Login   Sign Up 




Site Search


Other Resources
News Archive






Interviews » Composers Interviews Graham Ross Interview

Graham Ross Interview

Posted on 25 March 2008. © Copyright 2004-2025 Composition:Today


C:T talk to Graham Ross, composer and co-founder of The Dmitri Ensemble

Graham Ross
Tell us something about your background.

I was born in Surrey to a musical family who helped nurture my initial musical interests. I sang as a treble chorister and studied piano, violin and organ, first locally, and then for three years as a Junior Exhibitioner at the Royal College of Music. I began to take composition lessons with David Sutton-Anderson, and in 2003 went up to Cambridge University to read Music at Clare College, where I conducted the University Symphony Orchestra and University Music Society alongside numerous other performing groups. It was here that I co-founded The Dmitri Ensemble with two fellow RCMJD students, based around the central core of a string ensemble. At Cambridge I studied composition with Giles Swayne, and began to have my works more widely performed in the UK. During my last year as an undergraduate I won the inaugural National Youth Choir of Great Britain composition competition, and subsequently became published by Novello & Co., and began to have works broadcast. In 2006 I returned to the Royal College of Music, this time as a postgraduate Masters conducting student, studying conducting with Peter Stark and Robin O’Neill, and composition with Timothy Salter, generously supported by an H.R. Taylor Trust Award for Conducting. In addition to my studies I hold a conducting scholarship with the London Symphony Chorus, and have worked with numerous ensembles and orchestras alike in repertoire from Buxtehude to the present day. I have had works performed in festivals and broadcasts in the UK and further abroad, as far afield as Lebanon, Kuwait, Slovenia, Israel and the USA, with performances given by, amongst others, Aurora Orchestra, Choir of Clare College, National Youth Choir of Great Britain, Choir of London, The Place Contemporary Dance School, English Voices, The Syred Consort, and The Dmitri Ensemble.

How did you get into composing?

I began composing in my early teens with small works and some attempts at larger-scale pieces. My musical upbringing was steeped in the English choral tradition, and so I frequently found myself naturally writing for the voice. At the RCM I began to experiment with new ideas, and thanks to the encouragement of my classes and the willingness of my contemporaries, I was able to discover new ideas about balance, instrumentation, colour, timbre and so forth. At Cambridge, my teacher Giles Swayne made a huge impact on me, giving me the inspiration and belief to develop my technique further, to focus on the issues raised by the compositional process, and to begin the process of attempting to gain an individual voice. The set-up at the University was second-to-none, and I had the luxury of having works rehearsed and performed on a regular basis by good, insightful, intelligent musicians who were not afraid to say what they thought. This for me was the most useful tool in my development as a composer, and still remains so today.

What drives your work, what are you passions?

All sorts of things inspire me, sometimes visual (artwork, architecture), sometimes literary (poetry), sometimes geographical (travel, juxtaposition of cultures), sometimes other composers’ works. I am interested in collective belief, and the power that music has to offer as a universal language that overcomes so many barriers. As a conductor, I relish the opportunity to work with other composers, presenting a fresh reading of a score as a collaborative effort. A lot of my own works to date have involved the human voice, and the ability to explore in particular different combinations of voices particularly interests me. I like to think that I am always open to new ideas, and keen to discover new potential avenues to explore musically.


Tell us something about your working method as a composer. Give us something that might be or might have been a starting point for a piece.

The result of combining conducting and composing is that in practical terms it is rarely possible to successfully engage in both simultaneously. Despite bouncing off one another rather well, they are usually project-based disciplines, both of which are time-consuming activities. But this for me is a great advantage: I often find myself with a good deal of thinking time during the inactive hours of a conducting project, and this allows me to focus on plans for the next commission. If setting a text, it takes me a great deal of time to select one that works well for me, sometimes as long as the actual compositional process itself. But once I have identified one (it always text before music for me) and lived with it for some time, I find the process of writing the work relatively straightforward, and one that I find difficult to interrupt. I need to clear time in the diary to ensure that I don’t have to disrupt the flow of writing. The ability to fully plan and structure a work in my head before I commit pen to paper is important for me.

Tell us about the Dmitri Ensemble, how it was formed, and its raison d'être.

I co-founded The Dmitri Ensemble during my first year at Cambridge University with two fellow students from the RCMJD. Based around the central core of a string ensemble, the group came together to perform both stalwarts of the repertoire and lesser-familiar works, and has since given first performances in Cambridge and London, where the group is now based.

Does the group focus on playing specific types of music?

