PERFORMANCES:
selected recent and forthcoming performances (future and most recent first)2013 - 2014 2012 2011 2010 2002 - 2009
Past and forthcoming performances by the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, the National Girls Youth Choir, NYCOS National Boys Choir, NYCOS National Girls Choir, Collegium Singers (Somerset), Juice Vocal Ensemble, King’s Voices (Cambridge), Philomel (London), Echo (London), Anima Children's Chorus (Chicago), Schola Cantorum on Hudson, Orkney Camerata, Rudsambee Company of Singers (Edinburgh), The Giltspur Singers (London), Exon Singers Festival (Devon), Icosa (London), Glasgow University Chapel Choir, Edinburgh University Singers, CoMA Singers (Contemporary Music for All), the Peninsula Women’s Chorus (California), The Purcell Singers (London), Cathures chamber choir (Glasgow, Scotland), Constellation Men’s Ensemble (Chicago), Nova Vocal Ensemble (Los Angeles), Amasong Chorus (Champaign-Urbana, Illinois), the Columbus Women’s Chorus (Ohio), Windsong Feminist Chorus (Ohio), Rudsambee Company of Singers (Edinburgh) and Sang Scule (Edinburgh).
Women of Winter
Music for a dance piece about winter, choreographed by Meghan Western. A collaboration with Mike Bierschenk (composer) and Jeff White (percussion). Performance on February 18, 2024 at the CoMo Season Finale, Abbey Theater, Dublin, Ohio.
Oh, Watch The Stars
Arrangement for solo soprano, choir and piano of the traditional song (originally from the Carolina Sea Islands). Performed by the Magpie Consort in their Stars of Wonder programme, at four venues in Columbus, Ohio in December 2023 and January 2024.
Moongazing
Setting for SATB divisi a cappella of a poem by my father Nigel Phillips (1934 - 2021). Performed by Collegium Vocale Berlin, dir. Rory Johnston, on November 18, 2023.
Variation (Lament)
Variation on the famous theme by Diabelli, written for the project Diabelli Recomposed: 50 Variations by Women Composers Worldwide, dir. Claudia Bigos. All variations were performed on November 5, 2023, at the Brunswick State Theater, Brunswick (Braunschweig), Germany. Video of my variation, performed by Lal Karaalioglu.
Nich Yaka Misyachna
Arrangement for choir and solo violin of a popular Ukrainian song by Mykola Lysenko. Performed at the Concert for Ukraine, First Congregational Church, Columbus, Ohio, by the Magpie Consort, with Arkadiy Gips (violin).
Au Lecteur
Opening movement of Un Petit Psaultier (A Little Psalter), performed by Stephanie Lamprea (soprano) and Alex South (clarinet) at the Scottish Awards for New Music on September 1, 2023, at the Centre for Contemporary Arts, Glasgow.
Circle of Life
Five Native American song-poems. Performance by Mosaic Chamber Choir, dir. Rebecca Berkley, on July 15, 2023, at All Saints Church, Woodham, Woking (UK).
Queer Faith Haiku
Four haiku by Pat Deeney affirming LGBTQ people. Performances by the Columbus Women’s Chorus, dir. Sheena Phillips, on April 23, 2023, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Columbus, Ohio; and on June 29, 2023, at the Sister Singers Network Festival, Cleveland State University.
Greenness
Composition for chorus, violin, flute and piano, loosely based on the Hildegard von Bingen chant O Nobilissima Viriditas. Performances by the Magpie Consort, dir. Sheena Phillips, Columbus, Ohio, on June 3 and June 4, 2023.
The Lark in the Clear Air
Arrangement of the 19th century Irish song for solo violin and SATB chorus. Performances by the Magpie Consort,dir. Sheena Phillips, Columbus, Ohio, on May 14, June 3, June 4 and June 14, 2023.
Song of Spring
A musical response to the war in Ukraine, based on the popular 1960s Ukrainian song Cheremshyna. Performances by the Magpie Consort, dir. Sheena Phillips, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio on 10 December 2022 and St Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Dublin, Ohio on 11 December 2022.
