Richard Norris turned to composition belatedly in 2001. Following private study with Anthony Gilbert, he attended Manchester University, where he was awarded a masters degree with distinction and where he is now entering the final year of doctoral studies with Philip Grange.
Notable performances of his work include “sunt lacrimae rerum…” (2003), Diapsalmata (2004 and 2006 - subsequently broadcast on Radio 3) and The Reality of the Unseen (2006) by Psappha; Four Elegiac Moments by the RTE Vanbrugh Quartet (Spitalfields Festival, 2004); Further Musings by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by James Macmillan (December 2004), and subsequently broadcast on Radio 3); Filioque, performed by the Orchestra of Opera North conducted by Elgar Howarth (National New Composers Forum, May 2005); and Ritual, Symbol, Sacrament, which was premiered by
Richard is composer-in-residence for Keele Bach Choir, for whom he composed Meditations on Snow (for 4 female soloists, chamber orchestra and choir), which was performed in December 2004 and Endlessly Rocking for the choir plus solo soprano, given its premiere in June 2006. Both performances were conducted by Matthew Willis.
Recent performances include Sharpeville (Viola and String Orchestra); The Commodification of Knowledge (Piano Trio); Lay your sleeping head, my love (Soprano / Piano), commissioned to celebrate Auden's centenary); and Love's Philosophy (a capella choir, performed by Keele Bach Choir). He has just completed And Then We Die? - a large-scale choral/orchestral work which has occupied him since July 2007.
(Updated August 2008)