Anna Clyne named composer in association for BBC Philharmonic

Anna Clyne has been appointed Composer in Association with the BBC Philharmonic, and she is set to craft three fresh compositions for the ensemble. Her inaugural piece in this capacity, titled “Glasslands,” has been tailored for the acclaimed saxophonist Jess Gillam. It is scheduled to make its UK debut at the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall on 5th October and will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.

“Glasslands” transports the listener to an imagined realm comprising three domains ruled by the banshee – a female spirit from Irish folklore known for foretelling a family member’s passing, often through mournful wails, piercing cries, or keening in the stillness of the night.

Clyne’s new role builds upon an existing creative partnership with the orchestra, which encompasses the UK premiere of “This Midnight Hour” at The Bridgewater Hall in 2020, and the event “Anna Clyne in Focus.” The latter featured students from the Royal Northern College of Music performing alongside BBC Philharmonic members. During the concert at the BBC Philharmonic Studios at MediaCityUK earlier this year, three of Clyne’s original soundscapes were showcased alongside student compositions.

Anna joins the esteemed ranks of composers affiliated with the BBC Philharmonic, a list that includes Mark Simpson, HK Gruber, Sir James MacMillan, Sir Peter Maxwell Davis, and Tom Coult.

Anna Clyne says: “I am very excited to take up my new role with the BBC Philharmonic. They are a unique and very special ensemble, committed to the community they serve in Manchester and inspired in their choice of repertoire. It has already been a fantastic experience collaborating with them and Jess Gillam on Glasslands and I look forward to creating the next piece with them.”

Simon Webb, Head of BBC Orchestras & Choirs says: “The BBC Philharmonic first worked with Anna Clyne when Night Ferry was included in the second Ten Pieces film. The appointment of Anna as the Philharmonic’s Composer in Association continues that relationship and makes a clear statement that the BBC Philharmonic proudly champions the best British music on the international stage, connecting to audiences with newly commissioned works in the concert hall, through our education work, on air and online. I’m so excited to hear Glasslands in Nottingham next month.”

Anna Clyne’s tenure as Composer in Association of the BBC Philharmonic is confirmed until 2026.