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Composer Performer

 

Kerry Andrew is a British composer, performer, and writer who has made a significant impact on the classical music scene in the UK. Born in London in 1978, Andrew grew up in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, where she began her musical education at an early age. She started playing the piano when she was just four years old and later learned to play the clarinet and saxophone. Andrew's interest in music continued to grow throughout her childhood, and she went on to study music at the University of York, where she earned a degree in composition. During her time at university, Andrew became involved in the experimental music scene and began to explore new and innovative ways of creating music. After completing her studies, Andrew moved to London and began to establish herself as a composer and performer. She formed the experimental folk group Juice, which blended traditional folk music with contemporary sounds and techniques. The group released several albums and gained a following in the UK and beyond. In addition to her work with Juice, Andrew also began to compose music for other ensembles and performers. Her compositions were often characterized by their use of unconventional techniques and sounds, such as extended vocal techniques and found objects. One of Andrew's most notable works is her opera, "Swanhunter," which was commissioned by the Opera North company in 2009. The opera is based on a Finnish folk tale and tells the story of a young man who sets out to capture a swan in order to win the hand of a princess. The opera features a unique blend of traditional Finnish music and contemporary sounds, and has been praised for its innovative approach to storytelling. Andrew's other notable works include "Fall," a choral piece that explores the themes of loss and grief, and "Woodwose," a piece for solo cello that was inspired by the legend of the wild man of the woods. In addition to her work as a composer, Andrew is also an accomplished performer and writer. She has performed with a number of ensembles, including the London Sinfonietta and the BBC Singers, and has written several books, including the award-winning novel "Swansong." Andrew's work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award for Composers and the British Composer Award for Innovation. She continues to be an important figure in the UK's classical music scene, and her innovative approach to composition and performance has inspired a new generation of musicians and composers.

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