Eighty years ago, on 4th May 1945, was the last day of the occupation of the Dutch mainland. In the Netherlands, 4th May is therefore remembrance day, and 5th May is liberation day.

To mark eighty years since the end of the Second World War, the Leidse Cantorij, for whom I am composer in residence, performed my new motet, “Give Peace,” during the morning service at the Hooglandse Kerk.

The text is from the versicles and responses: “Give peace in our time, o Lord; because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only Thou, o God.”

In 2017 I was hit by a car when cycling, causing a severe shoulder injury. For eight years, I’ve been limited in my singing and composing work: for example, I’ve not been able to carry much, to type or write for long periods, or drive. 

Until recently, it seemed that there was nothing that could be done save to accept the injury and learn to live with my limitations. Then, in summer 2024, I discovered that I had not been given the right diagnosis back in 2017. In February 2025, I had major reconstructive surgery. 

For the coming months I must prioritise convalescence over music. I have some beautiful events coming up from late April. I hope, step by step, and with careful planning, to be fully active before the end of the year. 

It’s really a joy to have been invited to open the LUMC’s 2025 concert series with Trio Colla Voce.

Together with clarinettist John Macfarlane and pianist Hein Putter, I’ve been working on a beautiful programme. We will begin with “Veni, veni me sequere fida” from Vivaldi’s ‘Judith,’ originally for charlemeau – an early single-reed instrument which is an ancestor of the modern clarinet. We have an arrangement of Brahms op.91 for clarinet and piano – two beautiful songs sung by Mary about her newborn child. John Macfarlane arranged “Solveig’s Song” by Grieg for clarinet and piano. We will also perform a setting of an old Dutch folksong by Joaquin Nin, and a “In oude muren,” a song specially written for the trio by John Macfarlane.

The concert is free with drinks and snacks afterwards. It is made possible by the pastoral team of the LUMC.

Wednesday, 29th January, 17:00, LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands.

I was really delighted that the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge have programmed my carol “Sweet was the Song” for their European tour. It will be performed in Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands as well as in London.

Publishing music can feel a little strange, in that one seldom hears when a piece is being performed or by whom. It is as if a composition takes a journey of its own once it has been published, so it is quite a joyful moment to meet it again.

“Sweet was the Song” has been recorded on Priory Records by Salford Cathedral Choir and it is available at Edition HH.

I’m delighted to be singing in the Dutch Veterans’ Institute during their annual Christmas concert. Together with the Band of Liberation and Pipes and conductor Simon Dubbelaar, I’ll present a programme with moments for reflection and remembrance as well as festive cheer. It’s a closed event: if you are a Dutch veteran then do get in touch with the Veteranen Instituut if you are interested in attending.

I’m thrilled to be the guest soloist at Leiden’s festive tattoo. With many guest orchestras and entertainers, the programme will given even the grumpiest of Scrooge’s some Christmas cheer! 

Tickets are available via this link.