Though not a prolific composer Tom Phillips has written a frequently performed (and twice recorded) opera Irma as well as pieces that have entered the repertoire of contemporary musicians including the pianist John Tilbury and the Composers Ensemble. The Ensemble Modern of Berlin feature two of his works in their forthcoming concert series.

As well as being an idiosyncratic improviser at the piano he has been from his student years an active singer and was a founder member of the Philharmonia Chorus in which he sang under Klemperer, Von Karajan, Stokowski, Guilini, Beecham and Hindemith.

His relationship with the avant grade developed through collaborations with John Tilbury and membership of the Scratch Orchestra founded by Cornelius Cardew. Especially important in his musical development have been his friendships and associations with what he would call 'real' composers, Christian Wolff in America, Jean Yves Bosseur in France and Harrison Birtwistle in England.  > >

Web-Only Exhibition Notes,  Fort Worth 2001

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