Composer debuts orchestral concert with 50 musicians

Nick Newton reignited his musical ambitions during the pandemic

A composer is preparing for the premiere of his debut concert, featuring nearly 50 professional musicians and singers.

Nick Newton, 46, from Swindon, Wiltshire, organised the event himself despite having no formal music education and while working full-time as an accountant.

His concert, Havens in Concert, will be held on 20 September at Christ Church in Swindon and showcases music from his debut album Havens, released last year.

Reflecting on his musical journey, Mr Newton said: "It feels like a fairytale sometimes. I can't really believe I've done it."

Nearly 50 professional musicians will perform at Havens in Concert

Although always passionate about music, he began composing during his university years at Cardiff but put it aside for nearly two decades.

"I started making melodies and writing lyrics at uni, but nothing happened for 20 years," he said.

"I always dreamed of getting here, but I never imagined it would be quite like this."

The Covid-19 pandemic reignited his musical ambitions, leading him to connect with a singer who introduced him to an orchestrator.

Together, they spent a year refining melodies and orchestrating his album.

Describing his sound as primarily orchestral with choral elements, Mr Newton’s debut concert will feature performances by London's Orpheus Sinfonia, alongside special guests Nadia Eide, a finalist on The Voice, and Georgi Mottram, a Classical Brit Award nominee.