Our Commissioned Composers

Lisa Mears and Richard John are two local composers who have written works for us

Lisa is a young and talented composer living in Swansea. She was awarded a music scholarship to Malvern Girls’ College where she studied piano, violin and singing. Lisa gained a wide performance experience at the college and was awarded instrumental prizes and the Hugh-Jones Trophy for the most promising pianist. Lisa began composing at college before taking her music degree at Bristol University. She subsequently attended the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama where she gained her Masters degree. In addition to composing Lisa works as a professional accompanist at Gorseinon College, is an assistant organist at St Teilo’s Church Bishopston and teaches piano, violin, music theory and GCSE, AS and A level music. In January 2006, Lisa entered the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra / Kokoro Composers Competition. Her composition Mosaic Counterpoint for mixed chamber ensemble won first prize and was performed at the Lighthouse Arts Centre, Poole. Her composition Ave Maria (click to listen) was first performed at the All Saints Alive Music Festival in September 2007 by Ariosa members Fiona Beresford, Céline Forrest, Charlotte Jug, and Carrie Thompson with Joy Amman Davies, piano. It has been performed twice more, once at the Waterfront Church, SA1 at the Gwalia Singers' Annual Concert with Les Ryan playing the piano, and once -as the finale- at the ABRSM High Scorers' Concert with Lisa accompanying.

Mob: 07740 87800

email: lisamears@msn.com

Born in 1981 in Neath, Richard began playing the piano in 1993. He furthered his studies in September 2000 at the Royal College of Music, studying piano with Yonty Solomon and composition with Edwin Roxburgh. He graduated with honours B Mus from the RCM in July 2004.

Richard has performed extensively at a range of venues including the Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Chipping Camden Music Festival, Cheltenham Town Hall, Salisbury City Hall, Buckingham Palace and at Sadler’s Wells.

He has made several television appearances and has worked with a wide variety of artists including Max Bygraves, Isla St Clair and Geri Halliwell.

Richards is in demand as an accompanist and conductor for concerts, competitions and theatrical productions. Richard's compositional output consists of solo, ensemble, vocal and choral works. His music is published by Canasg

Richard John B Mus (hons)

124 Pant Yr Heol, Neath, SA11 2HD

01639 778189 or 07815 097362

email: welshpianist@yahoo.co.uk