Richard Leigh

I am a British composer and much of the inspiration for my music is drawn from folk, classical and sacred traditions, especially the Bahá'í writings.

Works include — MYRIADS (2001) — 9 settings of The Hidden Words of Baha’u'llah, weaving Persian and Arabic chant, Tibetan prayer bowls, SATB choir, harp, prepared piano and percussion. SEED (2010)- a CD of 12 settings of Baha’i prayers and writings. RIVERS (2013 - To be released soon!) — which weaves a tapestry of poetry & scripture from 8 of the worlds great religions for SATB choir and ensemble, virtual choir and moving image.

My earliest music is mostly instrumental, from Toccata e Fantasia (1991) for piano & orchestra written for Leslie Howard, to the earthy world & folk inspired music for the groups Mapaluna, Finality Jack, Pipers 3, Kai & Zingaresque.

However the year 1999 proved to be the turning point. As well as investigating the Baha’i writings at the time, I was influenced by a trip to Swaziland in southern Africa, where I made recordings of peoples every day singing, from children to a lady of 110 years. This has inspired me to explore the uninhibited physical joy for the human voice into my music making.

I have also written a significant amount of educational music such as Hurdy-Gurdy (2004) written for over 300 young string players and percussionists from beginner to advanced, The Gauymi Dawn Song (2012) based on a Native American Guaymi text. I co-direct Zingaresque, the Northamptonshire County World Music Ensemble, which I formed in 1994.

I was born in Liverpool in 1967 & now live in Northamptonshire with my wife, and 3 daughters.

Richard Leigh’s Websites: richardleighcomposer.co.uk Facebook composition today vimeo