I've written an Aria for the soprano Carly Owen which will be premiered as part of 12:40. Text by Cordelia Lynn.

To celebrate the National Opera Studio's 40th anniversary, I'm one of twelve composers and twelve librettists, to collaborate with the Young Artists in the creation of twelve unique contemporary audition arias, which they can take forward into their professional careers. This project will give the Young Artists the rare opportunity of working as part of a creative team, and will give them a "birthday gift" which they can use for years to come.

All the arias will be given in specially ‘curated’ performances at Hoxton Hall, an intimate and quirky music hall, in the contemporary arts heartland of Shoreditch/Hackney.

The Studio is delighted to be working with Second Movement and the Librettists’ network on this exciting project, and we are incredibly grateful for the generous support of the Nicholas John Trust.