Paul Ayres is a freelance musician, working in and around London, UK.
As composer & arranger, mainly of vocal, choral and theatre music, Paul has had many works commissioned, performed and published. Use the links above to search the catalogue, view sample scores, listen to sound files and recordings, and check out forthcoming performances of his music.
As choral conductor & musical director, Paul has worked with many groups - new music ensembles, choral societies, schools, church choirs, youth theatres, children's music workshops... Use the links above to read his CV and to find out about his choirs and their concert diaries.
As organist & accompanist, Paul has given concerts and recitals throughout the world. Use the links above to order CDs, view repertoire, book him for a concert or discover where to hear him perform live.
Paul has led many music education projects, in various roles as composer, conductor, workshop leader, facilitator, and so on. Click this link: music education for more details.
standard biography, for concert programmes, publicity material, etc
updated September 2020
please use this biography exactly as printed, without editing
(contact Paul if you'd like a shorter or longer version, or to suggest any changes)
Paul Ayres was born in London, studied music at Oxford University, and now works freelance as a composer & arranger, choral conductor & musical director, and organist & accompanist. He has received over one hundred commissions, and his works have been awarded composition prizes in Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the USA. Paul particularly enjoys "re-composing" classical works (Purcell, Bach, Handel, Fauré) and "classicizing" pop music (jazz and show tunes, The Beatles, Happy Hardcore).
Paul conducts City Chorus and London College of Music Chorus (at the University of West London), accompanies Concordia Voices, and is associate accompanist of Crouch End Festival Chorus. He has led many music education workshops for children, and played piano for improvised comedy shows and musical theatre. Please visit www.paulayres.co.uk to find out more.