Liz Dilnot Johnson has lived in Malvern since 2009. Her composing career began in 1998 when she gave up the day job as a Primary class teacher in Birmingham to study composition at the Birmingham Conservatoire. Since then, she has established herself as a creator of music that crosses divides and brings people together. As composer-in-residence with Ex Cathedra her music is regularly toured around the UK and is featured on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM with performances all over the world. Her music encompasses exquisite miniatures to expansive and multi-dimensional works and she is passionate about bringing composing and creativity to all.
One of Johnson’s award-winning compositions When A Child Is A Witness – a Requiem for Refugees (2022) was composed in response to the destruction of the city of Aleppo in Syria to raise awareness of the plight of those seeking refuge, bringing communities and art forms together in a celebration of those who seek – and offer – sanctuary. Blurring the divide between performer and audience, this multifaceted work was awarded the @IvorsAcademy Ivor Novello Award (Community & Participation) 2022. The most recent performance with the title Colwall Requiem for Peace was performed in Colwall in July 2023 with Abdullah and Wael performing alongside local singers, children’s choir, children from Ukraine and performers from Africa and the Middle East with lived experience of seeking refuge.
In 2023 Liz took over leading the community choir Malvern Cube Sings. This group welcomes everyone whatever their level of experience and everything is learnt by ear to share in the joy of singing together.
