Mark Simpson on his new role with the BBC Philharmonic

Former BBC Young Musician and Radio 3 New Generation Artist Mark Simpson has written in Gramophone magazine about his new role with the BBC Philharmonic:

"Last week it was announced that I will be the next BBC Philharmonic Composer in Association. And this morning Manchester International Festival revealed that my first major orchestral work will receive its world premiere, performed by the BBC Philharmonic, this July.

"I’m particularly thrilled that I’ll be working with the BBC Philharmonic who are based in Salford, just down the road from where I grew up in Liverpool. They are committed to supporting musical talent from across the North of England, and my role is part of that ambition.

"I am indebted to the BBC for supporting my career as a musician and, it is fair to say, without them I wouldn’t be where I am. I have benefitted greatly from many opportunities offered to young musicians. In 2006 I won both the Young Musician of the Year competition as a clarinetist and the BBC Proms/Guardian Young Composer of the year competition which launched my career. In my gap year I had the help of the BBC Performing Arts bursary (then the Fame Academy Bursary) to help support a year in Berlin studying and writing. I have been commissioned three times by the BBC - sparks, Night Music and Israfel - and last year finished a two-year period as a New Generation Artist performing with most of the BBC orchestras broadcast live on Radio 3. And now comes the new composer appointment offering a huge sense of trust and belief from the teams at the BBC Philharmonic and Radio 3. I am eternally grateful and hope I can live up to their expectations!"

Read the full post on the Gramophone Blog

Mark Simpson is BBC Philharmonic Composer in Association