Stephen McNeff Announced As New BASCA Chairman

29 July 2015 - Press release

The British Academy of Songwriters, Composers & Authors (BASCA) is delighted to announce that award-winning composer Stephen McNeff has been appointed as its new Chairman.

Stephen studied composition at the Royal College of Music and undertook post-graduate research at the University of Exeter.  He began his career working in theatres throughout Britain and became Associate Director at the University of Manchester’s Contact Theatre.

Although specialising in opera and music for the theatre and voice he has written important instrumental pieces and a large range of works for wind ensembles of various kinds.

Accolades include a Mavor Moore Award for his opera The Secret Garden, a Scotsman award at the Edinburgh Festival for his opera Aesop and British Composer Award for his opera, Tarka the Otter to name but a few.

He worked last year with the Welsh National Opera and his latest work, The Darkling Serenade, for the British Clarinet Ensemble, premiered in Madrid this week.

Stephen takes over the role from Simon Darlow who has stepped down from the position after serving as Chairman since 2013. He had this to say “I’m very proud to be the new Chair of BASCA and to work with such fantastic colleagues and staff. I’m looking forward to broad coalition of genres all working together”

“It is my pleasure to welcome Stephen McNeff as the new Chair of BASCA.” said BASCA CEO, Vick Bain. “He brings with him gravitas, considered thinking and good humour. I look forward to working closely with him supporting his vision for composers and songwriters.”

BASCA wishes to thank Simon Darlow for all his hard work and contribution to BASCA and all its members.