Joanna is a musician who makes scores, sounds, and films, very often in collaboration with other performers, composers, and artists. Her work ranges from the relatively conventional to the very open. She is also a vocalist and performer of contemporary and experimental work, and an improviser. She is from Newcastle upon Tyne, currently based in London.

“I often come up with new ideas and feel most inspired when I’m seeing live 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 has the potential to be really transformative, allowing me more time to experiment.”

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.

Biography

Recent projects of Joanna’s have included creating works for Slide Action for their upcoming album on NMC Recordings; for the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra for Tectonics Festival 2022; for Zubin Kanga’s Cyborg Soloists project; for the Aldeburgh Festival 2022; 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 new music for the Marian Consort, to be premiered at the Aldeburgh Festival 2024; working with her sister, Laurie Ward, on a collaborative piece (performance TBC); working with Omri Kochavi on a long-form performance piece in collaboration with Nonclassical; creating a new work for Musarc, performance TBC; and on new music for mezzo soprano Lotte Betts-Dean.

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.

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 in the performing arts, in a freelance capacity as well as currently as the Development Manager at Studio Wayne McGregor.

Listen LIVING ON ICE CREAM AND CHCOLATE KISSES | Joanna Ward
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