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

About Fergus

'I am a Scottish musician, composer and sound artist, currently based in Glasgow.

Having played a handful of instruments to varying degrees of success as a teenager, I initially discovered composing while applying to study music at university. I was fortunate to be given opportunities as a fledgling composer while still at school which encouraged me to pursue music with the aim of becoming a composer.

I went on to complete a bachelor's degree in music at the University of Glasgow followed by a master's degree in composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, studying with Dr Stuart MacRae.

My background and work as a musician is fairly eclectic which I try to embrace in my work as a composer. I am interested in the role of the composer in cross-practice collaboration and how a composer can act as creative facilitator. As a practitioner, I am happiest navigating the intersections of musical practices, particularly those of jazz, sound art, Scottish traditional music, free improvisation and contemporary classical music. I seek to create frameworks which accommodate the creatives voices of contributing musicians, allowing space for spontaneous interaction and for those involved to be on equal footing as collaborators.

In addition to my creative practice, I am kept busy by my work as a piano teacher and extracurricular school ensemble conductor.'

Highlights

• Commissioned in 2022 to create music for On Sonorous Seas, a large multidisciplinary arts project, led by artist Mhairi Killin, examining the relationship between sound, the military and the ecologies of the Hebridean Seas. https://www.onsonorousseas.com
• 'Fergus Hall’s sound composition, made by weaving together hydrophone recordings and human song, is mesmerising' The Scotsman, December 2022
• Produced and released Isola in September 2022, an album of contemporary string music recorded in collaboration with Sequoia. The album features two large string duos by Fergus Hall; Isola, a collaboration with Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith; and Crossing the Simeto, which features archive recordings of the poet and folklorist, Hamish Henderson. The album also features music by other emerging Scottish composers Rylan Gleave, Aileen Sweeney and Sonia Killmann.
• In 2020-21, Fergus participated in the Making Music Adopt a Music Creator Scheme working with the Hepton Singers in Hebden Bridge.
• Fergus Hall is half of the duo Long Green Jaws with artist/cellist Sarah McWhinney. Their work explores ocean ecologies and folklore using elements of live music, visual theatre, puppetry and storytelling.
• In April 2021, he self-released Shores, a large work for folk singer, jazz quintet and strings, setting words by Gaelic poet, Sorley MacLean. You can watch a film of the recording session here.

Crossing the Simeto - Pt. 1

Minke Whale & Dolphins

To The Hands That Tend It

Find out more

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

• Website

The 2024 RPS Composers programme is made possible with support from RPS Members, Delius Trust, The Fidelio Charitable Trust, PRS Foundation's The Open Fund, the Radcliffe Trust, the Susan Bradshaw Composers' Fund, the Vaughan Williams Foundation and several anonymous donors.