Songs of Sorrow
A wordless lament for Aleppo. Performances by the Magpie Consort, dir. Sheena Phillips, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio on 10 December 2022 and St Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Dublin, Ohio on 11 December 2022.
Of The Father’s Love Begotten
Setting of the Christmas plainchant hymn for unison voices and brass quintet. Performance by Wigton Choral Society, dir. Ian Wright, St. Mary’s Church, Wigton, 10 December 2022.
Feeling The Heat
A climate change song for unison treble voices and piano, commissioned by the National Youth Choir of Scotland for use in the NYCoS Voice Male Perth Boys Project. Performance by Pertshire boys and jazz combo, dir. Christopher Bell, Riverside Church, Perth, 22 November 2022.
Songs of Sorrow
A wordless lament for Aleppo. Performance by CoMA Singers, dir. Janet Oates, St. Bartholomew Church, London, 12 November 2022.
Song of Spring
A response to the war in Ukraine. Premiere live performance by Glass Ensemble, dir. Sarah Latto, South Hill Park Recital Room, Bracknell, 10 July 2022.
The Place Called Planet Earth
ComMUSICation Youth Choir, Wellstone Center, St Paul, Minnesota, 19 March 2022.
Songs of Sorrow
A wordless lament for Aleppo. Live performance by The Arcadian Singers, dir. Jamie Powe, St. Mary Magdalen’s Church, Oxford, 5 March 2022.
In and Out of Time
A piece for singers and hand-held percussion exploring strict and free time in music. Performed by CoMA Singers, St Peter’s Church, Belsize Park, London, 23 October 2021.
Christmas Morning
A setting of words by John Milton for two sopranos and theorbo. Premiered at the Theorbo Today recital of new works for theorbo and voice, the Richmond and Putney Unitarian Church, Richmond, 17 October 2021. Sopranos Janet Oates and Felicity Hayward, and Sergio Bucheli on theorbo. Video.
Songs of Sorrow
A wordless lament for Aleppo. Live performance by Echo Vocal Ensemble, dir. Sarah Latto, in the closing concert of its Improvisation Initiative, 2 May 2021.
Chains of Connection
Two videos curated from sound files and images created in response to each other by twelve people. Premiered on youtube on 24 April 2021 as part of a CoMA London and CoMA Singers concert itself entitled Chains of Connection. Introduction at 1m11s; Chain 1 at 3m25s; Chain 2 at 1h1m24s.
Flashcards
A piece - or perhaps board game - written for zoom. Performed live by CoMA Singers on 24 April 2021 as part of a CoMA London and CoMA Singers concert entitled Chains of Connection. You can watch the entire concert on youtube. Introduction at 1m11s; Flashcards at 8m40s.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Setting of the plainchant hymn (SATB a cappella). Performance by the Ember Ensemble of Schola Cantorum on Hudson (dir. Deborah Simpkin King) live-streamed on the MUSAE platform, 18 December 2020.
Yarn
The story of the Princess and the Frog, told with images, music and spoken word over zoom. Performed by CoMA Singers, London, 15 December 2020. Video. (Starts at 4m0s and ends at 7m14s.)
A Christmas Carol
Setting of a Christmas poem by G K Chesterton. Performance (extract) by Glasgow University Chapel Choir streamed on youtube for the Glasgow University Service of Lessons and Carols, 14 December 2020. (Scroll to 24m36s)
The Earth Is Turning
A portrayal of the earth’s ceaseless journey, based on an anonymous chant. Performance by the College of DuPage Chamber Singers, dir. Lee Kesselman, McAninch Arts Center, 10 December 2020.
Leaves on the Line
Two short songs for soprano and piano, performed by members of Philomel (Felicity Hayward and Janet Oates respectively, with Michael Keen at the piano). Richmond and Putney Unitarian Church, 31 October 2020.
Constellation
Extract from Constellation, an audio collage curated in response to the UK coronavirus lockdown in March 2020. Included in CoMA London's online concert, 7 July 2020.
