Rylan Gleave

RPS Composer 2020 | Commission for Presteigne Festival

About Rylan

My name is Rylan Gleave, and I’m a Leith-based composer and vocalist. I originally trained as a mezzo-soprano at Chetham’s School of Music, then studied a Bachelor of Music in Composition with David Fennessy at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, completing my Master’s Degree with Linda Buckley in July 2021. This background has allowed me to navigate a variety of musical styles, especially as I dropped to a bass-baritone during this time. My writing is often highly influenced by my late-breaking voice, meaning that lines can be microtonal, rhythmically stuttering, and otherwise divergent. I find myself drawn to imperfect sound, and the grains of colour behind specific and extended techniques; working closely with a soloist or ensemble to explore their idiomatic playing is key to my writing process.

I would describe my practice as inclusive, accessible, and collaborative, rooting itself in human realness and fragility. This way of working has lead me to connect with my communities, and allowed me the confidence to ‘re-emerge’ as a composer/performer in various contexts, in addition to honing my skill set as a composer. Exploring the impact of intersectional marginalised identity on practice is important to me, in order to facilitate and uplift those whose voices are not being amplified.

RPS Commission

Rylan's new chamber work 'to Gelert' was premiered by the cellist Gemma on Thursday 25 August 2022 at the Presteigne Festival.

Highlights

  • Named ‘One to Watch', The Scotsman, 2021
  • Awarded a British Council Micro Award with Unlimited to work with Rohingya musicians in Cox's Bazar Refugee Camp, Bangladesh
  • Recorded Oliver Vibrans' reimagination of Scott Walker’s ‘The Drift’, as solo vocalist with Paraorchestra/Pulled By Magnets, at Abbey Road Studios, and premiered on Sky Arts.
  • Sound and Music’s New Voices Programme 2021 Artist
  • Musician in Residence with Paraorchestra and Sky Arts

boyh (bringer of your hair)

Find out more

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