Emily Howard
Howard's is a voice of undeniable poise and power – THE ARTS DESK
... seethes with invention – BBC MUSIC
... energetic impact and imaginative breadth – THE WIRE
Emily Howard is one of the UK ‘s most exciting and strikingly individual composers, writing music that is notable for its expansive orchestral textures, imaginative use of instrumental colour, and powerful use of text. Her works often take their inspiration from the shapes, structures, and phenomena of the natural world, as well as from literature, politics, and the visual arts.
From the visceral impact and emotion of The Anvil, to the atmospheric and crystalline sound-world of Magnetite, Howard's distinctive musical language is beautifully expressive, whilst also conveying a searing intensity and focus.
Described as possessing “some remarkable sonorities and an apocalyptic sense of drama” (Classical Source), Howard’s work Antisphere is “a warping and melting of harmony and rhythm” (Tom Service, BBC Radio 3 New Music Show).
Another of Howard's geometry-inspired works includes the 2016 BBC Proms commission Torus, described as ‘visionary’ by The Times.
A fascination with exploring the potential of human voice can be heard in Howard's vocal works such as Elliptics, and the sci-fi chamber opera To See The Invisible, commissioned by and premiered at Aldeburgh Festival.
Emily Howard is Professor in Composition and Head of Artistic Research at the Royal Northern College of Music, and is a founder-director of PRiSM, the Royal Northern College of Music’s Centre for Practice & Research in Science & Music. She has received two BASCA British Composer Awards, and in 2023 was elected as an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Arts.
In 2025, she was appointed to The Ivors Academy Board as a Director.
Photograph by Chris McAndrew
