Christopher Painter’s work is notable for his persuasive handling of traditional large-scale forms and forces, including a substantial number of orchestral and chamber works. Much of his music takes nature in its many guises as a starting point, often using it as a metaphor for the human condition. His most recent work, his Third Symphony, Fire in Snow, premiered in Mexico in June 2010 by the Orquesta Filarmónica de la unam, under Alan Francis, deals frankly and powerfully with the emotional trajectory experienced by the composer following the death of his mentor and friend, the composer Alun Hoddinott in 2008. Christopher Painter was born in Port Talbot, South Wales, and studied with Hoddinott at CardiffUniversity. Alongside a busy schedule of commissions, he heads up Oriana music publishing and is on the teaching staff of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Recent works include Furnace of Colours, a song cycle to poems by Vernon Watkins, to be premiered by the soprano Claire Booth and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

from notes by Signum Classics © 2010