Oliver Searle (b. 1977) - Full biography
http://soundcloud.com/oliver-searle
http://www.symposiamusic.co.uk
Acquired a music teaching degree from Aberdeen University (formerly the Northern College of Education), in further education and, more recently, in schools in Glasgow. Gained external performance diploma (LLCM) in piano and studied with John Maxwell Geddes to gain a distinction for his Masters degree in 2002. Continued studies with the completion of a PhD in composition in 2006. Recent performances include works for the Hebrides Ensemble, John Currie Singers, Paragon, Red Note, NYOS, the New Music Players, the BBCSSO and the RSNO, as well as several broadcasts. Also frequently involved in the creation of music for theatre and for people with Cochlear Implants, and holds a lecturing post at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Winner of the Mendelssohn Scholarship 2004 and a Silver Medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians in 2003. He is co-director of the new-music group, SYMPOSiA, which he co-founded in 2002. Current projects include a PRS 20X12 Award, as part of the London cultural Olympiad next year.
See also http://www.myspace.com/oliversearle
One of the most interesting, emerging compositional voices in the Scottish music scene at the moment.
Scotsman
But the climax of the concert...was the awesome Nightfishing of Oliver Searle. It was about stillness and waiting. It was a long range piece, very slow in its growth. To me, it was like watching the slow motion, organic evolution of the Rite of Spring.
Herald