Andrew began composing at
an early age, writing pieces for a wide range of ensembles
and receiving awards for his work. He studied composition
at the University of Huddersfield where he was awarded a
class one degree in music having attended lectures given
by John Cage, Pierre Boulez, Olivier Messiaen, Toru Takemitsu
and others. Andrew completed his formal studies at the University
of Sussex, graduating with an MA in composition. He also
studied film music in LA with Hollywood orchestrator Steven
Scott-Smalley, at the FMI.
Andrew has subsequently embraced many forms
of music, from Classical to Pop to Contemporary to Avante
Garde. As well as writing film scores, he has composed for
theatrical and radio productions and has been the MD for
shows such as “Annie”. He also has a parallel
career as a Jazz pianist with a strong reputation and a
busy schedule, playing at Jazz venues around the UK and
abroad with many of the top names. At the same time, he
has written many pieces for the concert hall, and his music
has had premieres at major venues with orchestras such as
the London Sinfonietta.
Andrew has a deep interest in writing music for dramatic purposes and has often drawn upon visual images for musical inspiration. “I have always thought of music visually, and this way of thinking allows me to feel at home with the process of underscoring movies. In the world of film production it's important to choose a composer who will effectively enhance the dramatic form and flow of the plot, contribute positively and work quickly whilst adhering to the artistic aims of the project.”
Recent projects include music for the American feature films “Limbo”, “Searching for Wooden Watermelons” and "The Program", the theatrical productions of “Ashenputel” and “A Midsummer Night's Dream”, a movie channel ident, various TV assignments, a performance of the piece, "Duende", at the Barbican in London given by the London Sinfonietta and a European Union commission to compose the soundtrack for a multinational multimedia and dance piece. Awards include the Stockhausen Foundation award for composition and the Riccordi prize. Andrew is currently the Composer-in-residence for The Point arts centre, UK.
