Janet’s compositions score at York celebration concert

Dr Aleksander Szram, the recently-appointed director of music at London’s prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, played two pieces by Janet Graham at the concet in York.

The two pieces – 'Churchyard blackbird at Pentecost’ and ‘Advent Thoughts’ - were produced by Janet at her home in Bishop Middleham, County Durham, during the Covid lockdown.

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They were played at the York concert to mark the 75th birthday of internationally-acclaimed composer, teacher and director Nicola LeFanu and her pioneering work in the world of contemporary women’s music.

It was a special occasion for Janet because Dr Szram had previously recorded a CD of her work.

Janet Graham (Image: RON EYLEY)

“He is a very thoughtful and insightful pianist who, unlike many performers, never has to ask me how I want a piece to sound. He just knows how to play it and I can always trust him to make it sound exactly as I intend”, she said.

The much-lauded concert was performed by four members of the prize-winning ‘Gemini’ ensemble which is renowned for its contemporary performances at home and abroad and for its championing of women’s music.

The group’s leader, clarinettist Ian Mitchell, was a fellow student with Janet at the Royal Academy of Music where she was awarded prizes for her compositions.

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Now better-known locally as Mrs Deane - she married her organist husband, Philip, in 1973 - Janet went on to work as a composer, piano-teacher and music therapist before ‘retiring’ in 2013 to concentrate on her main interest, composition.

Her pieces have featured on Radio 3 and several other radio stations as well as various concert venues and music festivals.

These days, Janet combines composing with her enjoyment as organist at St Michael’s Church in Bishop Middleham - between Sedgefield and Ferryhill - where she also leads a bereavement support service as a volunteer for two days per week.