David Lancaster
Head of Programme: Music
David Lancaster is responsible for the management of BA
Music. His interests include: Composition, World Music, Music
Technology, Conducting, Brass Music and British 20th Century
Music. David often directs the University Concert Band.
The three activities of composing, performing and teaching are
integral to his musical life, and his work – both in and out of
University – seeks to develop and integrate these elements.
Composer
David’s music has been played at most of the major venues and
festivals in the UK, by such ensembles as the Kronos String
Quartet, Electric Phoenix and Black Dyke Band. His music has been
used for theatre and television but in recent years he has written
extensively for voices, brass and composing for dance. He
draws upon many sources for his work, including popular styles from
around the world but counts Harrison Birtwistle and Stravinsky
amongst his strongest influences. David has won many awards for his
work, including the Michael Tippett prize and the LCM Centenery
Award for ‘Insula Dulcamara’. He is currently composer in residence
with Laudamus.
Performer
David works as trumpet player and conductor. He was a
founder member of the Parke Ensemble and the Anglo-French Opera
Nova troupe, with whom he gave a series of premier
performances. David was also co-founder and artistic director
of Radiance, a group of young musicians and dancers who explored
aspects of collaborative mixed media performance with music at its
centre. “… but nothing was more exciting than the trumpet
playing of David Lancaster…” (Yorkshire Post).
Teacher
In addition to his formal teaching at York St John University,
David Lancaster has given guest lectures at the Royal Academy of
Music and has run leadership classes based on conducting for
management professionals. He is an active adjudicator and is
currently serving as the External Examiner for Music at Northumbria
University.