Chris has a growing reputation as a choral composer of originality and simplicity, providing a repertoire well suited for today’s burgeoning community, amateur, youth and folk choir movements.
His composing style draws on the many influences in his life – folk, jazz and popular song, the classical canon, cabaret and music theatre, the English cathedral tradition, catholic church music and Gregorian chant.
Primarily a choral composer and a songwriter, he is well-versed at writing for instrumental or mixed ensembles, including string quartet, brass quintet, brass band, military band, salsa/ska bands and orchestra.
His works are known for their sensitivity, musicality and ease of performance, with a large repertoire of choral music suitable for choirs of all ages and experience. His choral engagements and commissions have been diverse, including high voice choral pieces and folk carols suitable for schools, musicals for children and adults and a cappella showpieces for community choirs.
Also a lyricist, he continues to receive commissions for special events or anniversaries and enjoys leading choral workshops, especially with young singers.
For more details on commissions, please email [email protected].
‘Chris’ music is beautifully crafted – rich in imagination – rich, too, in years of experience, which has resulted in finely written, characterful music.’ (Richard Allain)
‘The greatest unknown songwriter in Britain’ (Steve Knightley, Show of Hands)
‘Chris manages to get a whole story into three exquisite verses – the detail and empathy of his story lines can be heartbreakingly accurate. ‘The Padre’ and ‘The Lily And The Rose’, particularly, have had our audiences in tears. He really understands voices, especially those of a non professional choir and knows how to engage the very best of their sounds and abilities in his songs. Every line is singable, every part knows its place. That makes up a perfect song, both for us and for our audience.’ (Sandra Smith, Musical Director of ‘The Lost Sound’ – Dartmoor Folk Choir)
