Anselm McDonnell

Anselm McDonnell is an Irish/Welsh composer who writes for orchestra, chamber groups, choirs, soloists, electronics, and opera. He has been commissioned by ensembles such the London Symphony Orchestra, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, BBC Concert Orchestra, the Crash Ensemble, the BBC Singers, BBC Radio 3, British Council, and NCH Dublin. His music has been performed around the world and is available on a number of CDs. A diverse range of interests have led to the creation of work in collaboration with rap artists, lighting designers, theologians, poets, filmmakers, fashion designers, dancers, and actors.

His compositions have been described as 'abrasive and compelling' (Irish Times), 'bright as fluorescent light’ (Journal of Music), ‘the cutting-edge of musical creativity’ (Opera Journal) ‘a wide musical imagination with a vision to match’ (Morning Star), and 'perhaps the contrasts and complexities that it contains are a musical reflection of the multi-layered nature of what it means to be a composer in a community as complex as Northern Ireland.' (Robert Hugill)