Long Jump
Jumping over - and off - the world. Piece for treble voices and piano, performed by Maine Elementary All State Honor Choir, dir. Emily Ellsworth, at the Maine ACDA Convention, Gorham ME, 9 May 2020. [CANCELLED BY COVID]
Tiger Trouble
Two pieces from Zodiac, a suite for treble voices and piano based on the animals of the Chinese zodiac. Performance by the National Girls Training Choir of NYCoS, Central Hall, Edinburgh, 18 April 2020. [CANCELLED BY COVID]
Evening Prayer
Choral setting of words by Thomas Ken, SATB divisi. Performances by King’s Voices, dir. Ben Parry, on Monday 17 February at Evensong at King’s College Chapel; Sunday 8 March at St Mary Magdalene in Richmond; and Monday 9 March back in King’s College Chapel as part of a sequence of words and music by women for International Women’s Day.
Songs of Sorrow
A lament for Aleppo (SATB a cappella). Performance by The Purcell Singers, dir. Jonathan Schranz, St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, 7 March 2020.
Long Jump
Jumping over - and off - the world. Piece for treble voices and piano, performed by Massachusetts All State Treble Honor Choir, dir. Emily Ellsworth, at the Massachusetts MMEA Convention, Boston MA, 7 March 2020.
Dies Natalis Invicti Solis
Setting of words by Peter Hill. Performance by Jericho Singers, St Barnabas Church, Oxford, dir. Stephanie Pirrie, 16 December 2019.
Il Est Né Le Divin Enfant
Arrangement for SATB, piano of the traditional French carol. Performance by Belsize Community Choir, St Peter’s Church, London, 11 December 2019.
Patapan
Arrangement of the traditional French carol. Performance by The Giltspur Singers, dir. Christopher Maxim, at St Clement Danes, London, 11 December 2019.
Songs of Sorrow
Wordless lament for Aleppo. Performance by the Royal Northern College of Music Chamber Choir, 21 November 2019, in the RNCM Concert Hall, Manchester.
Long Jump
Jumping over - and off - the world. Piece for treble voices and piano, performed by District 1 Festival Choir, dir. Emily Ellsworth, as part of the Illinois ACDA Fall Convention, Chicago IL, 26 October 2019.
Un Petit Psaultier
(A Little Psalter)Suite for soprano and clarinet (doubling as bass clarinet), based on the work of calligrapher Esther Inglis (1571 - 1624). Commissioned by Jamie Reid Baxter. Performances by Sally Carr (soprano) and Calum Robertson (clarinet) in Edinburgh on 3, 10, 13, 14 and 16 August 2019 in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Evening Prayer
Choral piece based on a hymn by 17th century cleric Thomas Ken, incorporating change-ringing patterns and a quote from Thomas Tallis. Performance by Collegium Singers, dir. Tomos Watkins, at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Taunton, 29 June, 2019.
songs of sorrow
A lament for Aleppo (SATB a cappella). Performance by Rudsambee Company of Singers, dir. Derrick Morgan, in Corstorphine Old Parish Church, Edinburgh, 16 June 2019.
dormir, soñar, jugar, cantar
Five Latin American children's songs arranged for SATB a cappella. Premiere by Icosa choir, dir. Luke Mather, Holy Trinity Church, Guildford, 6 May 2019.
Sad-Sweet
Two settings of words by 17th century women. O Lilie Fair (soprano, theorbo) is a setting of Elizabeth Melville. In Sweet Dream (soprano recorder, four sopranos) is a setting of Mary Sidney Herbert. Second performance by Philomel, dir. Janet Oates. Church of St George the Martyr, Borough, London, 4 May 2019.
Rosie the Riveter
Arrangement of the World War 2 song by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb, for women’s chorus and piano. Performance by the Columbus Women’s Chorus, dir. Lisa Springer, First Unitarian Church, Columbus, Ohio, 28 April 2019.
I Once Went A-Courting
Arrangement for treble voices and piano of a traditional song. Performance by the NYCOS National Girls Choir at Perth Concert Hall, Perth, 13 April 2019.
Horse, Rat, Monkey, Dragon and Dog
Five pieces from Zodiac, a work in progress for treble voices and piano based on the animals of the Chinese zodiac, lyrics by Edwina Towson, were premiered by the NYCOS National Boys Choir at Central Hall, Edinburgh, 6 April 2019.
