A composer of vocal, choral, chamber and instrumental music, Philip Lancaster is emerging as a unique voice in serious contemporary composition, his musical voice a rewilded tonality in which the interplay of musical line brings both warmth and profundity. Philip's music is often informed by his wider work, particularly in poetry — a relationship that works the other way, with music informing his recently published poem, Sonata. He has collaborated with poets John Greening and Euan Tait, whom he commissioned to provide texts for new works. Recent commissions include a choral work, Refugee Carol, which is to be premiered in December 2025 as part of an emerging close association with the University of Exeter Chapel Choir
Philip’s music has been performed throughout the country, including major premieres at the Three Choirs Festival (the chamber oratorio, War Passion, 2016) and Ludlow English Song Weekend (Fallen, 2021). His work has been published by Stainer & Bell and The Maker’s Press. A debut recording of his music is being recorded in November 2025 for release by Resonus Classics in autumn 2026.
As an arranger and orchestrator, Philip’s work has been performed widely, broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and released on CD.
Examples of my work can be found below.
Detail from Francis Derwent Wood's sculpture of the crucified soldier, 'Canada's Golgotha'