Hopkins, Esther

English composer, horn player, and educator

WOrks for brass ensemble
  • Changes (2000) for brass quintet
  • Perotin Revisited (2010) for tuba quartet
  • Y Blaidd Olaf (The Last Wolf) (2012) for solo trumpet and brass band
Biography

Esther began as a player in brass bands and orchestras whilst growing up in Tenby, West Wales. She left to pursue her musical education and she attained a BA(hons) in Music at Bath Spa University followed by postgraduate studies in composition at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama before gaining a PGCE from Cardiff University

After leaving the Cardiff area, she undertook a number of varied roles which included Music Lecturer at Swansea College, Course Leader of Popular Music at New College, Telford, Music Teacher at Holland Park, London, Course Co-ordinator of Music at Haylane Special School and now works part time teaching composition at the Egerton Rothesay School

She still plays casually and is a founding member of the Little Phoebe Brass Quintet where she plays horn and provides arrangements to order.

Recently Esther has composed pieces for Regent Brass, Staines Brass, London Consort of Winds – Ancient and Modern Consort, Isle of Axholme Orchestra and various solo comissions.

Esther also continues her development and training and has recently attended courses with Nanita Desai (BAFTA Breakthrough Brit 2016-17) at Goldsmiths University

She has a strong musical interest in the folk traditions of the British Isles and World Music and these influences can often be heard in her music.

Resources

Esther Hopkins Official Website