Peter Murphy

Peter Murphy (born 1954) studied music at the University of Oxford, and played French Horn in youth orchestras under such conductors as John Carewe and the late great Norman del Mar, who gave him invaluable guidance during his early attempts at composition. He also studied 20th century composition technique at Oxford under composer and Messiaen expert Robert Sherlaw Johnson. He produced a substantial body of student compositions, many of which were successfully performed.

After giving up full-time musical studies, he concentrated on performance, particularly of central European folk music. His London-based folk group, Beksydy, has performed in folk festivals in the UK and abroad. He has returned to composition in recent years, writing a number of chamber works including a trilogy of pieces for string quartet, solo cello, and a yet-to-be completed piece for clarinet and strings. The overall title of this trilogy is Arc-en-Ciel. As well as taking on classical arrangements of 1990s rock bands, he is currently working on a musical cabaret, Desire, set in the 1970s pre-Aids gay community in the USA. Two music theatre pieces are also planned in the near future, one set in ancient Egypt and one in 20th century Prague. He recently joined the Musa team as orchestrator, producing a score for the game music concert opening the Leipzig GC Games convention in 2003.

Peter is a frequent visitor to the Czech Republic, working with Czech Orchestras and Musicians, as well as with the Prague-based English composer and rock musician Jaz Coleman.