Born in Leicestershire in 1944, Michael has been composing and performing as a pianist since the age of 12. and his works encompass a wide range of styles. He has written symphonic, chamber, instrumental and vocal music and has contributed extensively to the literature of the piano.
Born in Leicestershire in 1944, Michael has been composing and performing as a pianist since the age of 12. and his works encompass a wide range of styles. He has written symphonic, chamber, instrumental and vocal music and has contributed extensively to the literature of the piano.
Since his early compositional experiments in the 1960s, using serial techniques, he has traversed into a more cheerful and melodic sphere incorporating Jazz and ‘Rock’ elements. From the 1980s he has embraced a highly developed ‘European’ style with respect for traditional forms.
His main inspirations have evolved from nature and the night. In summation:
“His art is that of music to enable one to forget.”
Education
- 1956: began learning the piano and composing
- 1961 – 1964: The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London (Awarded scholarship to study composition with Rubbra)
- 1967 – 1968: Had private piano lessons from the late Frank Merrick (Leschetizky’s last remaining pupil)
Work History
- 1981 – current: Teaching the piano, composing and performing
- 1990 – 1992: Resident pianist at the Wayfarer Hotel, Wimbledon, London
- 1975 – 1980: Worked as composer and pianist in the theatre, gave piano recitals of Jazz, unknown 19th Century and contemporary works in England and Scotland and improvised for silent movies. Also composed a ‘jingle’ for the Scottish Gas Board.
- 1971 – 1972: Composed music for BBC television documentaries Europa and 20th Century Focus. Worked at the National Film School, Beaconsfield, composed music for Ken Russell’s award-winning film Savage Messiah
- 1969 – 1971: Class music teacher at Rutherford Comprehensive School, Paddington, London
- 1969: Recorded in Paris with Jazz stars – the trumpeter Bill Coleman and drummer Art Taylor. CD ‘Bill Coleman Plus Four’ (JCD196) available via www.thejukejoint.com or www.jazzology.com
- 1968: Composed music for and acted in Ken Russell’s award-winning film Women in Love
- 1968 – 1974: Became a musical director for Lindsey Kemp Mime Company which included David Bowie and toured British Isles and Europe. Also M.D. Lindsey Kemp’s film ‘Pierrot In Turquoise’ in which he plays the piano and also involves songs and appearances by David Bowie. This may be purchased for private viewing only from the Scottish Screen Archive, Glasgow. Dur.30 mins.
- 1966 – 1967: Became Band Leader on SS liner ‘Canberra’ on world cruise
- 1964 – 1965: Gave concerts of Jazz and experimental music in and around London
Additional Information
- 2008: First performance of his Epithalamion I for organ by Elizabeth Day at St.Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh. Publication of above work by Fagus Music.
- 2008: First perfomance of his Symphony No.12 given by the New Edinburgh Orchestra under Tim Paxton at the Methodist Church, Nicolson Square, Edinburgh
- 2006: Performed his works at the Kirkudbright International Festival
- 2005: Performing his works in Edinburgh with his ensemble
- 2004: Commissioned by The New Kirkudbright International Festival to arrange Mendelssohn’s ‘Hebrides’ Overture for two pianos which was performed there in August, also in September in Alexandria, Egypt
- 2004: Became a member of the European Piano Teachers’ Association (UK)
- 2004: Introduction and Promenade performed by Piano 40 at the Purcell Room, South Bank, London
- 2003: Article on Symphony No. 9 by David Hackbridge Johnson published in the British Music Society Magazine
- 2000: Piano Sonata No.15 performed by Richard Deering at the Arun Hall, Pulborough Social Centre, Sussex
- 2000: Introduction and Promenade performed by the London Piano Quartet at the Purcell Room, South Bank, London. Also performed at Dulwich and Budapest
- 1999: Became a member of the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters with personal details included on its website for access via the Internet
- 1998: Became a member of the Composers’ Guild of Great Britain. Lodged a selection of works with the British Music Information Centre, London together with personal details for inclusion on its website: www.bmic.co.uk
E-mail: info@bmic.co.uk - 1997: Awarded a special prize of merit for Night Song and In to Dawn for Soloists, Choir and Orchestra at the First International Composers Competition in memory of Kodaly by the organisers and the Hungarian Minister of Culture
- 1995: Fantasia No.1 for String Orchestra published by Tirreno Gruppo Editoriale (Milan)
- 1989: Preludes for piano performed by pianist Richard Deering at Composers’ Guild of Great Britain Recital
- 1978: Became a member of the Performing Right Society
- 1958 – 1965: Awarded various prizes for composition in local county of Leicestershire