4BR has been informed that Professor Peter Graham has announced his departure in the New Year as Chair of Composition at the University of Salford.

Highly respected

The highly respected composer was recruited to the then Salford College of Technology in 1991 with a brief to develop band composition, complementing the successful brass band performance programme being led by David King.

Since his appointment some of the best known young composers and arrangers in the movement, including Paul Lovatt Cooper, Peter Meechan and Dan Price have benefited from his professional guidance and support.

Key role

In addition he has also played a key role in the development of a research programme for professional composers which saw the university confer Doctor of Musical Arts awards on Nigel Clarke, Kenneth Downie and Martin Ellerby.

Privilege

He told 4BR: "It has been a privilege to work with so many incredibly talented individuals over the years and there is much I will miss.

However, trying to balance the demands of a teaching and administrative workload with personal creative work has been a source of tension for me for some time.

I am now looking forward to working on a number of new projects in association with performance partners across Europe and beyond, while maintaining an active role in the family publishing business Gramercy Music."

His international profile as a leading composer has helped us to build our reputation as a highly regarded centre of excellence in the field of band music practice and research and he will be sorely missedRobin Dewhurst

Massive benefit

Dr Robin Dewhurst, DMA Director for the University, added: "Peter’s input to the work of the music department has been substantial and students and staff have benefited massively from his input over the years.

His international profile as a leading composer has helped us to build our reputation as a highly regarded centre of excellence in the field of band music practice and research and he will be sorely missed.

We wish him and his family all the very best for the future."