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Cambridge AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership - Student Profiles

 

Biography

Described in The Times as ‘almost mystical… a genuine frisson’, Darren Bloom’s music is noted for its combination of ‘evocative harmony’ and ‘raw power’. His works have been performed by many of today’s leading international musicians and he is currently working on a large-scale commission from the London Symphony Orchestra. 

Darren studied composition with Edwin Roxburgh and Brian Elias and was awarded a Masters Degree with distinction from the Royal Academy of Music. He subsequently held the Manson Fellowship (RAM) and studied with Sir Peter Maxwell Davies at the Dartington International Summer School.  In 2015 Darren was made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music for significant contributions to his field.

Whilst pursuing his PhD at Cambridge, Darren will address two areas in particular through focused research: firstly, a deepening of his interest in collaborations with scientists as a source of inspiration for his music; secondly, assessing a growing conflict between two methods of deriving harmony, both of which have become central to his technique.  He will aim to draw these areas together by manipulating his methods of harmony in order to find analogous relationships to the scientific fields from which he derives inspiration. 

Other academic interests

Conducting and interpreting 20th and 21st Century Music.

The incorporation of theatrical elements in modern composition.

The use of unusual spaces and placements of perfomers.

Music Education – particulary the introduction of contemporary music styles and techniques to young musicians through composition tuition and performance.

Department: Faculty of Music
Supervisor: Richard Causton
College: Darwin
AHRC Subject Area: Music Composition
Title of Thesis:
 Darren  Bloom

Affiliations