Watkins Capriccio for Flute and Piano

Born in 1976 in Wales, Huw Watkins is a respected composer and pianist. He studied piano under Peter Lawson at Chetham’s School of Music and composition with mentors including Robin Holloway, Alexander Goehr, and Julian Anderson at Cambridge and the Royal College of Music. In 2001, he was awarded the Constant and Kit Lambert Junior Fellowship at the Royal College of Music, where he later taught composition and currently teaches at the Royal Academy of Music.

Watkins’ compositional talent shines in concertos for renowned soloists. Notably, the acclaimed Violin Concerto (2010) premiered by Alina Abragimova with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and commissioned concertos by the London Symphony Orchestra. Collaborating with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales produced striking works like the Piano Concerto (2001-5) and Double Concerto (2004-5). He created the Cello Concerto (2016) as Composer in Association, premiered at the BBC Proms.

Chamber music is integral, with pieces like the solo violin Partita (2006) and the String Quartet (2013). Collaborations with the Nash Ensemble and Carducci Quartet birthed works like the Horn Trio (2008). His opera compositions include Crime Fiction (2008) and In the Locked Room (2011-12).

Watkins’ Symphony No. 2 won the Sky Arts Classical Music award in 2022. He excels as a pianist, premiering works and performing concertos. Recordings span labels like Chandos, Signum, and Nimbus, with notable discs like In my craft or sullen art and Symphony.

Recognised for his contributions, Watkins received the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Elise L. Stoeger Prize in 2016. His impact continues with captivating compositions like Echo, recorded by soprano Ruby Hughes and released in 2023.