Trish Clowes

Trish Clowes is a Jazz Saxophone Professor at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, affiliated with the Music Department under Academic Studies. She is an Associate Artist at London's Wigmore Hall and holds a PhD in Musical Composition from Birmingham City University (2020). Her research explores collective practice and audience interaction through her project Emulsion, funded by a STEAM Scholarship. Clowes is a BASCA British Composer Award winner and former BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist.

Education:

• PhD in Musical Composition, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (2020)
• Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (2013)
• Graduate of Royal Academy of Music, London (2003–2006)

Research & Projects: Clowes curates Emulsion since 2012, commissioning 17 works and exploring interactive composition. Her work spans jazz, orchestral, and experimental music, emphasizing improvisation and cross-genre collaboration. Notable projects include MY IRIS (quartet) and collaborations with the NDR Big Band, London Sinfonietta, and BBC Concert Orchestra.

Awards & Recognition:

• BASCA British Composer Award
• BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist
• STEAM Scholarship (2016)

Performance & Commissions: Recent highlights include NDR Big Band performances (2024–2025), MY IRIS tours worldwide, and a saxophone concerto premiere with BBC Concert Orchestra (2019). She advocates for Donate4Refugees and creates socially conscious music addressing climate and migration issues.

Labs/Teams: MY IRIS (quartet) and Emulsion project. Collaborations with Dave Douglas, London Sinfonietta, and BBC ensembles.