91Èȱ¬

The 91Èȱ¬ Singers is pleased to announce that Gabriel Jackson is to become its new Associate Composer starting from 2010.

Jackson will be the third composer to take up the position, following in the footsteps of Judith Bingham, who has held the post since 2005, and Edward Cowie, who became the first 91Èȱ¬ Singers Associate Composer in 2002.

A rising star on the choral music scene, Gabriel Jackson's music is performed by choirs all over the world. He already has a strong relationship with the 91Èȱ¬ Singers who have been performing his music for over a decade. His first commission for the group was Cecilia Virgo which it premiered in Canterbury Cathedral in October 2000.

Michael Emery, the 91Èȱ¬ Singers Producer, says: "I'm delighted that Gabriel is to be our next Associate Composer – we've known his music in the Singers for many years and have very much enjoyed performing it, especially the pieces written specifically for us.

"He's a composer with a huge sympathy for and expertise in vocal music, and I really look forward to seeing what choral wizardry he'll create for the 91Èȱ¬ Singers over the next three years."

Gabriel Jackson says: "I am thrilled and honoured to be invited to be the next Associate Composer to the 91Èȱ¬ Singers. I have always been a huge fan of the Singers – it is one of the world's greatest choral groups and, as well as possessing flawless virtuosity and unrivalled ability to master the most demanding scores, which are too often taken for granted, the singers are great artists.

"I have always thoroughly enjoyed working with the Singers in the past and look forward to deepening that relationship and to exploring the rich musical possibilities our collaboration will offer. I know we can do some very exciting work together."

Notes to Editors

The 91Èȱ¬ Singers are the UK's only full-time professional chamber choir and one of the 91Èȱ¬'s six performing groups. Their concerts are broadcast on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 3. David Hill is the Chief Conductor of the 91Èȱ¬ Singers.

More information can be found by visiting the 91Èȱ¬ Singers' website: bbc.co.uk/singers.

91Èȱ¬ Singers Publicity