‘Brilliantly done… modest and yet so powerful” (Musicweb International)


Ben Rowarth, Newcastle born composer whos music has been described as “bold and brilliantly achieved”, is now recognised internationally for his ​“intelligent contemporary writing”(Classical Source). He has received commissions and performances from leading ensembles and institutions including BBC Singers, The Marian Consort, I Fagiolini, Merton College Oxford, York Minster, The Tower of London, Huddersfield Choral Society and The London Festival of Contemporary Church Music. His choral works are regularly performed overseas, including by Atlanta Master Chorale (USA), The New Consort (USA), Fabercantus (Italy), Capella Dorestad (Netherlands), Divisi Singers (Australia).

Rowarth’s choral music has featured on recordings by The Marian Consort, Helen Charlston, ORA, Siglo De Oro, The Rodolfus Choir, Fieri Consort, Christchurch Cathedral Singers and Khoros. Rowarth’s music also receives regular broadcasts on BBC Radio 3, notably by The Tallis Scholars. His experimental vocal work The Short Walk of a Madman was also used as the soundtrack to the silent film A Short Walk, directed by Sophia Carr-Gomm.

A sneak preview from the rehearsal for the world premiere of 'Echo', York Early Music Festival, 2024

Vocal

Echo (Mezzo + Lute/Guitar/Piano/string quartet) 12’’

The King’s breakfast (Mezzo + Baritone + Piano) 3’’

my sweet old etcetera (baritone or tenor + piano) 4’’

Large-Scale Choral

The fall (Choir+violin+electronic track) 45’

A short walk (SATB x 2) 30'

Night prayer (SATB x 2) 45'

The Turn (SSATBarB) 30’

Christmas

The shepherd girl (SATB + Sop solo) 3’’

O Little Town of Bethlehem (SATB + organ/orchestra) 6’’

In the Bleak Midwinter (SATB) 4’’    

Sing Lullaby (SATB) 5’’          

A Night of Snow (SSATBarB) 8’

Blessed be that Maid Marie (SATB) 3’’

A Hymn of the Nativity (SATb x2 + tenor), 7’’ 

Matins Responsory (SSATB + semi chorus), 6’’

Of the Stem of Jesse (SATB x2) 5’

There is no Rose (SSATB + divisi) 4’’

Choral

Libera Nos I (SATB x3) 10’

Ave maris Stella (SMATB) 4'

messages (SATB) 5'

For The Fallen (SATB + semi chorus) 6'

Holy City (SATB x2) 6’

A Closed Garden (SSATBB) 4’ 

Deus venerunt gentes (SSATBarB) 3'

The Evening Watch (SATB x2 + Sop solo) 5’

In This Sight (SATB + ORgan) 4'

I am the true vine (SATB) 3'

arise my love (SATB) 1'30

O Llama de Amor Viva (Satb x2) 5’

Sometime I Sigh (SATB + semi chorus) 4’

The Lord is our refuge (SATB) 4'

Come Holy Spirit (SATbx2 + Sop duet) 4’30’’

Swallows (SATb x2) 3’30’’

Unto Dust (SS(divi)AATTBB) 4’30’’

Where is Thy God  (SSATB) 4’30’’

Education

The world around us (SATB x2 + Children’s choir) 25’