England

12 December

December 12th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music Baranowski, February

Alex Baranowski December 1983

Margot

Alex Baranowski
By Marc Brenner, supplied by the composer.

Alex Baranowski is a composer from London who creates music for films, TV, theatre, and ballet.

He wrote the music for The Kitchen (Netflix), working with Grammy-winning artist Labrinth, and for The Windermere Children, a film about child survivors of the Holocaust. He also composed music for Midas Man, a film about the Beatles’ manager, and Brides, which premiered at Sundance in 2025.

For TV, Alex wrote music for HBO’s Rain Dogs and BBC’s Staged, starring David Tennant and Michael Sheen. He also worked on Locked In (Netflix) and True Things, which won an award for Best Original Score.

Alex has created music for theatre too. He was nominated for a Tony Award for The Cripple of Inishmaan and worked with Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle on Frankenstein at the National Theatre.

He has also composed music for ballet. His piece Legacy Variations was performed by the Dutch National Ballet, and his ballet version of Nineteen Eighty-Four won a major award after a sold-out run at Sadler’s Wells.

Alex’s music has been used in BBC Two’s famous TV idents, and he has worked on adverts for big brands like H&M and Coca-Cola. In 2024, he helped create a short film featuring the BFG for Sainsbury’s Christmas advert.

He has also worked with famous musicians, including The XX, Jungle, and Peter Hook from Joy Division. His music has been performed by violinists Daniel Hope and Angèle Dubeau, and by Jess Gillam, a BBC Young Musician of the Year winner.

19 July

July 19th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music July, Last Horizon, May

Sir Brian Harold May Born 19 July 1947

Last Horizon

Brian May
By Raph_PH – QueenO2121217-70, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=111449642

Brian May is a famous British musician, best known as the guitarist of the iconic rock band Queen. Born on July 19, 1947, in Hampton, London, he showed an early interest in music. Brian built his own guitar, called the “Red Special,” when he was just a teenager. This unique instrument helped create Queen’s distinctive sound, which combines rock and opera elements.

Queen formed in 1970 and quickly gained popularity with hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You.” Brian is not only admired for his incredible guitar skills but also for his songwriting. He wrote many of the band’s greatest songs, including “We Are the Champions.”

In addition to his music career, Brian is an astrophysicist. He completed his PhD in astronomy after many years of hard work. Brian May’s dedication to both music and science has made him an inspiring figure, showing that one can pursue multiple passions successfully.

15 July

July 15th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music Binge, Elizabethan Serenade, July

Ronald Binge 15 July 1910 – 6 September 1979

Elizabethan Serenade

Ronald Binge
From https://www.discogs.com/artist/665045-Ronald-Binge/image/SW1hZ2U6MzkyNTM2Nzk=

Ronald Binge was a British composer and arranger, born in 1910 in Derby, England. Growing up in a working-class neighbourhood, he began his musical journey as a chorister at a local church. He studied at the Derby School of Music and became skilled at playing the organ. In the early years of his career, he worked as a cinema organist and played in summer orchestras at seaside resorts such as Blackpool. Binge gained fame by arranging music for the renowned conductor Mantovani, including the famous piece “Charmaine”.

After serving in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, Binge focused on composing original works. His most famous compositions include “Elizabethan Serenade”, which became well-known through the BBC. Another notable piece, “Sailing By”, is associated with the late-night Shipping Forecast on BBC Radio 4. Binge’s unique “cascading strings” effect, first heard in “Charmaine”, is a hallmark of his light orchestral music, making his contributions to British music memorable.

