Louise Drewett: Transforming Simplicity into Lyrical Complexity in Contemporary Music.

Louise Drewett: British Composer and Educator

 Louise Drewett (b. 1989) is a British composer who blends contemporary concert music with deep community engagement. Based in London, she is a professor in composition at the Royal Academy of Music, where she also earned her PhD. Described as "a talent with a very distinct sensibility" by The Telegraph, Drewett's compositions are shaped by her formative experiences working with community choirs and her passion for storytelling through music.

A Journey in Music and Composition

 Drewett explains what inspired her to become a composer: "I always knew I wanted to do something creative. I was very creative growing up; it was essential to me—but it didn't always come from music; it came from painting." Her artistic instincts initially found expression through visual art before music became her primary creative outlet.

She began playing the piano at age nine, adding flute and singing to her musical repertoire. Music was a significant part of her life, but her path to composition was gradual . It wasn't until her early twenties that she began composing seriously. As she explored its possibilities, music became the most important thing to her. "Once I discovered what was possible with music and what I could create, I knew I wanted a life in music. Composing became the most creative way for me."

Her musical style, which she describes as "simple and direct," is characterized by transforming simple ideas into something more complex. She emphasizes lyricism in her work, creating expressive and structurally intricate music.

Drewett's influences include Erik Satie, whose massive piano collection fascinated her, and Meredith Monk, whose experimental vocal works and interdisciplinary approach have also been a source of inspiration.

 She studied at the Royal Academy of Music under the guidance of Philip Cashian, Hans Abrahamsen, and Oliver Knussen, receiving numerous awards, including the Charles Lucas Composition Prizes (2018 & 2019). She later served as the Manson Fellow (2021-2022). Prestigious scholarships supported her, such as the Countess of Munster Musical Trust Award, a Vaughan Williams Bursary, and the Charles Lucas Memorial Fund.

 A Composer of Distinction

 Drewett's compositions have been performed by some of the UK's most renowned ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, and EXAUDI. Institutions like the International Guitar Foundation, Listenpony, Festival Chorus, St Marylebone Festival, and St Luke's Music Society have also showcased her work.

In addition to concert music, she is dedicated to educational and community-driven projects. She has composed for theatre productions with Arbonauts and the Young People's Puppet Theatre, and ABRSM has published her educational music for the 2025-26 syllabuses.

One of her most significant works, the community opera "Daylighting", was commissioned by the Royal Academy of Music to celebrate its 200th anniversary. The piece received critical acclaim and was nominated for an Ivor Novello Award at the Ivors Composer Awards 2022.

Collaboration and the Creative Process

 When asked whether she prefers working alone or collaborating, Drewett explains that it all depends on the project, emphasizing that her kind of composition inherently relies on others—from musicians to conductors—to bring the music to life. She also notes that the process is often more straightforward when other women are involved, highlighting the importance of representation and support in creative collaborations. Additionally, she loves collaborating with others because it provides a new perspective, helping to break what she describes as otherwise a "solitary" process of composition.

Opera Writing

 Drewett also expresses a deep passion for writing operas, drawn to the medium due to the sheer number of creative people involved. She enjoys the dynamic exchange of ideas that comes with collaborating across different artistic fields, from composers and singers to directors and designers. This collaborative aspect makes opera a fascinating and rewarding part of her creative journey.

 Advice for her Students

 When asked what advice she would give aspiring composers, Louise Drewett shares: "It is essential to write what you want to write, write what you want to hear. Don't simply mimic others or write what you think others might like." She emphasizes the importance of understanding what excites and drives you as an artist. "Understanding yourself is very important as an artist," she says. "Do it as best as you can, that's what people want to hear." Drewett believes that embracing your creative voice is the key to meaningful music-making.

 The Role of Music in Society

 Drewett believes that as a composer, it is not her job to define her style of music—"that's a music critic and theorist's job." She always asks herself when writing a new piece: "What place will this hold in society? Is it making a difference?" For her, music must resonate personally and serve a broader cultural purpose.

 Soundtrack to Her Life

 When asked what the soundtrack to her life would include, Drewett notes that it would be "lots of singers," emphasizing her deep appreciation for vocal music and its emotional resonance.

 Educator and Community Leader

 Drewett is deeply involved in music education and community outreach alongside her composition career. As a professor in composition at the Royal Academy of Music, she mentors the next generation of composers. She also co-directs Sing Healthy Choirs and serves as the acting Artistic Director of the New London Chamber Choir.

With a unique voice in contemporary composition and a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, Louise Drewett continues to shape the landscape of modern classical music.

Louise currently serves on the board of directors of the international organization Vox Feminarum. 

Louise Drewett-Composer