Alice Beckwith

Alice Beckwith is a versatile composer of concert music, working on commission throughout the UK. Her lyrical melodic sound is firmly rooted in the British Isles – with an emphasis above all upon story-telling.

The creative process never stops. Whether consciously or subconsciously, you tune in (literally) to everything around you – space, colour, sound, energy, words… all seemingly unrelated. My job as a composer is to sift through to find the gem of an idea, often a time-consuming process! But just sometimes, suddenly when least expected, the outline of a sketch effortlessly appears.

Rapidly emerging as a contemporary composer, Alice was commissioned by the 2024 St Endellion Easter Festival, where her new setting of Paul Fiddes’ The Phoenix – for tenor and harp – was premiered by Mark Padmore and Alis Huws. A new song-cycle commissioned by the 2024 AndPiano Music Festival in Huddersfield marks a welcome return to West Yorkshire – setting texts by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.

As well as a composer, Alice is an animateur and music educator, and a passionate advocate for arts engagement and accessibility. She runs a private teaching studio, and regularly delivers academic teaching and school workshops alongside her role as an ABRSM examiner. She is a trustee of Yorkshire Youth and Music.

What does being one of Alice’s patrons look like?

Patrons are invited to join Alice “behind-the-scenes” through regular updates, engaging with her creative process as she collaborates with ensembles and artists on a variety of commissions.

Patrons can expect curated playlists, sneak previews of new works, and advance notice of future projects; as well as opportunities to connect digitally through live streaming, and, most importantly, over a cup of tea when in Manchester.

For commissioning opportunities, please contact Alice directly though her website.

“Music Patron is a very special opportunity to share my new work, professional success and creative development with an engaged, interactive community of philanthropic individuals.”

Supporting a composer on Music Patron gives you a first-hand perspective on the many elements within the creative process and an understanding of the authentic journey of a composer. You can learn more about what it’s like to be a patron here.

Biography

Alice was one of 6 composers selected to participate in the 2023 Cheltenham Music Festival Composers’ Academy, for which she created Three Songs with The Carice Singers. Between 2020-22 she was Composer-in-Residence with Lodge Moor Children’s Choir.

Recent projects include her settings of Heinrich Brockes’ poetry, Nightingale and Reflections – commissioned by Endelienta Baroque – toured the UK as part of their 2023/24 Autumn EarthSong project.

Alice’s contemporary cantata The Golden Thread (2022) – commissioned by the Green Man Gallery, Buxton, with support from the Vaughan Williams Foundation – received a London premiere at the 2023 Tête-à-Tête Opera Festival.

Originally from Halifax, West Yorkshire, Alice studied at the Junior RNCM before reading Music at Oxford University; subsequently studying Composition at the Royal Academy of Music.

Listen Nightingale | Alice Beckwith

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Recent updates from Alice

🔒 Premiere news – a new carol for 2024

My new carol ‘Love Came Down at Christmas’ is officially in rehearsal ahead of the premiere next month...

This update is only available to Alice's patrons. Already support Alice? Login

🔒 Behind the scenes: 2024 Easter St Endellion Festiv...

It was a delight to write a new piece for tenor Mark Padmore and royal harpist Alis Hu...

This update is only available to Alice's patrons. Already support Alice? Login

🔒 Art song – a playlist

A playlist close to my heart highlighting some of the fantastic repertoire for voice which has been written (...

This update is only available to Alice's patrons. Already support Alice? Login

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