On this page, Arthur introduces himself in his own words, and shares links to his music, his website, and his social media platforms. We warmly invite programmers and commissioners to take a closer look at Arthur’s work, and please be in touch with us if you would like to connect with him.

About Arthur

'I'm very surprised (and delighted!) to be making a career as a composer. I come from a non-musical, working class background and a friend took me to my first ever classical concert when I was sixteen. This was a turning point that has led to finding community, joy and work in classical music. I grew up in Coventry, lived in Bristol whilst studying and have recently relocated to Burnley, Lancashire.

Most of my music draws on other art for inspiration, especially text – from poetry and literature to Twitter feeds and graffiti. Recently (especially since moving to Lancashire) I’ve become more interested in landscape and history and how that might become embedded in my work. My ideal composing process is collaborative – I'm happiest in rehearsal rooms working directly with performers, learning from them and building music together.

I began by composing electronic music (out of necessity: I couldn’t read notation to begin with) and some of my instrumental writing uses techniques and approaches from this world. I strive to create lyrical musical lines within bold, atmospheric soundworlds.'

Highlights

• Arthur’s debut album The Past & I: 100 Years of Thomas Hardy with mezzo-soprano Lotte Betts-Dean was released in July 2024 and reached no. 5 in the Specialist Classical Chart. The disc was named Presto'sRecording of the Week and was reviewed by The Guardian, Gramophone and BBC Music Magazine.
• In 2023 Arthur’s piece Back Inside for small chamber orchestra, written for the Philharmonia Orchestra, was performed at the Royal Festival Hall and released by NMC Recordings. This three-movement work responds to comedian Tim Key’s lockdown poetry.
• In 2022 the London Symphony Orchestra commissioned, performed and recorded Dorian Suite, music for six instruments, electronics and video. This piece is part of the development of a dance piece based on The Picture of Dorian Gray.
• Arthur’s Nocturne for guitar and electronics was featured on Canadian guitarist An-Laurence Higgins’ album Almost Touching, released in 2022.

The 2025 RPS Composers each had the opportunity to host a show on Resonance FM, curating an hour of music for Sound and Music's The Sampler Mixtape. Click the play button below to listen to Arthur's mixtape, drawn from albums that serve as inspiration for two pieces he is currently writing. Arthur says: 'I’ve been thinking a lot about music rooted in, and responding to specific locations, as well and birdsong and musical evocations of sculpture.'

Find out more

If you are interested in finding out more about Arthur, hearing and keeping up to date with his work, take a look at his website and social media below:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

The RPS Composers programme could not happen without the support of RPS Members, PRS Foundation Talent Development Network supported by PPL, Delius Trust, Fidelio Charitable Trust, Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation, Idlewild Trust, John Ellerman Foundation, Marchus Trust, Presteigne Festival, Radcliffe Trust, Susan Bradshaw Composers' Fund, Vaughan Williams Foundation, and several anonymous donors.