Stephen McNeff facts for kids

Stephen McNeff (born September 6, 1951) is a talented Irish composer. He is famous for creating music for plays and operas, especially modern ones.

About Stephen McNeff

Stephen McNeff was born in Belfast, Ireland. He grew up in south Wales. He studied music composition at the Royal Academy of Music. He also did more research at the University of Exeter.

In 1979 and 1980, he was an Associate Director at Manchester University's Contact Theatre. From 1980 to 1984, he worked as a composer and director in Canada. There, he won an award for his opera The Secret Garden (1985). This opera was based on the famous book by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

In the 1990s, Stephen McNeff's music for theatre became very popular. He won an award for the National Youth Music Theatre show Aesop in 1991. Later, his music for a special show of T.S. Eliot's The Wasteland in 1994 gained him more attention.

In 2005, he became the 'Composer-in-the-House' for the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. He later became their Composer in Residence. During his three years there, he wrote many important musical pieces for the orchestra.

Since 2002, Stephen McNeff has been a guest artist at several music schools. These include Dartington International Summer School and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. He currently teaches composition at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Stephen McNeff's Music

Stephen McNeff has written many different kinds of music. He is well-known for his operas and other vocal and orchestral works.

Operas

Operas are plays where the story is told mostly through singing. Stephen McNeff has written many, often based on books or real-life stories.

• 2117/Hedd Wyn (2017): This opera's music was released as a recording in 2022.
• The Burning Boy (2017)
• The Last King of Scotland (2013): This opera was based on the novel by Giles Foden.
• The Chalk Legend (2012): This was a community opera for Dorset.
• Daughter Of The Elements (2011): This opera was about the life of Marie Curie. It was first performed at the Tête à Tête Opera Festival.
• A Voice Of One Delight (2010): This piece for a singer was first performed at the Presteigne festival.
• Pelléas et Mélisande (2008): A new version of Claude Debussy's opera for a smaller group of musicians.
• Tarka The Otter (2007): Based on the book by Henry Williamson. It won an award in 2007 for best stage work.
• Gentle Giant (2007): Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo.
• Clockwork (2004): Based on the children's novel by Philip Pullman.
• The Secret Garden (1985): His award-winning opera based on the famous book.

Other Vocal Works

These are pieces for singers, often with instruments, but not full operas.

• Madrigali dell'Estate (2009): For a mezzo-soprano singer.
• Cities of Dreams (2008): For a baritone singer, choir, and orchestra.
• Near Avalon: An Ancient Journey (2008): For the Ulster Orchestra and Ulster Youth Choir.
• Four Tales from Beatrix Potter (2002–05): Music based on the popular Beatrix Potter stories.

Orchestral and Chamber Works

These are pieces written for orchestras (large groups of instruments) or smaller groups of instruments (chamber music).

• Seven For A Secret (2011): A new version of a piece by Maurice Ravel for the Rambert Dance Company.
• Concert Duo (2010): A concerto for percussion instruments and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
• LUX (2008)
• Savage Amusements(No. 1) (2007)
• Sinfonia (2007)
• Clarinet Concerto (2005): A piece for a clarinet and orchestra.
• Cello Sonata (Falling Man) (2003): A piece for a cello and piano.
• Piano Quintet (2002): A piece for a piano and four other instruments.
• Ghosts (2001): For a wind ensemble (group of wind instruments).