SHORT BIOGRAPHY

Alan studied with the composer John McLeod before moving to London to study with Sir John Tavener and receiving a scholarship to attend the Royal College of Music, followed by post-graduate studies in composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (supported by the John Mather Scholarship),  and then for a PhD in music and linguistics at the ​University of Glasgow.

He has composed four operas, many large-scale orchestral works (including three concertos), several large choral pieces, as well as many works accessible, and regularly performed, by young and amateur musicians.

REVIEWS

"a composer that, not only has something to say, but can communicate it in the most eloquent way"
Simon Brint, The Sunday Times

​"music that packs a significant emotional punch" 
Michael Tumelty, Herald Scotland

"a composer with a real sense of what makes music dramatic" 
Lynne Gardner, The Scotsman

"the audience were on their feet giving a well-deserved standing ovation for the work of a musical craftsman"
Steven Laing, Yorkshire Evening Post

"a writer that truly understands what it is to be a musical dramatist for the theatre"
Ned Sherrin, "Loose Ends", BBC Radio 4