Lower Sixth Former Alex Watson has enjoyed an incredible year on the music scene so far; most recently he was invited to join the Composer’s Hub of the Britten Sinfonia, one of the world’s most celebrated pioneering ensembles. Along with two other young composers, Alex will learn how to develop his creative, technical and stylistic skills through a comprehensive programme of tailored composition briefs, mentoring from professionals, rehearsals, recordings and public performances. 

The exciting news came during the Easter holidays following a national selection process where Alex was required to audition at the Sinfonia’s main base in Cambridge.

Alex was also recognised for his composing talent earlier this year when he came 32nd (out of 2000 entrants) in the Young Composers’ Competition. However, as Alex has never composed for an orchestra before, this opportunity with Britten Sinfonia will provide a timely opening for him to learn the ropes from established members of the Sinfonia and be mentored by the accomplished young composer, Edmund Finnis.

Director of Music at Bedford School, Mr Jonathan Sanders said: “This will be a great opportunity for Alex to work with a professional orchestra such as the Britten Sinfonia and get one of his own pieces performed and recorded as part of the programme. It’s an excellent way of allowing talented students such as Alex real life experience of working within the music profession.”

Alex has been composing music for around three years and also studies at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance every Saturday which he enjoys tremendously.  At school he is studying Music, Music Tech, English and German at A-Level and is currently looking at music universities to attend after Sixth Form.

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