Some recent things (that I know of):
I was really pleased to hear that Through the Shortbread Tin was nominated for a CATS Award, for Best New Play 2025
I am pleased to have been nominated for the RCS Student-Led Awards again this year, in the Outstanding Contribution to Teaching category; details here
![]() My new orchestral work - Skating With Mr. Gow - for the Stockbridge and New Town Community Orchestra, will be performed in their concert on the 31st May 2025, in Edinburgh; more details available here
![]() Postcards From The Barras, for Viola, Mezzo-Soprano and Piano, was performed at the Scottish Arts Club in Edinburgh, on Friday the 16th of May, by a fabulous trio of young musicians.
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I have recently completed a new work for flute choir - Colours of the City - for the North East of Scotland Music School, for performance in October 2025.
Cold Atom (for viola and accordion) was performed as part of the Piano Festival at the RCS on the 18th of March; link to performance
I am really pleased to have completed a new work - Snake Kings - for the fantastic ACHROME Ensemble, in Italy; more details here soon!
My interview/article for Positionen Magazine (issue #139), is now available in online and print versions here.
I am now also on Bluesky: @olisearlecomposer
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Something About Me
In my artistic practice, I attempt to capture personal reflections on past events (often musical) from life experiences, and explore the ways in which I can realise these musically, then communicate it to others. I am also interested in inclusivity in new music, and finding new environments for the creation and performance of new work; this means that I am often engaged in creative conversations with others when starting work on a project, which helps offer ideas and starting points, and allows me to find ways to make work that is specific to each situation.
I began studies at the University of Aberdeen to become a classroom music teacher and moved to Glasgow in 2000, where I studied with John Maxwell Geddes, gaining a Distinction for my Masters degree. I then completed a PhD in composition through the University of St Andrews, and have since written works for many professional, amateur and youth organisations, such as the National Youth Choir of Scotland, the Hebrides Ensemble, Red Note, the Scottish Reed Trio, Paragon, Drake Music Scotland, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, the New Music Players and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
In 2002, I received a silver medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians and in 2004 won the Mendelssohn Scholarship; I have been nominated for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award and won a British Composer Award in 2018. Over the last few years, my works have been performed at festivals and venues around the world, and I am Head of Composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
My music is published by Composers Edition and Tetractys, and I am also a member of New Music Scotland and the Scottish Music Centre.
I began studies at the University of Aberdeen to become a classroom music teacher and moved to Glasgow in 2000, where I studied with John Maxwell Geddes, gaining a Distinction for my Masters degree. I then completed a PhD in composition through the University of St Andrews, and have since written works for many professional, amateur and youth organisations, such as the National Youth Choir of Scotland, the Hebrides Ensemble, Red Note, the Scottish Reed Trio, Paragon, Drake Music Scotland, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, the New Music Players and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
In 2002, I received a silver medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians and in 2004 won the Mendelssohn Scholarship; I have been nominated for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award and won a British Composer Award in 2018. Over the last few years, my works have been performed at festivals and venues around the world, and I am Head of Composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
My music is published by Composers Edition and Tetractys, and I am also a member of New Music Scotland and the Scottish Music Centre.
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Something to look at and listen to
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