Swansea born John Metcalf is one of the leading British composers of his generation. His composing career embraces a broad spectrum of work including six operas, two to commission from Welsh National Opera. He is currently working on a seventh opera based on Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood to an international co-commission.
A definitive series of orchestral and chamber works which include Paradise Haunts, Dances from Forgotten Places, Mapping Wales and Cello Symphony are represented in a growing body of recordings on a number of labels including Nimbus and Signum
As Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director, John Metcalf was part of the pioneering Opera/Music Theatre program at the Banff Centre, Canada for a period of nearly ten years. He is currently Artistic Director of the Wales’ leading contemporary music event – the Vale of Glamorgan Festival.
In March 2009 he was awarded one of four inaugural Creative Wales Ambassador Awards. As well as recognising artists’ achievements and their standing in the arts the Awards cited the artists’ capacity to push the boundaries of their art as a point of contact with contemporary Wales.