Flowers of the Forest: remembering Flodden Field
This piece commissioned in 2004 by the Dunedin Consort, was performed by Edinburgh University Singers, dir. Calum Robertson, at Church of the Sacred Heart, Edinburgh, on 29 March 2019
The Place Called Planet Earth
A global warming ballad, arranged for SATB choir, piano, instrumental ensemble. Premiered by Belsize Community Choir, the Michael Singers (UCL) and come-and-sing participants at St Peter’s Church, Belsize Park, London, 24 March 2019.
Mist-Covered Mountains
Arrangement of the 19th century Gaelic song Chí mi na Mórbheanna for SATB choir, recorder and piano. Premiered by Belsize Community Choir at St Peter’s Church, Belsize Park, London, 24 March 2019.
A Christmas Carol
Setting of a poem by G.K.Chesterton (SATBB a cappella). Extract recorded onto a Christmas video by Glasgow University Chapel Choir, dir. Katy Cooper, December 2018.
Not So Silent Night
Aleatoric reworking of the carol Silent Night (SATB, piano), with atmospheric disturbance and louder angels! Performance by CoMA Singers and the Michael Singers, Haldane Room, UCL, 8 December 2018.
Dies Natalis Invicti Solis
Pagan carol, lyrics by Peter Hill. Performance by Rudsambee Company of Singers, dir. Derrick Morgan, St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh, 8 December 2018.
Sad-Sweet
Two settings of words by 17th century women. O Lilie Fair (soprano, theorbo) is a setting of Elizabeth Melville. In Sweet Dream (soprano recorder, four sopranos) is a setting of Mary Sidney Herbert. Performed by Philomel, dir. Janet Oates, at The Swiss Church, London, 24 November 2018.
Rowan Tree
Based on a song by the 19th century composer Carolina Oliphant, Lady Nairne. (SSA a cappella). Performances by Juice Vocal Ensemble, at The Hug and Pint, Glasgow and at The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, 13 & 14 November 2018. Part of The Night With... new music series curated by Matthew Whiteside.
Songs of Sorrow
A lament for Aleppo (SATB a cappella). Performance by the Exon Singers, dir. Joseph Judge, as part of the Exon Singers Festival, in Tavistock Parish Church, Devon, 2 August 2018.
River Song
Aleatoric treatment of the US folk song Oh Shenandoah. Performance by Spectrum Singers, dir. David Hutchings, Church of the Holy Cross, Cowbridge, Wales, 13 July 2018.
Aalo Aamar Aalo
(Light, My Light)Arrangement of a song by the Bengali writer Rabindranath Tagore. Performance by Belsize Community Choir, dir. Sheena Phillips, at St. James’ Church, Paddington, as part of the 2018 Voices of London Festival, 26 June, 2018.
Evening Prayer
Choral piece based on a hymn by 17th century cleric Thomas Ken. Performance by Welsh Camerata, dir. Andrew Wilson-Dickson, at St. German’s Church, Cardiff, 16 June, 2018.
Songs of Sorrow
A lament for Aleppo (SATB a cappella). Performance by Icosa choir, dir. Luke Mather, broadcast by BBC Radio 3, 15 June 2018.
Long Jump
Song for two part treble voices and piano. Performance by Anima Children's Chorus, St Michael Church, Wheaton, Illinois, 20 May 2018.
Raagi Thandheera
(Bringing Alms)Arrangement with Smitha Vishveshwara of a South Indian devotional song by Purandara Daasa Vitthala. Performances by Amasong Chorus, dir. Heidi Weatherford, McKinley Presbyterian Church, Champaign, Illinois, 19 and 20 May 2018.
Wind Song
Aleatoric evocation of wind for mixed voices and narrator, based on words by John Clare. Performance by National Youth Choir of Great Britain, The Halls, Norwich, 15 April 2018.
Songs of Sorrow
A lament for Aleppo (SSAA a cappella). Performance by National Youth Girls Choir (Great Britain), Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, 13 April 2018.
