Becoming a Composer: Errollyn Wallen publishes her first book

2nd November 2023

News NMC Recordings

Errollyn Wallen's first book, Becoming A Composer, is published today by Faber.

Described as "part memoir" the book "offers an intriguing glimpse into the mind and motivation of a composer and covers aspects of Wallen’s sometimes troubled childhood, and her experiences of growing up as a black composer in the UK."

I am a composer. A composer of classical music. Quite honestly I am not quite sure how that happened to a girl born in Belize and brought up in Tottenham . . . It is clear that composing found me. It crept up on me and wouldn’t let me out of its grasp.

NMC is proud to feature several significant recordings of Errollyn's music in our catalogue. 2016 saw the release of PHOTOGRAPHY, Errollyn's first album of solely orchestral works, which BBC Radio 3 dubbed "gritty, free-wheeling, and exuberant". Watch an interview with Errollyn about the album below.

Errollyn's acclaimed Concerto Grosso was released as part of Chineke! Orchestra's Spark Catchers album in January 2020, alongside works by James B. Wilson and Hannah Kendall in a release celebrating music by Black composers.

Errollyn's warmth and generosity as a mentor has also shone when she has led workshops with young musicians as part of education projects produced by NMC and Chineke!

A huge congratulations to Errollyn - we can't wait to get stuck into the book!

Buy Errollyn's book
Explore Erollyn Wallen's music on NMC

NMC's Discover platform is created in partnership with  ISM Trust.

Related Composers

Music Map

Discover more about the classical music of today with NMC's Music Map, and exciting and educational online tool which enables you to see and hear the connections between composers, their teachers, pupils, influences and their works.

Music Map