9 July

July 9th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music En Voyage, July, Lutyens

Elisabeth Lutyens 9 July 1906 – 14 April 1983

En voyage Suite for Full orchestra

Elisabeth Lutyens
By Unidentified photographer for Bassano Ltd (active 1901-1962) – one or more third parties have made copyright claims against Wikimedia Commons in relation to the work from which this is sourced or a purely mechanical reproduction thereof. This may be due to recognition of the “sweat of the brow” doctrine, allowing works to be eligible for protection through skill and labour, and not purely by originality as is the case in the United States (where this website is hosted). These claims may or may not be valid in all jurisdictions.As such, use of this image in the jurisdiction of the claimant or other countries may be regarded as copyright infringement. Please see Commons:When to use the PD-Art tag for more information., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=65864644

Elisabeth Lutyens was a talented British composer born in 1906. She grew up in a musical family, which greatly influenced her passion for music. From an early age, Elisabeth showed a natural ability to compose her own pieces. She studied music at the Royal College of Music in London, where she honed her skills and developed her unique style.

Throughout her life, Elisabeth composed a wide range of works, including orchestral music, chamber music, and music for choirs. She was known for her innovative use of harmony and rhythm, which set her apart from other composers of her time. Elisabeth often sought inspiration from literature and art, which helped her create vivid and expressive musical landscapes.

Elisabeth Lutyens was also a strong advocate for women’s rights in music. She believed that female composers deserved recognition and support within the industry. Even though she faced challenges due to her gender, she persevered and established herself as a significant figure in British music

4 July

July 4th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music Ave verum corpus, Byrd, July

William Byrd c. 1540 – 4 July 1623

Ave verum corpus

William Byrd
By Gerard Vandergucht – https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1927-1008-351, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18495314

William Byrd was an important composer who lived during the Tudor period in England. Born in 1540, he became famous for his beautiful music, which was loved by many. Byrd was known for writing both sacred and secular music, meaning he composed songs for church services as well as more light-hearted tunes for entertainment. His music helped to shape the styles that followed, and many of his pieces are still performed today.

One of Byrd’s major achievements was his ability to write music for different instruments, including the keyboard, which paved the way for future composers. He was also one of the first musicians to print his own works, making it easier for people to access his music. Although he faced challenges due to his Catholic faith in a time of religious conflict, Byrd continued to create remarkable compositions. His legacy lives on, and he is remembered as one of England’s greatest composers.

Jobi Talbot ,Potrait,2011, Credit: Johan Persson/

30 June

June 30th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music June, Once Around The Sun, Talbot, Transit Of Venus

Joby Talbot Born 25 August 1971

Once Around The Sun VI: June – Transit Of Venus

Joby Talbot
Jobi Talbot ,Portrait,2011, Credit: Johan Persson

Joby Talbot is a talented British composer known for creating music for various types of performance, including theatre, film, and television. He was born in 1971 in the charming town of St. Albans, Hertfordshire. Talbot studied at the esteemed University of Oxford, where he developed his passion for music and composition. Over the years, he has collaborated with many notable artists, creating beautiful and memorable scores.

One of his most famous works is the music for the ballet “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” which showcases his ability to blend classical styles with innovative ideas. This production premiered at the Royal Ballet in 2011 and received praise for its enchanting melodies and vibrant orchestration. Talbot’s music often reflects his love for storytelling, enhancing the emotions and themes of the productions he works on. Through his creativity, Joby Talbot continues to inspire audiences and contribute significantly to the world of music and performance.

Today’s chosen piece of music is from Talbot’s album “Once Around The Sun” and is titled “VI: June – Transit Of Venus”.

The full collection of Joby Talbot’s “Once Around The Sun” can be found in our themed collection of the same name.

28 June

June 28th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music June, Lloyd, Symphony No. 5 in B flat

George Lloyd 28 June 1913 – 3 July 1998

Symphony No. 5 in B flat

George Walter Selwyn Lloyd
From https://www.bellperc.com/blogs/repertoire/george-lloyd

George Walter Selwyn Lloyd, born on 28 June 1913 in St Ives, Cornwall, was a notable British composer. His upbringing in a musical family deeply influenced his career. His father, an amateur flautist, and his mother, a talented violinist, nurtured George’s love for music from a young age. He began composing at just nine years old. Despite suffering from rheumatic fever, which limited his education, he excelled in music. Lloyd composed his first symphony at nineteen, and by 1934 his opera Iernin was performed to acclaim.

