Biography

Simon Cummings studied composition, conducting and organ at Birmingham Conservatoire. He also directed their contemporary music group, Thallein Ensemble. He graduated in 1997 and was awarded the Creative Studies prize. Aided by a substantial grant from The Countess of Munster Musical Trust, Cummings studied privately with Richard Barrett in Amsterdam, simultaneously studying sonology and composition at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Upon completion of his Masters, he returned to England and took up the post of Assistant Director of Music at Christ Church, Cheltenham. From the outset, Cummings’ music has been inspired by, and sought to explore, aspects of his Christian faith. His works are often presented as a ‘drama in sound’, an intricate journey through which mortal concepts are presented allegorically to elaborate transcendent truths, akin to the parables of Christ. Cummings’ works have received some notable performances: Bromsgrove’s ‘Mixing Music’ Festival has twice featured his music, with acclaimed first performances of lent for solo clarinet and Orbus (Fragment) premièred by the Smith Quartet and broadcast on BBC Radio 3. His solo cello work, gravest one, won the spnm/ Huddersfield Festival composing competition in 2002. It was performed there by Arne Deforce. Cummings is currently pursuing a PhD in composition at Birmingham Conservatoire, under the supervision of Richard Causton. Web: www.simoncummings.com

Works

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Simon Cummings