Simon Clarke

Simon Clarke is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Music and Deputy Head of the Graduate School at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). He holds a BMus, MMus, MPhil, and PhD. His research integrates continental philosophy (Derrida, Badiou, Adorno) with musicology, focusing on ontology, dialectics, and dialetheism. Notable works include Music in Contradiction (with David Horne) and analyses of Debussy and Ravel’s orchestration. As a composer, he leads Vulgar Display, blending extreme metal with classical chamber traditions.

Research highlights include reinterpretations of Ravel’s compositions and conference contributions on topics like Badiou’s ontology and Hegelian dialectics. He directs the RNCM’s Contemporary Philosophy Research Centre (CPRC), fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. Teaching spans aesthetics, philosophy, and specialized musicology electives like Ravel and the Art of Orchestration.

His compositional works include a violin concerto (2009) and orchestral adaptations of Ravel’s Miroirs. Recent activities include conference presentations (e.g., 6th Derrida Today, 2018) and supervising doctoral research in music and philosophy.