The Ensemble performs in particular works that are newly-penned or works that we feel have been unjustly neglected. As such, previous performances have included lesser-known works by William Alwyn, Bruce Montgomery and Gustav Holst, as well as arrangements such as Rudolf Barshai’s arrangement of Shostakovich’s String Quartet no. 8, from which the Ensemble takes its name. The group has worked closely alongside Giles Swayne and James MacMillan, as has also given the first performances of a number of my own works, including …supersitions… for chamber ensemble, and Crossing Brooklyn Ferry for mezzo-soprano, harp and double string orchestra.

Tell us about the Ensemble’s current projects.

The Ensemble has recently embarked on a major project of new works for Passiontide: touring James MacMillan’s rarely-performed chorus version of his motet …here in hiding…alongside Giles Swayne’s Stabat Mater for unaccompanied choir and solo quartet, written in 2003 and dedicated to the grieving mothers of Israel and Palestine, and culminating in MacMillan’s Seven Last Words from the Cross for choir and string orchestra. The Project, generously supported by a BBC Performing Arts Bursary (formerly BBC Fame Academy Education Bursary), took the Ensemble to Cambridge, Norwich, and London, where the Ensemble both made its debut St. John’s, Smith Square, London and performed in St. Paul’s Cathedral as part of the Cathedral’s Meditation Services for Holy Week. The Ensemble is imminently about to record its debut disc for the NAXOS label; a disc of works by James MacMillan, including the Seven Last Words from the Cross, to be released at Easter 2009, the composer’s 50th birthday year.

Does the Ensemble read unsolicited scores?

We are always happy to look at unfamiliar scores, though prefer to be contacted beforehand to view the practicality and likelihood of securing a performance. The Ensemble’s website has our contact details.

What does the future hold for you?

In 2008 I will work in conducting projects with Sinfonia of Cambridge, Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Tallis Chamber Orchestra, the Rodolfus Choir and Aalborg Symfoniorkester, Denmark, alongside forthcoming performances of my works at the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music and St Stephen’s Gloucester Road recital series. Forthcoming commissions for 2008 include works for The Knack Singers, Sounds Positive, Farnham Festival, violinist Cerys Jones, and BBC New Generation Artist tenor Allan Clayton.

How can people find out more about you?

My website www.grahamross.com has full biographical details, an up-to-date works list, and contact details. My works can be located at the British Music Information Centre ( http://www.bmic.co.uk ). All activities relating to The Dmitri Ensemble can be found at http://www.dmitriensemble.co.uk.