Life of Adventure
Celebrating the idea of adventure at sea. Public rehearsal by the National Girls Choir of Scotland, Loretto Chapel, Edinburgh, 13 April 2018.
referendum
Open score orchestral piece portraying the UK referendum on Brexit. Performance by CoMA Sussex at the Festival of Contemporary Music, Chichester University, 4 March, 2018.
Evening Prayer
Choral piece based on a hymn by 17th century cleric Thomas Ken. Performance by Icosa, dir. Luke Mather, at Our Lady Help of Christians RC Church, West Byfleet, 22 December 2017.
Darkness Into Light
A choral piece for the winter solstice. Performances by Belsize Community Choir, St Saviour’s Church, Hampstead and St Peter’s Church, Belsize Park, 17 December 2017.
Forms of Motion
Suite for string orchestra (i Birds ii Bees iii Fish). Workshop by Yorkshire Late Starter Strings, with Judith Weir, at Seven Arts, Leeds, 29 October 2017.
Songs of Sorrow
A lament for Aleppo (SATB a cappella). Performance by Icosa Chamber Choir, dir. Luke Mather, St Mary–at–Hill, London, 14 October 2017. Part of a programme entitled In the Shining Blackness: choral music of war and refugees.
Songs of Sorrow
A lament for Aleppo (SATB a cappella). Workshop by BBC Singers, Maida Vale Studios, London, 3 October 2017.
En Etsi Valtaa, Loistoa
(Not Power or Glory, but Light and Peace)A setting of the Finnish carol for SATB voices and folk fiddle. Premiere by VocalEssence Ensemble Singers, dir. Philip Brunelle, at the American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, on 24 September 2017.
Songs of Sorrow
A lament for Aleppo (SATB a cappella). Premiere and second performance by Echo, dir. Sarah Latto, at St James’s Church, Paddington on 22 September, 2017 and in the Thames Tunnel Shaft, 23 September 2017.
Gaol Ise Gaol I
(My Love Is She)Arrangement of traditional Gaelic waulking song, for female voices and harp. Performance by the Revels Roses at the Scottish Games in Pleasanton, California, Labor Day weekend, September 2017.
Evening Prayer
Choral piece based on a hymn by 17th century cleric Thomas Ken. Performance by Icosa, dir. Luke Mather, at St James’s Church, Paddington, 21 June 2017, as part of the Voices of London Festival 2017.
wind song
Vocal work evoking the sound of wind in trees, based on words by the English poet John Clare. Performance by CoMA Singers at St. Martin’s Church, Dorking, Surrey on 3 June, 2017.
Great is Life
A setting of extracts from Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, for SSAATTBB chorus. Performances by Schola Cantorum on Hudson, dir. Deborah Simpkin King, on 20 May 2017 (NYC) and 21 May 2017 (New Jersey).
Lead Me To The Rock
Setting of Psalm 61 for choir, congregation, cello obbligato and piano, commissioned by Summit on 16th United Methodist Church in memory of George Ryerson. First airing on Sunday May 21, 2017.
Sea Pieces
Three settings of Emily Dickinson poems, for SSA a cappella voices. Performances by National Youth Choir of Scotland Girls Choir, 8 April 2017 in Glasgow and 12 August 2017 in Edinburgh.
referendum
Open score orchestral piece composed in the wake of the UK referendum on Brexit. First performance by CoMA Bristol on 29 March, 2017. Two other performances, both by CoMA Sussex: 18 May 2017 in the Brunswick Pub, Hove, E. Sussex and 2 July 2017 at the East Sussex Music Academy, Lewes, dir. Adam Swayne.
wind song
Vocal work evoking the sound of wind in trees, based on words by the English poet John Clare. Performance by CoMA Singers at the Singing Adventures workshop, Baden Powell House, London, 4 March 2017.
Evening Prayer
Choral piece based on a hymn by 17th century cleric Thomas Ken. Premiere by Icosa, dir. Luke Mather, at Our Lady Help of Christians RC Church, West Byfleet, Surrey, 3 January 2017.
In Dulci Jubilo
and Of The Father’s Love BegottenTwo arrangements for chorus and brass quintet. Performance by Koninklijke Fanfare Kempenbloei-Achel, Belgium, 16 December 2016.
