Dani Howard appointed LCO composer in residence
Florence Lockheart
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
British composer Dani Howard has previously received recognition from the RPS for her Trombone Concerto which will receive its London premiere next month.
The London Chamber Orchestra (LCO) has appointed British composer Dani Howard as composer in residence. Howard will begin the role in the 2022/23 season, succeeding Freya Waley-Cohen who held the role for the 2021/22 season.
As part of her new role Howard will compose a variety of works including a saxophone concerto for Jess Gillam which will be premiered during the 22/23 season. She will also work on the reinvigorated LCO New scheme as well as on LCO’s Music Junction project.
LCO managing director Jocelyn Lightfoot said: ‘The variety of styles and the contrasting moods Dani creates is astonishing, and every piece is utterly captivating. At LCO, we are passionate about working with living composers who represent the present and future of orchestral music. Dani’s appointment marks the next step on that journey.’
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Howard graduated from the Royal College of Music in 2015, receiving her Royal Albert Hall debut just three years later. Howard won the Royal Philharmonic Society prize for Large-Scale composition in 2021 for her Trombone Concerto for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and soloist Peter Moore. The piece will have its London premiere with the London Symphony Orchestra next month.
The composer’s other accolades include first prize in the Breaking the Fourth Wall International Composition Competition, Emerging Artist winner in the Chamber Music OC International New Music Competition, third prize in the International Antonin Dvorak Composition Competition and the International Sun River Prize.
Of her new appointment, Howard said: ‘The opportunity to develop several new works as part of their broader community of musicians, young musicians and audiences, is something I can’t wait to get involved with!’
Founded in 1921 by Anthony Bernard, the LCO is the UK’s longest standing professional chamber orchestra. The orchestra is continuing last year’s centenary celebrations in 2022 with performances, recording releases and the publication of a new book on the orchestra’s 100-year history.
You can find out more about the London Chamber Orchestra here.