Interview by Composition:Today © Copyright 2004-2025

Comments by other Members


Posted by :  AshleyChaney at 09:02 on 10 March 2020
First You got a great blog. I will be interested in more similar topics. I see you got really very useful topics.
http://www.fiverr.com/sereen
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:10 on 21 December 2020
It is a good site post without fail. Not too many people would actually, the way you just did. I am impressed that there is so much information about this subject that has been uncovered and you’ve defeated yourself this time, with so much quality. Good Works! 먹튀검증커뮤니티
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 13:29 on 25 December 2020
I was impressed with the site that you created, so memotipasi many people to be more advanced, there also kunjugi me, as a comparison آدرس جدید سایت گاد بت
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:03 on 11 January 2021
I know this is one of the most meaningful information for me. And I'm animated reading your article. But should remark on some general things, the website style is perfect; the articles are great. Thanks for the ton of tangible and attainable help. 먹튀검증
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 07:45 on 19 January 2021
Interesting topic for a blog. I have been searching the Internet for fun and came upon your website. Fabulous post. Thanks a ton for sharing your knowledge! It is great to see that some people still put in an effort into managing their websites. I'll be sure to check back again real soon. The Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 12:08 on 20 January 2021
Thanks, that was a really cool read! Torrance Tax Preparer
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 06:35 on 21 January 2021
Your post is very helpful to get some effective tips to reduce weight properly. You have shared various nice photos of the same. I would like to thank you for sharing these tips. Surely I will try this at home. Keep updating more simple tips like this. Samsung Smart Switch Mobile for PC
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 12:40 on 18 May 2021
Man's lives, such as uncontrolled huge amounts, definitely not while countries furthermore reefs, challenging to seismic disturbance upward perfect apply. Ensite Vascular
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 13:13 on 19 May 2021
You have made some decent points there. I looked on the internet for more information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site. jio kbc head office whatsapp number
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 07:25 on 20 May 2021
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly that love and read more on this topic. If possible, such as gain knowledge, would you mind updating your blog with additional information? It is very useful for me. Executive Medical Director
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:14 on 22 May 2021
Interesting post. I Have Been wondering about this issue. so thanks for posting. Pretty cool post.It 's really very nice and Useful post.Thanks Sports Illustrated CEO
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:39 on 23 May 2021
I truly value this superb post that you have accommodated us. I guarantee this would be helpful for a large portion of the general population. Ross Levinsohn Maven
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 12:21 on 23 May 2021
The article looks magnificent, but it would be beneficial if you can share more about the suchlike subjects in the future. Keep posting. Dr Robert MacArthur
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:37 on 24 May 2021
If someone week i really ashen-haired not actually pretty, whether you will lite grope a present, thought to follow us to displays bursting with ends of the earth considerably? Inside the impeccant previous, sea ever have dried-up, my hubby and i only may very well be with all of you connected thousands of samsara. how to become an iso
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:25 on 25 May 2021
Incredible articles and awesome design. Your blog entry merits the greater part of the positive input it"s been getting. 먹튀
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 12:37 on 26 May 2021
I got too much interesting stuff on your blog. I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work. M카지노
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:20 on 27 May 2021
Good website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day! delta 8 cbd gummies
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:57 on 27 May 2021
I know your aptitude on this. I should say we ought to have an online discourse on this. Composing just remarks will close the talk straight away! What's more, will confine the advantages from this data. sauna
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:30 on 01 June 2021
I really like your blog. Great article. It's most evident, people should learn before they are able to Credit Planned
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 08:00 on 05 June 2021
Whenever I have some free time, I visit blogs to get some useful info. Today, I found your blog with the help of Google. Believe me; I found it one of the most informative blog. Window Replacement Companies
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:54 on 25 July 2021
I read your blog frequently and I just thought I’d say keep up the amazing work! 먹튀검증사이트
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:03 on 31 July 2021
Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article. 먹튀
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:04 on 06 September 2021
I was surfing the Internet for information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. ดูหนังออนไลน์
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 08:57 on 21 September 2021
I'm constantly searching on the internet for posts that will help me. Too much is clearly to learn about this. I believe you created good quality items in Functions also. Keep working, congrats! Data SGP
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:58 on 22 September 2021
I'm constantly searching on the internet for posts that will help me. Too much is clearly to learn about this. I believe you created good quality items in Functions also. Keep working, congrats! Pengeluaran Sydney
Posted by :  ChrisC at 08:54 on 08 April 2022
I always love his intelligence and his compositions.
pool deck resurfacing Sarasota
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 04:24 on 19 April 2022
Fun Drops CBD Gummies Reviews –Today, the absolute most awful thing concerning this fast-running globe is that people have started living an inactive method of living.  click here
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:59 on 25 May 2022
We deliver premium Logitech macro scripts accross multiple games and we always try to ensure that our customers are satisfied. pubg logitech
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:25 on 03 August 2022
Buy a real passport online now! We offer genuine passports for sale to citizens of all countries. buy fake us passport
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 08:19 on 11 August 2022
Joker888 online slot website has collected many Joker gaming slot games. ทดลองเล่นสล็อต
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 08:30 on 11 August 2022
Joker888 online slot website has collected many Joker gaming slot games. ทดลองเล่นสล็อต
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:25 on 28 August 2022
Hi, Can I download your own image and make use of that on my weblog? annoyed1heal.com
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:25 on 28 August 2022
Hi, Can I download your own image and make use of that on my weblog? annoyed1heal.com
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 13:38 on 29 August 2022
I {don’t|do not} even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was {good|great}. I {don’t|do not} know who you are but {definitely|certainly} {you are|you’re} going to a famous blogger if you {are not|aren’t} already Cheers!… Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me…. baddiebossbeauty.net
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 15:24 on 29 August 2022
Hi, I just found your website via yahoo. Your post is truly pertinent to my life at this moment, and I’m really delighted I discovered your website. financial planner nyc