A Christmas Carol
Choral setting of words by G.K.Chesterton. Performance by Glasgow University Chapel Choir, Scotland, dir. Katy Lavinia Cooper, 11 December 2016.
Noël
Choral fanfare. Performance by Rudsambee Company of Singers, dir. Sheena Phillips, Rosslyn Chapel, 10 December 2016.
Healing River
Arrangement of a song by Fred Hellerman. Performance by Windsong, Cleveland’s Feminist Chorus, dir. Heather Russell, 20 November 2016.
Flowers of the Forest: remembering Flodden Field
This piece, commissioned in 2004 by the Dunedin Consort, gets another airing by the wonderful Sang Scule, dir. James Hutchinson, at Old St Paul’s Church, Edinburgh, on 17 September, 2016.
night airs
Piece for string orchestra, flute and oboe, commissioned in 2016 by the St Magnus International Festival for Orkney Camerata. Premiere in St Magnus Cathedral, Orkney, Sunday 19 June, 2016.
In Beauty May I Walk
Setting of a Navajo poem (in English translation) for SSAA chorus, flute obbligato and piano. Performance by the Columbus Women’s Chorus, Ohio, at King Ave United Methodist Church, 1 May 2016.
The Lyke Wake Dirge
Choral arrangement (with Peter Hill) of the old Yorkshire dirge. Performance by Cathures, Kelvinside Hillhead Church, Glasgow, 16 April 2016.
Healing River
Arrangement for women’s voices of the song by Fred Hellerman of the Weavers. Performance at Western Division ACDA, in Pasdena, CA, by the Peninsula Women’s Chorus dir. Martin Benvenuto, 27 February 2016.
Here We Stand
A piece commissioned in memoriam feminist and music-lover Anne Marshall Saunier (1946 - 2013). Performance by Windsong Feminist Chorus, dir. Heather Russell, at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, Lakewood, Ohio, 31 January 2016.
Garbe Rame
(Dancing With Gourds)Traditional Gujarati (N W India) song arrangement honoring the goddess Amba. Performance by Berkeley Women’s Community Chorus, at Northbrae Community Church, Berkeley CA, 22 November 2015
Raagi Thandheera
(Bringing Alms)Arrangement with Smitha Vishveshwara of a South Indian devotional song by Purandara Daasa Vitthala. Performances by Amasong Chorus, dir. Jill Crandall, in Champaign, Illinois, 7 and 8 November 2015.
Music for Jill
Choral setting of the poem If by Norman MacCaig, written in remembrance of Jill Sumner (1941 - 2001). Performances by Cunninghame Choir, dir. Robin Versteeg, in Beith, North Ayrshire, Scotland (10 May 2015) and St Bride’s Episcopal Church, Glasgow, 14 June 2015.
Circle of Life
A suite based on Native American song-poems. Second performance by Cathures chamber choir, Glasgow, dir. Katy Coooper, 9 June 2015 at Kelvinside Hillhead Church, Glasgow.
How Can I Keep From Singing?
Arrangement of the 19th century hymn by Robert Lowry. Performance by Nova Vocal Ensemble, dir. Jonathan James Bautista, Glendale City Seventh Day Adventist Church, Los Angeles, 7 June 2015.
The Earth Is Turning
and Knitting PatternsPerformances by Windsong, Cleveland’s Feminist Chorus, dir. Karen Weaver, 11 January and 9 May, 2015.
Healing River
Arrangement for SSAA a cappella of the song by Fred Hellerman. Performances by the Peninsula Women’s Chorus, California, dir. Martin Benvenuto, at St Mark’s Episcopal Church, Palo Alto, 9 May and 17 May, 2015.
So Beautie on the Waters Stood
Piece for men’s chorus, based on the Ferrabosco song of the same name. Performance by Constellation Men’s Ensemble, Chicago, dir. Ryan Strand, 2 May 2015.
Circle of Life
A suite based on Native American song-poems. Performance (European premiere) by Cathures chamber choir, Glasgow, dir. Katy Coooper, 28 March, 2015 at Kelvinside Hillhead Church, Glasgow.