Biography

Owen Bourne, music composer.

Owen is a leading young British composer. He has a particular interest in cross-genre collaborations, revitalising traditional forms and a commitment to music education in many forms.

Aged 19 the society for the promotion of new music (Spnm) shortlisted his music for the 'Discover Denmark Festival' with the BCMG at the BBC Pebble Mill Studios. Steve Martland then commissioned a Marimba Concerto for the Goldberg Ensemble with BBC Young Musician winner Adrian Spillett as soloist.

He was trained on the 'Joint Course' between the Royal Northern College of Music and Manchester University under John Casken, and through postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London under Paul Patterson. He completed his Masters degree having been awarded the 'Mortimer Development Award' by John Suchet and the 'Friends of the
Royal Academy of Music'.

He has written over 80 works including 8 major concertos for leading instrumentalists, a
large “Concerto for Orchestra” and his “First Symphony”. Cross-genre collaborations include "Empire Chambers" for the Hackney Empire and Manchester club outfit 'Norvun Devolution' and an installation commission for the National Gallery. A major choral work for children's chorus, soloists and orchestra "East Meets West" was composed for an island tour of Jersey and “Trafalgar Scherzo” was written for World Street-Dance Champions 'Flawless' in a spectacular Trafalgar Square performance.

His 'Pub Opera' "The Salisbury Songs" was featured on BBC London and was repeated at
the majestic new Hackney Empire with Owen singing the lead role. Backdrops were
provided by painter Sam Jefferys, whose Art he passionately champions.

He has recently completed a Double Violin Concerto for Clio and Tom Gould, to be
performed by the 'Orchestra of the Swan' in 2009 and several piano sonatas. He is also
planning projects in Poland, Sweden and New York and with UK chamber ensembles such
as The Rautio Trio and Kosmos. He is Creative Director and Chair in Composition with the
dynamic EMFEB Symphony Orchestra which he co-founded, and is also Composer in
Residence with the Seychelles International Festival Symphony Orchestra. 

He is currently represented by ‘One voice One Vision’: www.1voice1vision.co.uk

Owen lives in London with his partner Nina, and son Marcus.