Biography.
Ellen is a composer and conductor whose music explores social commentary through the interplay of playful and sinister musical textures and the fusion of acoustic instruments and electronics. They use a mixture of fables, fine art and observations as inspiration for music that highlights the triumphs and flaws of humanity.
Ellen recently graduated from their masters in music composition at the University of Cambridge under Marta Gentilucci with the support of The Augustus Leigh Fund and Cambridge Trust. During their time at Cambridge, Ellen had their music performed by the Riot Ensemble, regularly conducted the King’s College Orchestra and received the Bertram Faulkner prize for “a lasting contribution in the fields of musical scholarship, composition or criticism”.
Music: Ellen Drewe
Animation: Raki Sy
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Between their undergraduate and masters degree, Ellen worked behind the scenes for the London Symphony Orchestra for 2 years, expanding their understanding and experience of ensemble logistics and concert management.
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Ellen completed their undergraduate degree at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) under Morgan Hayes. Ellen was selected to speak on behalf of RAM for their 'Music for Trees' project on BBC Breakfast and their clarinet and electronics piece, Chronokinesis, was selected to be included in the RAM's bicentenary 200 pieces. They also spent a short time conducting their own new music ensemble, the Luna Collective, during this time.
Ellen has written pieces for a variety of ensembles such as the Riot Ensemble, BSO’s Kokoro, Pianist Nicola Meecham and Monday’s Child, in venues such as West Road Concert Hall, the V&A museum, the Brunel Museum, Warehouse Waterloo and a sound installation in The Royal Parks. Ellen was shortlisted for BBC Young Composer of the Year Award in 2016 and received the Martin Read Foundation Award and the BSO Kokoro Young Composers Call for Scores Award prior to beginning their undergraduate degree.
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