About
Short biography
Oliver Tarney is a British composer and teacher. Educated in Manchester, he writes choral music—much of it published by Oxford University Press—for professional, amateur and young singers, alongside his work in school music leadership. His music grows from a long involvement with voices and the choral tradition, ranging from intimate pieces to large-scale works for choir and instruments.
Biography
Oliver Tarney grew up in Lancaster, where singing in a parish church choir gave him an early and lasting connection with choral music. He studied Music at the University of Manchester, later completing a Master’s degree in composition and training as a teacher. His early work in church and university music in Manchester established the close relationship with singers that continues to shape his writing.
After thirteen years at Winchester College, where he was Head of Academic Music and Head of Composition, Oliver became Assistant Director of Music at Tiffin School in Kingston. Alongside his school work, he has conducted professional, amateur and youth ensembles, worked on national choral courses and served as chorus master at the St Endellion Easter Festival. This continuing practical involvement in rehearsals and performance lies at the heart of his approach as a composer.
Oliver’s catalogue ranges from short unaccompanied pieces to music for young voices and substantial works for choir and instruments. Larger works include Magnificat, Lux Stellarum, St Mark Passion and The Night Before Christmas. Much of his choral music is published by Oxford University Press, and his work has been recorded by ensembles including The Sixteen, the Choir of Royal Holloway, ORA Singers, the Marian Consort, Sansara and the National Youth Choir.
Commissions have included music for the St Endellion Easter Festival, National Youth Choir, ORA Singers, the Marian Consort, Sonoro and St David’s Cathedral Festival. He also writes regularly for amateur choirs, schools and community projects, approaching each with the same concern for strong vocal writing, clear dramatic purpose and a rewarding experience for performers.
Whether writing for professional performers, community choirs or young singers, he is drawn to music that is rewarding to perform and direct in its communication. Current projects include Jonah, a chamber opera for the Barnes Festival in 2027; a continuing cycle of canticles for the Odiham Music Festival; and a Stabat Mater for first performance in 2028.
Biography & press materials
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