Brian Wilshere was born in Derby. His earliest musical experiences were as a drummer in a marching band, and his formal musical training began at the age of 16. He subsequently studied music at Surrey University, where his percussion teacher was James Blades. He also studied composition with Reginald Smith Brindle and drum kit with Bill Bruford. After graduating he pursued a career as a composer, conductor, performer and teacher in London. He studied composition with David Bedford, and was awarded a PhD in composition by Goldsmiths College. He now lives in the Peak District in Derbyshire.
Brian’s music has been performed throughout the U.K. and Europe, both in concert and on radio and TV. Past commissions include the London Mozart Players and the Fine Arts Sinfonia among others. As well as percussion music, including three concertos, he has also written several pieces for orchestra, choir, wind band and small ensembles. His most successful piece to date is the percussion concerto Zodiac, which was commissioned by Darrell Davison and the Croydon Symphony Orchestra for soloist Owen Gunnell in 2001 and has received many performances since, including a performance in 2010 in North Macedonia by the Macedonian Philharmonic conducted by Nicholas Cleobury.
Brian’s music has received awards, including winning the Surrey Sinfonietta Composers Competition, and he was also on the SPNM shortlist for ten years. His music has been featured in Trinity College London publications for Drum Kit and Percussion. Brian performs his music with his own group and with other soloists and ensembles, and was the soloist in the world premiere of his own Concerto for Vibraphone and Strings. He was also Music Director of the South London Sinfonia for 5 years and is an experienced ensemble director, especially with youth groups and amateur orchestras.
His music is published by Southern Percussion (www.southernpercussion.co.uk). Four albums of his music are available as CDs or downloads from Louba Reve records (www.loubareve.com).
Foto Credit: Zoe Fu