Oliver Tarney
Composer | Conductor | Educator
Welcome. Oliver Tarney is an acclaimed and experienced composer who specialises in choral and vocal music. He writes in a broad range of styles and settings from songs for young singers to oratorios and works for professional choirs. He loves to inspire others to write, sing, and find their love of music.
‘Lux Stellarum is a striking new work that will repay repeated hearings’. From ‘exultant’ climaxes to moments of ‘great delicacy and peace’, it is sung with ‘typical excellence by … The Choir of Royal Holloway.’ – Laudate Magazine
Lux Stellarum (Light of the Stars) is a radiant new requiem for choir and organ blending plainsong, scripture, and poetry by John Donne and Marjorie Pickthall. At once intimate and expansive, the work invites listeners to contemplate the mystery of the cosmos – and a God who calls each star, and each soul, by name. Beautifully performed by The Choir of Royal Holloway and organist Andrew Dewar, conducted by Rupert Gough.
Selected Recordings
-
LUX STELLARUM – Royal Holloway Choir (2025)
Lux Stellarum, blends plainsong, poetry, and biblical texts, exploring our place in the cosmos.
-
SANCTISSIMA – ORA Singers (2023)
Released August 2023, this is a fantasy vespers and benediction for the Assumption. It features In Homeward Flight
-
THE WAITING SKY – SANSARA (2019)
The multi-award-winning Christmas album by SANSARA, featuring The Waiting Sky, The Wise Men and the Star, and Balulalow.
-
THE WISE MEN AND THE STAR – The Sixteen (2025)
For Christmas 2025 this CD features Oliver Tarney’s The Wise Men and the Star among other Christmas classics.
Projects
I am currently working on various pieces for vocal ensembles, including recordings and new compositions for professional choirs that challenge and inspire. I am creating works for soloists and community choirs with a focus on inclusivity. Additionally, I am developing educational and enjoyable projects for children to foster a love for music early on.
I’d be delighted to hear from you!