Review of 2018

2018 was a slightly different year for me, still full of successes across my professional life, but one with a very different focus from previous. As a composer, the highlight was the commission, performance, broadcast and recording of Ave Maria, mater Dei a new work commissioned by the Genesis Foundation for The Sixteen. The performance by The Sixteen and the choristers of Eton College, in the chapel at Eton in May was a real highlight, and one that will stay in the memory for a long time. The critical response to the piece has been overwhelmingly positive and I look forward to other choirs trying the piece out in future concerts. Other highlights saw the commission and broadcast of my Fourth Service at this year's London Festival of Contemporary Church Music, as well as premieres and performances in the USA, Poland, Holland and Ireland.

It's been an odd year as a composer, as I have only written three short works (amounting to c.20 minutes of music), with the vast majority of the year being taken up with writing and finishing The Music of James MacMillan. I was very pleased to hear the positive comments about the finished manuscript and the book will be published in July 2019. Just a few small things to finish in the next few months, then it will be done. Whatever the reviews of the book, it will be an immensely proud moment to hold a copy in my hands. I became Head of Music at the University of Aberdeen in July and will carry on for the next three years. 2018 was a good year, 2019 promises to be even better, particularly if the People's Vote comes to fruition! PAC