About Me
Who I Am
I'm a composer with interests in world music and international human rights. Until my retirement I worked as an international development consultant, gaining experience of forty-four countries. I've been married since 1978, with a son and his family living in New South Wales (Australia) and a daughter and her family living in Suffolk (England). I started composing when I was at school - in fact one of my works dating from that time is available from this website. I've been a Christian since university days. I speak various languages besides English and keep in touch with friends all over the globe.
What I think about myself and my music is irrelevant. It's what other people say that counts.
Influences
The most obvious influences in my music are Celtic and Asian. People have remarked on hints of Prokofiev, Stravinsky and Mussorgsky, though I'm not sure that I see it.
I want my music to lift people's souls, make them smile, comfort them or when necessary focus their attention on an issue of importance to me. My very best music has been written in response to situations of great personal tragedy, such as the premature death of a young lady, the devastation caused by the 2015 earthquakes in Nepal or human rights abuses in Burma.
My main instruments are the piano and the recorders. I used to play the oboe also, which is why my music often features quite exquisite oboe parts. Though not completely self-taught my technique is distinctly unorthodox (e.g. glissandi on a recorder or playing two recorders at once).
I'm based in southwest England but still enjoy travelling despite having retired. I'm far from being a typical tourist, though. I love being in different places for long periods of time, just absorbing culture and meeting people. I cook well enough for my wife to entrust me with cooking for guests from time to time, particularly Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Moroccan, Italian and Spanish cuisines.
My Skills
What Other People Say
... Genius. A proper competition piece as well as something fun. It is a fine piece of work.
Ian Southam, on 'Unprotected Choral Variations on Ilkley Moor' Musician, Loosdrecht, Netherlands
Wow!! This is incredible! ... This is truly amazing.
Ruth Zischka, on 'John's Account' Operations Coordinator, Wycliffe Baptist Church, Reading, England
You are one of the best musicians I know and it has been a real privilege to work with you on this.
Ruth Cullen, on 'John's Account' (in 1986) Wycliffe Baptist Church, Reading, England
Absolutely beautiful.
Tony James, on 'John's Account' Musician, Trowbridge, England
Fantastic work ... The final movement was brilliant. I adored the way it approached an almost shimmering Gamelan type texture at times. Thanks for a great listen.
Charlie Jackson-Allen, on 'A Himalaya Concerto' Musician, Trowbridge, England
A major new work ... stunning. I love it. The music is so fresh, beautifully written and takes you straight into the heart of the Himalayas.
Idris Harries, on 'A Himalaya Concerto' Clarinettist, Queensland, Australia
Beautifully done. Very powerful. You have captured the way that great mountains seduce, invite adventure and bring the spirit out to play – yet sometimes terrify.
Emily Barroso, on 'A Himalaya Concerto' Writer, London, England
I must say that the clarinet part certainly is challenging. You have stretched the instrument to new paths. Very impressive work indeed!
Louis Panacciulli, on 'A Himalaya Concerto' Music Director, Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, NY, USA
It's beautiful! Evocative and somehow location specific. What a creative feat to compose this.
An artist from Papua New Guinea, on 'A Himalaya Concerto'
It is extraordinary, haunting and powerful! It would be stunning with orchestra! Congratulations it is very special.
An instrument technician from Australia, on 'A Himalaya Concerto'
I love the harmonies. The tension and release reminds me of the Tallis Fantasia and the Tavener piece sung at Princess Diana’s funeral.
Idris Harries, on 'Elegy for Strings' Clarinettist, Queensland, Australia
This is absolutely beautiful. It is truly inspired.
Jane Butler, on 'O Love' Holt, England
This is a beautiful piece. My High School choir thoroughly enjoyed it. The melodies and harmonies are gorgeous and flow wonderfully with the text. I would highly recommend this piece to any choir.
Mary Morgan, on 'O Love' Park City, Utah, USA
One of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard.
Benedict Rogers, on 'O Love' London, England
Enjoyed very much listening to the songs. A flavour of innocence and freshness is woven into the melodic lines. It moves with grace and freedom without any hint of the constraints of convention sometimes found in song composition.
Stephen Skews, on 'Idylls' Trowbridge, England
I don't know how you managed to do it, but you've succeeded in making this sound more original than the original.
Kenneth Pelmear (1923-1995), on 'An Hos Los Coth' (1974) Musician and composer
You play in tongues with your hands on the piano.
Makiko Nakachi Concert pianist, Prague, Czech Republic
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