Tom Armstrong studied composition with Roger Marsh at York University. Early works such as Squaring Up, performed by the BBC Philharmonic, were influenced by Tom’s stint as a pianist with Icebreaker. Perceptible pulse and rhythmic animation remain important components of recent pieces, complemented by an increasingly lyrical strain and stylistically diverse outlook.
Leading UK performers of Tom’s music include the New Music Players, [rout], Gemini, Psappha, Endymion and the Fidelio Trio. He is currently collaborating with Jane Chapman, Melanie Pappenheim and Rebecca Askew on a large-scale music theatre work. 2012 sees the premiere of a community cantata, The Cathedral on the Marshes, commissioned by the Crossness Engines Trust, and work in progress at ROH2’s Exposure series.