DELILAH VELVET
FERRY-SWAINSON
Composer, performer, musical director
ABOUT ME
Welcome to the little orchestra inside my mind...
I first started writing music sixteen years ago, and it fast became my passion. Since then I have jumped at every opportunity to write, workshop, and perform my music so that I might grow both as an artist, and as an individual.
During my studies of composition at the Royal College of Music JD I was fortunate enough to study under Simon Speare, Mornington Lockett, Bushra El Turk, and to have seminars with prestigious composers such as Mica Levi and Michael Finnissey. I now teach music technology and composition in schools.
Alongside music, I enjoy learning new languages, designing costumes, and playing with my dog; always accompanied by some music or other playing in the background, be it through a speaker or via the inner workings of my own mind.
"Her music contains character and vitality but is tighter, more disciplined, and more professional all the time."
Simon Speare - RCMJD Head of Composition
QUALIFICATIONS
Musical education and achievements
DIPLOMA
I am an Associate of the Royal Schools of music, having passed the ARSM Diploma exam on the recorder with Distinction, therefore adding ARSM after my name.
INSTRUMENTAL EXAMS
I have reached Grade 8 on the flute and recorder, as well as Grade 8 standard on the piano. I also play the trombone and piccolo, at a lower level.
MUSIC THEORY
I have achieved Grade 8 Music Theory, with glowing reports from my teachers following strong participation and enthusiasm, and providing peer support to my fellow classmates.
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A LEVELS
During my time at sixth-form college, I completed A levels in both music and music technology, as well as leading the flute section of the orchestra and accompanying the choir.
MUSIC SCHOOL
Alongside my sixth-form education, I attended the Royal College of Music for three years before graduating from the JD at the age of 19. Here I participated in a large number of workshops, concerts, competitions, and seminars.
UNIVERSITY
During my degree at Durham University (BA Japanese Studies), I completed modules in Creative Music Technology, Ethnomusicology, World Music Traditions, and Psychology of Music.
The Larp Noobs Podcast
"Delilah is a serious talent who I would recommend anyone to work with."
CLIENTS
A selection of my clients, past and present
Royal College of Music JD
Student Composer 2016-19. Collaborations include writing for the Senior Choir, Jazz Band, String Quartet, and various chamber ensembles.
Durham Opera Ensemble
Assistant Musical Director for the 2019 Chamber Operas
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Tone Deaf Theatre Company
Assistant Musical Director for the 2020 performance of
A Mother's War.
The Larp Noobs
Composer of the title music for the Tower of Anoch (2019).
Sixth-Side Theatre
Co-musical director and Audio Editor for the 2020 production of Twelfth Night.
Mis-Shapen Chaos Theatre Co.
Freelance composer for the production of DNA (2018).
Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre
Composer for the productions of Macbeth (2016), David Copperfield (2017), and promotional videos. Composer and Musical Director for the performance of Ghetto (2018).
2Have & 2Role
Composer of the intro music for their podcast from 2022.
"Delilah's music is cinematic, with bold ideas and statements."
Dr Hariss Kittos - Composer, adjudicator
Marta Kwasniewska - Client
"I couldn't have asked for a better composer."
IN CONCERT
Collaborations with professional and amateur ensembles
JUICE VOCAL TRIO
Workshop and Concert
VASARA STRING QUARTET
Workshop
ONYX BRASS QUINTET
Workshop
GUILDFORD RECORDER ENSEMBLE
Workshop and Concert
GODALMING COLLEGE JAZZ BAND
Workshop and Concert
SOUTH WEST SURREY CONCERT BAND
Workshop
RCMJD JAZZ BAND
Concert
RCMJD SENIOR CHOIR
Workshop
DAN ELEY FOUNDATION
Concert
ST CATHERINE'S ORCHESTRA
Workshop
The Larp Noobs – Client
"From start to finish, Delilah was a pleasure to work with."
IN CONCERT
Venues for which I have written pieces
606 JAZZ CLUB
I wrote a piece of montuno latin jazz for the 606 Jazz Club and live music venue in London. The piece, titled "Una Cabra Con Pollitos", which was played in concert by the RCMJD Jazz Band.
AMARYLLIS FLEMING
Several pieces of mine, including a project with the Darwin Bio Orchestra have been performed in the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall at the Royal College of Music.
ROYAL ALBERT HALL
One of my jazz compositions - a modernised 20s swing pieces - was written to be performed in the Elgar rooms at the Royal Albert Hall.
MUSIC IN THE PARK
Several of my jazz pieces were rehearsed to be performed at the Godalming Bandstand Music in the Park series by a student band.
RECITAL HALLS
Over the years, many of my compositions have been performed in both the Recital Hall and Parry Rooms at the Royal College of Music.
CHURCHES
My pieces have been performed in churches and schools throughout Surrey.
"The piece was very popular with the band and was enthusiastically received by the audience."
Performing Band Leader – 606 Jazz Club
SOUNDCLOUD
For more music, feel free to peruse my Soundcloud accounts! https://soundcloud.com/delilah-ferry-swainson and https://soundcloud.com/bryseis_lostchild
