People

Nicholas Barton

Composer

Nicholas Barton was born in 1950, educated at Norwich City College and subsequently at Colchester and Reading Universities. His early musical career was as a classical guitarist and held a solo contract with the BBC performing regularly on Look East. His first appearance was at the age of 14. In 1976 he became a music teacher at Matthew Arnold School Oxford. Three years later becoming Head of Department a post he held until taking early retirement in 2006.

While in Oxfordshire he divided his time between teaching composing and conducting. He conducted the Isis Chamber Orchestra for many years. He composed widely for students at school and young people and amateurs generally. Major commissions, with funds from Oxfordshire County Council included three pieces for The Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra, two for The Oxfordshire Concerto Orchestra, The Youth Big Band and The County Youth Choir. He has had performances abroad and at major London venues. His music is published by Spartan Press and Bardic Editions.

He now lives and works in North Norfolk

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UHR014: "…and the birds sang too." - Aylwin String Quartet