Philip
WIlby
Encouraged
to take up composition by Herbert Howells, Philip
Wilby graduated from Keble College, Oxford, in 1970.
After a year as a professional violinist, he was
invited by Alexander Goehr, then professor of music at
Leeds University, to join his staff. He was senior
tutor in composition there from 1984. More recently he
was awarded a Doctorate in Composition, and made
Professor in 2002. Since January 2007, he has lived in
Bristol where his wife Wendy has been serving as Canon
Precentor at the cathedral.
Most of his major works are expressions of Christian faith,
and he enjoys tailoring his compositional technique to the
very different demands of the skilled amateur in a brass or
wind band, both in Britain and in the United States, to the
church or cathedral choir, or to the finest professional
soloist or orchestra. In 2008, he was granted a Dutch
Government BUMA award for his innovative works for brass
band, and in 2009 an honorary fellowship by the Royal
School of Church Music.
He is proud to have served as the musical associate at the
world famous Black Dyke Band for 15 years.