Derri Joseph Lewis

Born in 1997, Derri Joseph Lewis is a composer whose work has attracted widespread notice for its engagement with contemporary themes, those of LGBTQIA+ identity in particular, through often playful and rhythmically vivacious music conveying his passion for vocal and choral writing. 

A composer who thrives on collaborative ventures, Derri was one of the four participants in the 2021 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain Young Composers Scheme, further honing his skills as a composer for voices, with Something Exciting, Softly, and Locus Iste as major outcomes of the collaboration. Improvisation and electronics have also featured in his compositions, and his instrumental scores include …BREATHE…, for guitarist Tom McKinney in partnership with Psappha Ensemble, and the piece Liberalia, written for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. His work has been hailed as ‘bold, clear-headed and original’ by BBC Music Magazine. 

(C) Stainer and Bell