WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR NEW PATRON, ERROLLYN WALLEN!

Ivor Novello composer, singer-songwriter and pianist, Errollyn Wallen CBE has joined the PRS Members’ Fund as a patron of the charity.

Errollyn Wallen – ‘renaissance woman of contemporary British music’ (The Observer) – is as respected a singer-songwriter of pop influenced songs as she is a composer of contemporary new music.

Born in Belize, Errollyn studied composition at the universities of London and Cambridge. She founded her own Ensemble X and its motto ’We don’t break down barriers in music… we don’t see any’ reflects her genuine, free-spirited approach and eclectic musicianship.

Errollyn Wallen’s prolific output includes ground-breaking classical music as well as popular songs. Her works have been performed in leading concert halls, stadiums, theatres and festivals around the world. Her latest opera, the acclaimed Dido’s Ghost premiered at the Barbican in June and will be performed by Dunedin Consort at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival. Errollyn Wallen’s albums have travelled 7.84 million kilometers in space, completing 186 orbits around the Earth on NASA’s STS115 mission.

Awards include the Ivor Novello Award for Classical Music and British Composer Award, as well as an MBE in 2007 Queen’s birthday honours list and CBE in the 2020’s New Year honours, both for services to music. She has recently been awarded the 2020 ISM Distinguished Musician Award.

Mike Lindup, PRS Members’ Fund trustee, said: “On behalf of the PRS Members’ Fund it is my pleasure to welcome composer, pianist and singer-songwriter Errollyn Wallen CBE to join us as a Patron. As a pioneering figure in the Arts, with commissions and performances that defy contemporary genres, I’m sure that she will bring a fresh outlook to the work we are doing to help our PRS Members in need.”

On her appointment, Errollyn said: “The life of a composer is mostly solitary. While there is less pressure to conform to commercial dictates, there is often little support in times of hardship. That’s why the work of the PRS Members’ Fund is much needed for the livelihood of fellow composers and all kinds of musicians. I am honoured to be part of this wonderful charity.”