Some recent things (that I know of):
I am really pleased to be the composer/musical director for Martin O'Connor's latest show Through the Shortbread Tin, with National Theatre of Scotland. 2025 tour dates to be announced soon!
I am now also on Bluesky: @olisearlecomposer
I spoke about Accessible Composition, in NordEx as part of Nordic Music Days in Glasgow
Six Songs for Youth Choir are now available as a set through Composers Edition; these are set at three levels for young voices.
I am really pleased to be writing a new work - Snake Kings - for the fantastic ACHROME Ensemble, in Italy; more details here soon!
The Hebrides Ensemble performed Harbour Dreams (for String Trio), from Dalriada on Saturday 13th January. Some nice reviews, including in Vox Carnyx, by Ken Walton: ‘Oliver Searle’s skillfully woven Harbour Dreams, from his Dalriada trio, brought this Scots-themed concert to a distinguished conclusion.’
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It was great to be interviewed for an article on composition for inclusive music ensembles in the International Journal of Music Education.
My Sequenza for Trumpet was broadcast on KBCS FM (in Washington, USA). Listen to the podcast here.
My interview/article for Positionen Magazine (issue #139), is now available in online and print versions here.
Robert Hugill wrote a lovely review of the a cellar full of noise album, which includes my Sequenza for solo trumpet . Read the review here.
'...Poulson is almost in dialogue with himself, sometimes creating the feel of two players.' (Hugill, 7th March, 2023) |
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.
I am a board member of the National Youth Orchestra 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.
I am a board member of the National Youth Orchestra 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.
Something to listen to
Something to look at and listen to
Something to look at