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!