benedetti, cellist Leonard Elschenbroich and the composer himself on clarinet * appointed Composer in Association with BBC Philharmonic 2015-19 * chamber opera Pleasure, with libretto by Melanie Challenger, toured in UK in 2016 * works demonstrate gift for instrumentation and skilful handling of aural perspective within complex textures * recordings include a disc of chamber and ensemble works on the NMC label

Works by Mark Simpson include:
The Immortal (2015) Oratorio for voices and orchestra
Pleasure (2016) Chamber opera
Cello Concerto (2018)

Looking Ahead: first Scottish performances of Violin Concerto with Nicola Benedetti and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra under David Afkham (21-23 Mar); world premiere of Phôs for choir, wind and brass with Salzburg Bach Choir and Mozarteum Orchestra (26 Mar)

"Sure in its harmonic touch, bold in its orchestral colours, A mirror-fragment... has enough ideas for a piece three times its modest length..." — Daily Telegraph