Helen Grime signs for Chester Music

Touted as one of the most promising young English composers in the music industry, Helen Grime has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years.
A quick glance at the prestigious list of organisations and performers who have already commissioned her work is testament to this: the English National Opera, London Symphony Orchestra, BCMG, Britten Sinfonia, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the Tanglewood Music Centre have all showcased pieces by her.
Added to this, conductors ranging from Daniel Harding, Oliver Knussen, Pierre Boulez and Yan Pascal Tortelier have performed her work.
And now, Chester Music has announced that it has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with the former Royal College of Music student. The organisation has revealed its plans to make 14 of her current works available for hire. This includes Virga for orchestra, A Cold Spring for Ensemble and Into the Faded Air for string sextet.
However, the first new piece which has been commissioned will be premiered on December 2nd this year to help celebrate the 75th birthday of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to this, other forthcoming commissions include a work for the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival in 2012.
Speaking after the announcement, James Rushton, managing director of Chester Music, expressed his delight that she had signed up.
“It is rare to find in a composer as young, such a mature, confident and defined voice, as is the case with Helen Grime.” He added “We are delighted to be working with Helen and look forward to the future with much excitement.”
Mr Rushton is not the only fan of the young composer, with praise also being heaped upon her by critic Kenneth Carter, of Classical Source.
“Helen Grime demands a large orchestra. Her use of it is sparing, authoritative and bold. She has an acute ear, adroitly finding matches for the sounds she seeks in the sounds particular instruments are capable of making. Helen Grime is one to watch,” he wrote.