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:38 on 01 September 2022
BrahmanLube's lubricants are the most technologically advanced ZDDP-free lubricants on the market! We produce premium engine and fuel treatments, ... [url=https://www.brahmanlube.com/]best Diesel Engine[/url]
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:39 on 01 September 2022
BrahmanLube's lubricants are the most technologically advanced ZDDP-free lubricants on the market! We produce premium engine and fuel treatments, ... best Diesel Engine
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:31 on 05 September 2022
Wonderful article. Thanks too much for the breakdown you have presented here. I am still sort-of an illiterate on this topic. So this post was really helpful to me personally. My husband just launched his own ebook on this issue and I think some things learned from your post would enable me personally to give him the necessary support. Thanks! annoying4vein.com
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 14:56 on 06 September 2022
my father started a calorie restriction diet and all i can say is that it helped him to reduce body fats~ javaairdesign.com
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:34 on 07 September 2022
I know this really is genuinely dull and you’re missing to another comment, but I merely desired to toss a large thank you — a person resolved the main things individually! ldepropertyconferences.com
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 15:36 on 07 September 2022
I think you have observed some very interesting details , thankyou for the post. outgoing7meal.com
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 15:36 on 07 September 2022
I think you have observed some very interesting details , thankyou for the post. outgoing7meal.com
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 15:37 on 07 September 2022
I think you have observed some very interesting details , thankyou for the post. outgoing7meal.com
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:00 on 12 October 2022
Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can't help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!Thanks medals
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:00 on 28 December 2023
This is exactly for that reason fabulous and additionally extremely creative. I simply absolutely love all the different shades and additionally anyone can get the software on the deliver would be happy. fire kirin 777
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:28 on 30 December 2023
Great post, and great website. Thanks for the information! walk-in closet
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 12:12 on 30 December 2023
I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. Real Estate Photography
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:41 on 31 December 2023
Excellent publish, Thanks with regard to discussing This particular understanding. Wonderfully created post, if perhaps just about all writers provided exactly the same degree of content material while you, the web will be a far better location. Make sure you continue the good work! b52 đăng nhập
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:12 on 07 February 2024
Your current tunes can be remarkable. You've got a number of quite accomplished musicians. My spouse and i would like anyone the top involving good results. elegibilidad para una visa de canadá para ciudadanos croatas
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 09:09 on 29 February 2024
Bongetech Technology: Pioneering the future of business success! Our team of dynamic entrepreneurs and skilled engineers is ready to provide smart solutions and dedicated service. Embrace the right understanding and technological edge for a successful journey. Contact us now for a demo or to meet our committed sales representatives. Bongetech Technology
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:46 on 29 February 2024
This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. Local Cleaners
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 12:23 on 29 February 2024
It's a superior strategies notably to help you the a newcomer to blogosphere, summary and even legitimate information… Bless you designed for writing this town. Required browse guide. hajarhoki slot
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 13:29 on 18 January 2025
Excellent publish, Thanks with regard to discussing This particular understanding. Wonderfully created post, if perhaps just about all writers provided exactly the same degree of content material while you, the web will be a far better location. Make sure you continue the good work! https://foottraffic.co.za/
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 06:35 on 21 January 2025
This seems amazing to see this kind of educational as well as distinctive content articles in your web sites. [url=https://webness.co.za/]http://webness.co.za/[/url]
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:37 on 23 January 2025
Appreciate it intended for placing a really good document! I stumbled upon your blog perfect for the desires. Its full of superb in addition to very helpful threads. Sustain the favorable do the job! How to retain your B2B customers?
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:20 on 26 January 2025
Ones own favorite songs is without a doubt astonishing. You have got various highly athletic animators. As i intend one the ideal in achieving success. biurko regulowane elektrycznie
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:08 on 09 February 2025
This really is therefore stunning as well as innovative. I simply adore the actual colours as well as whomever will get this within the postal mail is going to be grinning. 맞고사이트
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 13:34 on 11 February 2025
My partner and i astonished with all the examination an individual built to get this distinct distribute extraordinary. Great action! 개인돈대출
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 13:30 on 23 February 2025
This really is therefore stunning as well as innovative. I simply adore the actual colours as well as whomever will get this within the postal mail is going to be grinning. Fitness Coach Longwood FL
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 13:33 on 27 February 2025
Thanks for this great post, i find it very interesting and very well thought out and put together. I look forward to reading your work in the future. 롤대리
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:04 on 02 March 2025
Thank you for helping people get the information they need. Great stuff as usual. Keep up the great work!!! 홍대호빠
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:54 on 03 March 2025
I merely imagined it usually is a perception to write could possibly help anybody ended up being experiencing difficulity looking into nevertheless We are somewhat doubtful only are permitted to placed labels along with details in below. 마포 야간 대출
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:07 on 06 March 2025
Boost your betting with 1xBet! Use promo code 1X200BOX for a 100% bonus up to €100. New players enjoy free sports bets and exclusive casino bonuses in 2025. Sign up now! 1xbet promo code pakistan
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:19 on 08 March 2025
Thanks for this great post, i find it very interesting and very well thought out and put together. I look forward to reading your work in the future. 대출사이트
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 10:33 on 08 March 2025
Utilisez le code promo 1xBet BONUS1X200 pour obtenir un bonus de bienvenue de 100% jusqu'à 130€. Profitez de freebets sur vos paris sportifs et explorez une plateforme de jeux excitante. Pariez sur des matchs avec des cotes attractives et retirez vos gains facilement. code promo 1xbet niger
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 13:47 on 08 March 2025
Merely a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw outstanding style. kod promocyjny 888starz 2025
Posted by :  jamseales0 at 11:22 on 13 March 2025
Awesome article! I want people to know just how good this information is in your article. It’s interesting, compelling content. Your views are much like my own concerning this subject. [url=https://xn--bnq70nrpdrr5e.com/]야간 대출[/url]
To post comments you need to become a member. If you are already a member, please log in .