Shaun P Rafferty
Composer, Arranger and Instrumentalist
Adaptable and friendly composer of contemporary classical music; writing, arranging and playing across multiple genres.
What I do
Composition
Writing in a contemporary classical tradition, some of my completed projects include a set of orchestral variations, a suite for solo piano, a concert piece for trumpet and percussion, a suite for four cellos and a short string quartet on the theme of phobias.
I have a particular interest in working with amateur and community ensembles, and in 2021 composed and performed an orchestral piece in several Leeds high schools to support the GCSE syllabus. The work took theme of species extinction and reintroduction in the UK.
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in 2023 I recorded and released a piece for strings that is a response to six paintings in the Leeds Art Gallery and a
​set of orchestral variations for the Bridge Ensemble in Leeds that was performed in December 2023
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In 2024 I​ completed a suite for solo violin and received a commission to write a symphony for the City of Leeds Youth orchestra which will be performed in March 2025.
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Image: Leeds White Rose Orchestra performing
Journey to the Promised Land (orchestra variations)
Composing for video
I've loved collaborating with video and film artists to create dynamic and appropriate sonic backdrops for their work.
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Image: still from Silver Bell Fault by Daniel Haynes
Arranging for pop and other genres
One of the greatest joys of studying for my Masters in Composition has been collaborating with musicians across a wide spectrum of musical activity. I've played cello on pop and electronic recordings and have arranged strings and brass for the EP, End of the Walls by Easton Guillory. (see listen page for link)
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Image: recording strings for Black Bird of Paradise
with the Voci Quartet and friends https://www.facebook.com/vocistringquartet/
Contact me
I'm always happy to talk music and explore opportunities to work with other musicians.
