My name is Lisa Logan. I’m a composer, with a particular passion for opera, vocal/choral music, and cross-over projects such as orchestral/narrator/ performers.
“Lisa Logan’s score is a remarkable musical tour de force, intricate, mesmerising and absorbing…Brontë, the Opera is a work of art emerging from its confines, ready for wider vistas.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, Mark Aspen, Bronte the Opera.
“Powerful, searing melodies combined with hard hitting choruses” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Silver Spoon, opera.
“Logan’s music reaches intense heights and draws you in” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Silver Spoon, opera.
I’m currently composing my third opera, a quintet for Hackney proms and a children’s live orchestral series with narrator. Recent recipient of DYCP Arts Council Award.
I’m based in East London. My parallel career as a media lawyer frees me to compose in my spare time, and I am eternally grateful for the support of colleagues.
After graduating from Cambridge University, where I was a choral scholar, I spent several years directing in theatre/opera for top UK touring and regional companies, whilst continuing singing lessons, classical/operatic repertoire with Sally Burgess (privately at RCM). Composing is something I have developed later in life. I recently studied a Master’s in Composition at King’s College London with Silvina Milstein and Ed Nesbitt. For several years, I have been taught privately by Michael Csanyi-Wills, Dominic Sewell (Trinity Laban) and Enrica Sciandrone (RCM). For ten years, I was a trustee of Unexpected Opera. I am currently a trustee of Keynote Opera, on the Advisory Board of ENO, and on the Board of Tara Theatre.
The following have funded my work as an emerging composer: the Arts Council (Brontë), the Arts Council/Jubilee scheme (The Magical Fish), Tŷ Cerdd – Music Centre Wales (A Silver Spoon), and D’Oyly Carte (Children’s workshops in Hackney and Tower Hamlets), Leche Trust (Brontë), Foundation for Future London (Brontë).
Opera
A Silver Spoon, the story of Princess Diana and Dodi (110 minutes, chamber opera, 6 characters and chorus). Librettist: David Peimer. Premiere at the Beaumaris Festival, Wales, 1 July 2022 with WCO, cond. Anthony Hose.
Bronte, the Opera (Full length chamber opera, based upon an award winning play by Polly Teale). Initially supported by Britten Pears Arts, in Aldeburgh as part of a composer residency and a DYCP Arts Council award 2021. World premiere at the Grimeborn Festival, Arcola Theatre, September 2023, cond. Alex Ingram, dir. Katharina Kastening.
Orchestral
Universe (Chamber orchestra, Soprano, Counter-tenor).
Hope (Quartet), to be recorded by Ligeti Quartet chosen as part of their Workout sessions of 100 new works.
Journey of a War Child (Quintet), to premiere March 2023 with Hackney Proms.
Unrequited Love (Quintet)
The Magical Fish (Chamber orchestra, with narrator), premiered June 2022, Docklands Sinfonia, Cond., Spencer Down.
Jubilee Fanfare (wind ensemble or brass), premiere THAMES/SMC June 2022.
Choral
Before the Ice is in the Pools (Christmas Carol, SATB, piano only and chamber orchestra versions).
Modern Christmas Carols project with two contemporary female poets for 2023.
At this moment, I’ll likely be composing a scene in my next opera. Maybe a new aria or duet… I carefully choose each opera project for its contemporary relevance. I’m drawn to subjects/stories likely popular/well-known to an audience, always making sure it is driven by strong female characters. I’m also writing music for a children’s orchestral series with narrator, illustrated by Rosie Brooks, to be performed as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations with Docklands Sinfonia.
Lisa at a demo recording of her chamber opera, A Silver Spoon, the story of Princess Diana and Dodi, 2019
Lisa’s second opera Bronte has recently been supported by the Arts Council in its development.
