Review of 2012

2012 has been a hugely successful and important year for me, building upon many of the successes of 2011 and opening up new and exciting opportunities and possibilities. I have had more performances this year than any previous, with three national broadcasts (two live and one recorded) to boot. The year began with the excellent news that I was a prize winner in the Gaude Mater International Composers' Competition which resulted in a memorable trip to Poland in May. There were performances and commissions in various venues in London, Eton, Chester, Gloucester, Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol, Yorkshire, Berkshire and international performances in the USA, Lithuania and further performances in Poland. The year will be mainly remembered for two major events, the first being the finishing of my book on Herbert Howells (to be published next year) which took up most of the latter part of the year, and the second being my new appointment as lecturer in composition at Aberdeen University. This new appointment will be a massive new opportunity for me, and I am greatly looking forward to the new challenge. It is sad to leave Oxford and Eton, but the right time for a new venture. Plans are already beginning to shape for 2013, beginning in January with the recording of a CD of my choral music by the Choir of Selwyn College, Cambridge which will be released on the Regent label in early 2014. February/March will see my new JAM commission, The Hazel Wood performed in Scotland and London with further performances and commissions planned for various cathedrals throughout the year. An exciting year ahead. PAC