Classical & Concert Works

James Barrett has composed, scored and conducted a wide range of classical and concert works over the years, many of which have been performed, to great acclaim, by orchestras both in the UK and internationally. Browse a selection of his notable works below.

Point of Entry – For baritone and piano/baritone and large orchestra

Point of Entry is a song cycle commissioned through English National Opera’s Contemporary Opera Studio.

Collaboration with sculptor Bill Woodrow and poet Selima Hill on the subject of war. Originated as a group of six sculptures and poems for exhibition at the Imperial War Museum. Fashioned through a search for a composer for the work at ENO’s studio, Bill Woodrow commissioned the composition of the song cycle written in response to both sculpture and poetry.

First Born – For solo violin and string orchestra

First Born was commissioned by New Bristol Sinfonia.

A programmatic work that came into being through a desire to harness my response to some of the stronger experiences through the period prior to, during, and after the birth of my first son. Much of the language is chromatic, with the work also drawing, in a retrospective way, on a continuation of the lyricism of English string music.

First Born – For solo violin and string orchestra

Conversation With Chet – For solo trumpet and symphony orchestra

Conversation with Chet by James Barrett was commissioned by Sir Roger Norrington and the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra.

It was a commission by the SWR orchestra to mark their conductor, Sir Roger Norrington’s 70th birthday.

Stato D’Animo – For String Quartet

Stato D’Animo was commissioned by the Smith Quartet and funded by a ‘Grants for the Arts’ award from Arts Council England.

The first performances by the Smith Quartet took place at St. Georges, Brandon Hill in Bristol on 3rd October 2006 and Aula Absidale, Bologna, in Italy on 1st February 2007.

Beekeeper – Opera

Beekeeper is a multi-faceted opera with some elements of dance and film.

Libretto and workshops were developed through OperaGenesis at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London.

The opera was a collaboration with poet Selima Hill and sculptor Bill Woodrow.

Toilers of the Elements – Seascape fantasy for percussion and string orchestra

Toilers of the Elements is a percussion concerto written for Dame Evelyn Glennie and commissioned by Peninsula Arts.

The concerto was premiered by Evelyn Glennie and the Ten Tors Orchestra in Plymouth Guildhall where it received a standing ovation from a packed audience.

Toilers of the Elements – Seascape fantasy for percussion and string orchestra

Fisher of Men – Anthem for Choir and Organ

A new anthem for St. Andrew, Fisher Of Men, composed for the choir at Wells Cathedral. The piece received its first performance on St. Andrew’s Day, 30 November 2011.

Fisher Of Men is an anthem of 7 minutes duration for choir and organ, which gives an account of the apostle Andrew’s life and martyrdom on the cross. Both text and music were written by James Barrett.

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