Anna Appleby (born in Newcastle upon Tyne, 1993) is a Manchester-based composer. Her music often wrestles with socio-political and spiritual themes. She has written numerous orchestral, operatic, chamber, choral, vocal, electronic and dance works for a wide variety of professional and community ensembles. She has a particular interest in writing for the stage, and has drawn inspiration from choreographers in the way she works, building her pieces on the strengths and personalities of each ensemble she writes for. Collaboration is at the heart of her creative practice, and she is always keen to meet artists and ensembles who enjoy open conversation and practical research. Recent premieres include a new opera, Drought, with the BBC Philharmonic.
"you can practically feel the electricity in the air in this soundtrack"
"the lyrical pyrotechnics of Appleby's sound score"
"dramatic flair even with the small forces involved"
"a new piece of art which emulates and empathises with current social and political worries"
"Unusually in this era of specialisation, Anna is also an accomplished visual artist and writer"
"an excellent addition to the repertoire of adventurous saxophonists"