MUMBAI: The British Academy of Songwriters, Composers & Authors (BASCA) has appointed award-winning composer Stephen McNeff as its new chairman. Prior to McNeff, Simon Darlow held the role at BASCA since 2013.

McNeff said, “I am very proud to be the new Chair of BASCA and to work with such fantastic colleagues and staff. I’m looking forward to broad coalition of genres all working together.”

BASCA CEO Vick Bain said. “McNeff brings with him gravitas, considered thinking and good humour. I look forward to working closely with him supporting his vision for composers and songwriters.”

Before joining BASCA, McNeff provided his services last year at Welsh National Opera. His latest project is ‘The Darkling Serenade’ for the British Clarinet Ensemble, premiered in Madrid this week.

McNeff studied composition at the Royal College of Music and undertook post-graduate research at the University of Exeter. He specialises in opera and music for theatre and voice, and has experience in writing important instrumental pieces. McNeff’s professional experience includes his stints in theatres throughout Britain. In the past, he also held the role of associate director at the University of Manchester’s Contact Theatre. He is also famous for his large range of works for various kinds of wind ensembles.

For over a decade, McNeff has been a visiting artist of Dartington International Summer School, South West Music School.

He has bagged accolades like Mavor Moore Award for his opera ‘The Secret Garden’, a Scotsman award at the Edinburgh Festival for his opera ‘Aesop’ and British Composer Award for his opera, ‘Tarka the Otter’ among others.