Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1957 in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Vocal

 

Martin Ellerby is a British composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 2, 1957, in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, Ellerby grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a brass band conductor, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Ellerby showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano and trumpet. Ellerby's musical education began at the Royal Military School of Music in Kneller Hall, where he studied trumpet and composition. He later went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London, where he received a degree in composition. During his time at the Royal College of Music, Ellerby studied under some of the most prominent composers of the time, including Joseph Horovitz and John Lambert. Ellerby's early works were heavily influenced by the brass band tradition, which he had grown up with. His first major composition, "The Saga of Haakon the Good," was written for brass band and won the National Brass Band Championships in 1984. This early success set the stage for Ellerby's future career as a composer. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Ellerby continued to compose for brass bands, but he also began to explore other genres. He wrote several works for wind band, including "Paris Sketches" and "Lowry Sketchbook," which were both commissioned by the Royal Northern College of Music. Ellerby's wind band compositions were well-received and helped to establish him as a leading composer in the genre. In addition to his work for brass and wind bands, Ellerby also composed for orchestras and choirs. His orchestral works include "The King of Elfland's Daughter," which was commissioned by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, and "Clarinet Concerto," which was written for the clarinetist Emma Johnson. Ellerby's choral works include "The Canticle of the Sun," which was commissioned by the Royal School of Church Music. Ellerby's compositions are known for their technical complexity and emotional depth. He often draws on literary and historical themes for inspiration, and his works are characterized by their rich harmonies and intricate textures. Ellerby's music has been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his work as a composer, Ellerby has also been active as a conductor and educator. He has conducted numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Concert Orchestra. Ellerby has also taught composition at several universities, including the Royal Northern College of Music and the University of Hull. Ellerby's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2001, he was awarded the Iles Medal by the Worshipful Company of Musicians for his contributions to British music. He has also been awarded the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors Gold Badge Award and the BASCA Award for Contemporary Jazz Composition. In conclusion, Martin Ellerby is a British composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His compositions are known for their technical complexity and emotional depth, and he has written for a wide range of ensembles, including brass bands, wind bands, orchestras, and choirs.

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