Writing music described as ‘rather beautiful’ (Suzy Klein, BBC Radio 3), ‘beautiful, scholarly yet singable’ (Cathedral Singers of Christ Church, Oxford) and ‘stunning!’ (Katie Derham, BBC Radio 3), Alison (b. 1971) is an award winning composer whose works have been performed and broadcast across the UK and internationally by ensembles including the BBC Singers, The Gesualdo Six, BBC Concert Orchestra and the Ora Singers.
She finds particular inspiration in historical sources and events, forgotten women, social issues, English Folk music and enjoys working collaboratively with both young people and adults. Alison is also an experienced conductor, educator, pianist, organist and folk musician, enjoys composing music for theatre and is a Trustee of the Martin Read Foundation, supporting young composers. Now based in the East of England she has recently been appointed as Musical Director of the Grimsby Bach Choir. She is a qualified teacher, enjoying roles as Composer/Musician in Residence as well as mentoring a select number of private composition students.
Recent works include I Am Bartholomew for the 900th Anniversary of St Bart’s the Great, Smithfield, ‘We’re Nor ‘Avin’ It!’, a micro-opera written in collaboration with performers from Streetwise Opera and premiered with the BBC Concert Orchestra and members of The Sixteen at the Southbank Centre in March 2023, the Derby Service written for Derby Cathedral and Salve Deus, Rex Judaeorum for Luminosa. She is currently working on a collection of medieval carols and a set of twenty-four Preludes and Fugues for organ.
When not composing or educating Alison can be found walking her dogs on the beach, feeding the chickens or making soup for her family from the vegetables in the garden.