During World War II, he served with the Royal Marines, an experience that profoundly affected his mental health. After the war, he returned to composition, producing notable works, including John Socman. Lloyd faced challenges in the changing musical landscape, but his melodic style found appreciation later in life. He passed away in London on 3 July 1998, leaving behind a rich legacy of symphonies and operas celebrated for their orchestration.

18 June

June 18th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music Celebration, June, McCartney, Standing Stone

Sir James Paul McCartney Born 18 June 1942

Standing Stone Celebration

Paul McCartney
By Fiona – originally posted to Flickr as Paul McCartney live in Dublin, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11790916

Paul McCartney is a famous English musician who gained worldwide fame as a member of The Beatles, one of the most popular bands in history. Born on June 18, 1942, in Liverpool, he showed an early interest in music, learning to play the guitar and piano. The Beatles, formed in 1960, included John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Together, they created hit songs like “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” and “Yesterday,” which are still loved today.

After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, McCartney continued to make music as a solo artist and with his band, Wings. He is known for his incredible songwriting skills and his ability to blend different musical styles. Paul McCartney has also been involved in charity work and is a passionate advocate for animal rights. Today, his music remains influential and captivates fans of all ages.

15 June

June 15th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music Ellerton, June, St. Clement

John Ellerton 16 December 1826 – 15 June 1893

The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended St. Clement

John Ellerton
by Photograph – http://poor-hymnal.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_archive.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7736137

John Ellerton was born on 16 December 1826 in Clerkenwell, Middlesex. He grew up in a devoted evangelical family and was educated at King William’s College on the Isle of Man and Trinity College, Cambridge. After taking orders in 1850, he served in various parishes, including Easebourne and Brighton, before becoming vicar of Crewe Green in Cheshire in 1860.

Ellerton reorganised the Mechanic’s Institute, ensuring it became a successful educational hub, where he taught English and Bible history. He also founded one of the first choral associations in the Midlands. In 1872, he moved to Hinstock, then to Barnes in Surrey, where the demands of his work took a toll on his health.

Ellerton was known for his hymns, writing or translating over eighty-six, including notable works like ‘Our day of praise is done’ and ‘The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended.’ He passed away on 15 June 1893, leaving a lasting legacy in hymn-writing and church music.

St Clement is a popular British hymn tune, most commonly set to John Ellerton’s hymn The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended. The tune is generally credited to the Rev. Clement Cotterill Scholefield (1839–1904). It first appeared in Sir Arthur Sullivan’s Church Hymns with Tunes (1874). Scholefield was born at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Mark-Anthony_Turnage_at_2014_Cabrillo_Festival_of_Contemporary_Music

10 June

June 10th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music June, Turnage, UNDANCE

Mark-Anthony Turnage Born 10 June 1960

UNDANCE To Fall/To Climb

Mark-Anthony Turnage
By CTV Santa Cruz County – Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music – Meet the Composers 2014, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=124575622

Mark-Anthony Turnage, born on 10 June 1960, is a celebrated British composer known for blending classical music with jazz and modern culture. He grew up in Corringham, Essex, and studied at the Royal College of Music. His influential teachers included Oliver Knussen and the prominent American composer Gunther Schuller.

Turnage gained fame with his opera, Greek, in 1988, which examines the Oedipus myth through powerful music and social themes. He has since created other notable operas like The Silver Tassie and Anna Nicole, each receiving critical acclaim for their engaging styles. In addition to operas, he has written orchestral works, including Blood on the Floor, which incorporates jazz elements.

Turnage’s compositions often reflect personal experiences and societal issues while maintaining emotional depth. His work continues to excite audiences, making him one of Britain’s most important contemporary composers.