Joanna Ward

Joanna is a composer and performer from Newcastle upon Tyne, based in London. Her practice explores what happens when indeterminacy is situated alongside simplicity and repetition. She likes to work closely with other artists on her projects, which often layer live sound with fixed audio/visual media.

"I often come up with new ideas and feel most inspired when I'm experiencing live performance music–even if it's very different aesthetically or in process to my own music."

What does being one of Joanna's patrons look like? Patrons can expect an insight into the labour and craft of being a composer, and discover Joanna’s multifaceted approach to new music as a composer, performer and improviser.

"Music Patron is really transformative, allowing me more time to experiment, taking pressure off outcomes and allowing my practice to grow."

Supporting a composer on Music Patron gives you a first-hand perspective on the many elements within the creative process and an understanding of an authentic journey of a composer. You can find out more about what it’s like to be a patron here. BiographyRecent projects of Joanna's have included: new work created in collaboration with Musarc for their midsummer concert 2025, Staring at the Sun; a new devised performance with her sister, theatre-maker Laurie Ward, premiered at LCMF 2024; a new work for Figure Ensemble, premiered at Stone Nest in January 2025; a new work for Slide Action for their award-winning album RE:BUILD, released on NMC Recordings in 2024; for the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra for Tectonics Festival 2022; for Zubin Kanga's Cyborg Soloists project; for EXAUDI for the Norfolk & Norwich Festival; for Natalie Burch for her recent album on Delphian Records; and a co-creation project with Newcastle Youth Choir for the Newcastle Sings Festival 2022. Upcoming projects include a set of audiovisual works and album TBC, titled Week pieces; a new song for Leeds Song, premiere April 2026; a new work for EXAUDI, premiere May 2026; and working with Omri Kochavi on a long-form performance piece (premiere TBC). Joanna graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with a Masters in Composition in 2021, learning with Amber Priestley. She was subsequently a Junior Fellow at GSMDs in 2021-22. She was also a Britten Pears Young Artist in 2021-22. Joanna graduated from the University of Cambridge with a BA in Music in 2019. She has recently started a part-time PhD in Composition at the University of Leeds, supervised by Prof. Martin Iddon and Dr. Scott Mclaughlin. As a vocalist and performer, Joanna is interested in contemporary and experimental repertoires as well as songwriting and improvisation. She notably performs in a duo with fellow composer/performer Omri Kochavi, and experimental choral collective Musarc. Alongside her work as a composer and performer, Joanna works as a fundraiser, currently in a part-time capacity at a medical research charity. Listen below to Joanna's piece LIVING ON ICE CREAM AND CHCOLATE KISSES, performed by EXAUDI at Milton Court Concert Hall in May 2023 as part of EXPOSURE. Commissioned by the Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2022 and premiered at The Halls, Norwich in May 2022