The Brussels based British composer Nigel Clarke (b. 1960) grew up in the seaside town of Margate, UK and though not from a musical background, he developed a lifelong love of music at an early age while learning a brass instrument at school. At 16 he joined the Royal Marines as a junior military bandsman and went on to serve in the Band of the Royal Army Medical Corps and ultimately the Band of the Irish Guards. His desire to write music was encouraged at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall. This led to him studying composition at the Royal Academy of Music, London with Paul Patterson. During his professional career Clarke has held posts as composition and contemporary music tutor at the Royal Academy of Music, and head of composition at the London College of Music and Media. His many national and international residencies and associations include positions with the Young Concert Artists Trust, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Black Dyke Band, Brassband Buizingen, Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Middle Tennessee State University and Brussels Muzieque. Clarke is renowned for his virtuosic writing using an uncompromisingly contemporary language. His scores include works for symphony orchestra, brass, wind and chamber combinations, and he has also been nominated for numerous awards for his compositions for the concert hall and for film. His works are recorded on many prestigious labels and are performed worldwide. www.nigel-clarke.com