MICHAEL STIMPSON

Michael Stimpson began his writing with music for the guitar, notably Café Music, (Ricordi) and Five Miniatures (OUP). His first major chamber work was Sonatina for Piano Trio premièred at the Purcell Room by the Dussek Piano Trio, and this was followed in 1999 by his Concerto for Oboe (QEH, John Anderson oboe, London Festival Orchestra).

Since then his works have continued to be commissioned and performed by some of the UK's leading players; these include the Allegri String Quartet, English Chamber Orchestra, English Concert Singers and Orchestra, Sioned Williams, Paul Agnew, Roderick Williams and David Campbell.

Michael was subsequently invited to join the jury of the Franz Liszt International Competition for Composers held in Italy and his works have now appeared in the USA, Europe and Iran. Performance of a new commission for the Bristol Bach Choir began 2008, Michael's 60th year. Two works for the Allegri String Quartet were released shortly before his birthday concert at London's Purcell Room.

2009 sees premières of a four-stage work, Age of Wonders, which commemorates the life and work of Charles Darwin. Concerts include the Wigmore Hall, Peninsula Arts Festival, and Darwin, Australia with Philippe Graffin, Elizabeth Burley, the Maggini Quartet, London Sinfonietta, and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra. A recording of Songs of Innocence and the première of a new set of Preludes for piano are also planned.

Website: www.michaelstimpson.co.uk