Joe Duddell is an accomplished composer, arranger and conductor. He studied Music at Salford University, followed by advanced Composition studies under Steve Martland at the Royal Academy of Music. During this formative period, he secured his first BBC commission and signed a publishing deal with Schott Music.

 

Duddell’s compositions have been widely performed at prestigious festivals and venues around the world. He received three BBC Proms commissions: Vaporize, Ode to English, a nd the percussion concerto Ruby for Colin Currie. In addition to his Proms successes, Duddell has served as Composer-in-Residence at both the Presteigne and Lichfield Festivals.

 

In 2009, Duddell’s career took a significant turn when he was asked to orchestrate and conduct the band Elbow with the Hallé Orchestra for the Manchester International Festival. The concerts at the Bridgewater Hall were met with unprecedented critical acclaim, highlighting Duddell’s ability to bridge the worlds of classical and popular music seamlessly.

 

Beyond this landmark project, Duddell has composed, arranged & conducted many projects an array of esteemed orchestras, including the BBC Philharmonic, Manchester Camerata, London Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, Orchestra of the Swan, and the Ulster Orchestra.

 

He was Composer-in-residence at Festival No.6 for 7 years where he worked with over 40 artists including the poet Mike Garry who he went on to write ‘Ode to St Anthony’ with. Joe has also been commissioned several times by the Manchester International Festival and the fashion brand Burberry. In 2023 he co-curated the BBC Northern Soul Prom at the Royal Albert Hall which has gone on to become the most watched Prom on the BBC iPlayer.

 

He currently teaches Songwriting and Composition at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and is a member of the groups Drift Chamber, Ex Catalogue, Pullover and Stella Martyr.