Michael Cooke

Liz Dilnot Johnson

Liz Dilnot Johnson‘s music spans an impressive array of genres, including dance works, films, opera, vocal and orchestral pieces, and intricate chamber music. Her compositions are performed globally, earning her widespread acclaim. Notably, her piece “When A Child Is A Witness – Requiem for Refugees” won the prestigious Ivors Composer Award in 2022 for Community and Participation.

Liz’s innovative spirit is further showcased in her award-winning music video “Can You Hear Me?” which features music from her large-scale cantata “I Stand At The Door.” Her intuition for creating impactful music is highly praised by critics and collaborators alike.

This year, 2024, marks the release of four new albums featuring Liz’s music, highlighting her versatility and profound creativity. From solo cello and piano works to saxophone and basset horn pieces, and a full album of choral music recorded by Ex Cathedra, where she has been composer-in-residence since 2021.

Liz’s journey began in Hampshire, South England, where she grew up by the sea and developed her love for music through the piano and cello. She pursued her passion for composition at Birmingham Conservatoire, eventually earning a PhD under the mentorship of Philip Cashian and Judith Weir.

Living in the picturesque Malvern Hills since 2009, Liz draws inspiration from her surroundings, as reflected in her latest commission from the Fitzwilliam String Quartet, “Borderlands.” Liz’s extensive career includes two decades of teaching at Birmingham Conservatoire, where she nurtured the next generation of composers.

Christopher North

Christopher North is a distinguished American composer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, renowned for his versatile contributions across various forms of media including film, television, theater, and dance. Born in Texas, North’s musical journey is marked by a rich tapestry of influences that span genres and geographies, making him a notable figure in the contemporary music scene.

With a base in Brooklyn, New York, since 1997, North has flourished in a highly competitive environment, becoming known for his ability to blend classical composition techniques with modern musical elements. His work often involves a deep collaboration with visual media, creating scores that enhance and elevate the narrative of films and theatrical performances.

North’s career highlights include composing scores for over 60 films, many of which have been recognized in international film festivals. His work has earned him accolades at venues like Slamdance and DOC NYC, and his compositions have been featured in prestigious events and performed in major venues such as Carnegie Hall. He is also a Grammy-nominated artist, reflecting his excellence in musical composition and production.

Beyond his work in film and studio, Christopher North has made significant contributions to concert music, often blending classical elements with his eclectic musical style. His concert works include a variety of art songs, chamber music, and symphonic pieces that have been performed across significant venues in New York City and beyond.

As an educator, North shares his extensive knowledge and experience by teaching various music courses at Berklee College of Music. His educational role extends beyond the classroom through numerous workshops and seminars, particularly focusing on film scoring and music production.

Christopher North’s dedication to his craft is paralleled by his passion for collaboration, often citing it as a key component of his creative process. His personal life reflects his artistic pursuits; he is deeply involved in various artistic activities, including photography and painting, which complement his musical endeavors.

Overall, Christopher North continues to be a vibrant force in the music industry, constantly seeking new ways to integrate music with other art forms and inspire the next generation of musicians and composers. His work not only enriches the lives of his listeners but also sets a high standard in the fusion of traditional and contemporary music techniques.