John Metcalfe

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This article is about the British musician and composer. For the British science fiction and horror writer, see John Metcalfe (writer).

John Metcalfe (born 6 August 1964, Wellington, New Zealand) is a British-based composer and violist, and a former member of the band the Durutti Column.

1 Biography
- 1.1 Career highlights
2 Key works
3 External links

[edit] Biography

John Metcalfe’s unique style is a result of his extensive experience in classical, pop and electronica. Early musical influences include opera (his father is a singer), the post-punk group Joy Division, and the avant-garde electronic band Kraftwerk. As a violist he co-founded the Duke Quartet which quickly developed a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting ensembles. John’s string arrangements played by the Dukes feature on many albums by pop artists including Morrissey, Simple Minds, The Pretenders, Catatonia and Blur. The commercial success of John’s first two albums of original music has led directly to several new commissions for TV and the concert hall. Publisher Chester Music Limited.

He started playing the viola at age 10, upon moving to the UK from New Zealand. In his first band, he played the drums. Later, he joined Vini Reilly in the Durutti Column. During this period, he also studied music at the Royal Northern College.

Metcalfe was instrumental in the formation of the record label Factory Classical, an offshoot of Tony Wilson's Factory Records. He also wrote string arrangements for various popular artists, including Morrissey, Simple Minds and The Pretenders. He released an album of his own, The Inner Line, to positive reviews. In 2004, another album, Scorching Bay, was released.

Recent commissions include a set of pieces for the guitarist Tom Kerstens and a cello concerto for Matthew Barley.

[edit] Career highlights

1985 - joined cult group Durutti Column on Manchester’s Factory label.
1987 - co-founded Duke Quartet, performs and records worldwide.
1992 - began to compose strings for bands including Blur, The Cranberries and The Pretenders.
2004 - Scorching Bay album released on Sanctuary Classics.
2004 - First Major Upset of the Tournament from Scorching Bay used in Clarks shoes TV advertising campaign.
2005 - wrote title music for BBC programme Mechannibals.