Derri Joseph Lewis

Derri is one of eight composers selected for a place on the 2025 RPS Composers programme. This will culminate in him writing a new piece, commissioned by the RPS, for Presteigne Festival.

On this page, Derri 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 Derri's work, and please be in touch with us if you would like to connect with him.

About Derri

‘My name is Derri and I am a composer based in London. I’ve always been fascinated by music and its unique ability to tell stories, express emotions, and connect us.

When I was young I loved dancing, so music (particularly rhythm and storytelling) has always been an important part of my life. I was never too comfortable performing, but I found joy improvising at the piano and exploring ideas through music.

I went on to study at King’s College London (2022) and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (2020), and completed a study-abroad term in Zürich.

My work often explores themes of belonging, hope, and LGBTQIA+ identity. I’m particularly proud of my collaborations with the National Youth Choir. Together we wrote Something Exciting – a piece about coming out – which was nominated for an Ivor Novello award.

I love working with words and voices, and exploring historical ideas from new perspectives. It was a great joy this year to be asked by the early music vocal ensemble Siglo de Oro to reinterpret Tallis’ O Nata Lux. I explored these ancient words from the point of view of everyday joy, and the piece received its UK premiere at the Wigmore Hall.'

Highlights

  • O Nata Lux received its world premiere during Siglo de Oro’s 2024 Canadian Tour and its first UK performance in Wigmore Hall on 20 October 2024.
  • Derri’s work Rorate Caeli Desuper was performed by Corvus Consort on their Summer 2024 tour including performances at Three Choirs Festival and Clifton Cathedral.
  • Something Exciting was performed by Stanford University Choir in Hawai’i and was shortlisted for the 2022 Ivors Composer Awards.
  • Derri won the National Centre for Early Music’s 2019 Young Composer Award for his piece Walls of Brass for viola da gamba player Liam Byrne, which was featured on BBC Radio 3.
  • Derri’s orchestral piece Summit Blue was performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in 2018 and won the Welsh Music Guild’s 2019 Paul Mealor Prize.

    Find out more

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

    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.