Brendan Ashe

Brendan read English at York University, but was increasingly drawn to music. He soon gained his L.R.A.M. in piano, and a post-graduate degree in music from Exeter University. He has performed piano concerti by Grieg, Schumann and Gershwin; and also played violin in the World Youth Orchestra under the directorship of Aaron Copland and Rudolph Schwarz.An eclectic musician, Brendan aims for diversity: he conducts choirs, including regular performances at Wells Cathedral by The Somerset Singers; directs shows in many professional theatres; composes for an extensive palette of commissions; regularly accompanies; records; and transcribes and arranges music for musicians of all ages. He has also gained a silver disc for a pop record; composed a full-scale 'Magnificat'; several cantatas, 'The Waters' and 'The Light', with his latest work, 'The Earth' premiered in April 2007; conducted cabaret; written for string quartet and big-band jazz; and appeared on national television and radio.