highlights.
See below for some performance, premiere, and award highlights.
The BBC Singers
Composer for Theatre
Outreach
Maida Vale Studios, London, 2018
Elspeth's choral work 'Pear Tree' was performed and recorded by the BBC Singers in a workshop at the Maida Vale Studios. Composers present included Judith Weir and Robert Saxton. Recording available here.
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'Pear Tree' has since been performed by Worcester College Chapel Choir, notably attended by Judith Bingham.
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More details about the score, including how to purchase copies, can be found in the Scores section.
Michael Pilch Studio, Oxford, 2017
Elspeth composed an original score for a theatre production of Sarah Payne's '4.48 Psychosis'. The score is an eclectic mix of acoustic and electronic sounds, utilising an ostinato based rhythmic and melodic profile to establish an ambience of dread and despair.
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The show was produced by 4D Productions and premiered for a week. To listen to the trailer and original score, click here.
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Worcester College, Oxford, 2017
& before
As the Arts Representative for Worcester College, Elspeth directed the Worcester College Voices, (for whom she also composed original scores and arranged scores), founded the Worcester College Swing Band, and in 2017, organised an outdoor live music and social event which raised £420 for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund and the Anti-Malaria Foundation.
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She has also volunteered for music outreach programmes, such as Essex-based group Whatalotofcellos, and hosted music programmes such as a Samba Band class for students at a local primary school.
Colchester New Music
Choral Composer and Conductor
Winner of the South Berkshire Wind Band Competition
Swinburne Hall, Essex, 2015
Elspeth's work 'Footsteps' was selected as a winning composition to be featured in a concert premiering new music for solo piano.
The next year she was invited to join the judging panel for the 2015 version of the same project, where she also premiered the winning piano compositions, alongside pianists Dylan Christopher and David Mitchell.
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Recordings of her performances, as well the premiere of her piece 'Andalusian Dance,' can be found here.
Birmingham Town Hall, 2015
Elspeth directed the Cantatrici Choir for two years. The choir were awarded the Innovation Award at the National Music for Youth semi-finals in 2015. The performance included Elspeth's original composition 'Tyger', which the judges described as "strikingly original and memorable". They commended her role as "conductor, director and composer".
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'Tyger' is available to buy, please get in touch! There is now a setting of Blake's counterpart poem 'The Lamb', for upper voices and piano, also available to buy.
Reading, 2013
Elspeth's score 'We Remember' won First Prize at the South Berkshire Wind Band Competition and was premiered by the group in 2013.
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Cutting Edge Brass
Headgate Theatre, Essex, 2013
Elspeth's brass quintet 'Siamese Cat' was selected by Steve Drury and Bespoke Brass for premiere at their Cutting Edge Brass concert. The score has a bluesy tone and is aimed at intermediate brass players.
composer info.
Elspeth Manders is a UK based composer. She achieved a BA (Hons) degree in Music from the University of Oxford, Worcester College, where she studied Composition under Professor Robert Saxton. She specialised in Music Composition, Orchestration, Music History post 1900, and Film Music (her dissertation explored music and semiotics in film), achieving 1:1 in all these subject areas.
As a composer, she has developed a distinctive, yet accessible soundworld. She has had pieces premiered across the UK. She has written for diverse ensemble types, difficulties, and genres, but is currently focusing her output toward Classical piano, choral and wind repertoire. See below for more details.
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Elspeth continues to write music which she hopes will be accessible to educators and students alike. She continues to undertake commissions. She is always keen to collaborate with others on musical, or non-musical related projects. Please get in touch!
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Elspeth is also a fine artist - many of her artworks are inspired by music. Check out her art website, artbyelspeth.com.
