COMPOSER
A prize-winning composer, Adam Johnson studied with Dr. Anthony Gilbert, Elena Firsova and Simon Holt at the Royal Northern College of Music. During this time, he also appeared in masterclass with Steve Martland and John McCabe.
Adam made his first TV appearance (aged 20) with legendary film composer John Barry in New York for a series called Masterclass (Zenith North productions).
His 2nd String Quartet Surrender Him the Apocolyptic Chrysalis (1999) was given its world premiére at the Montepulciano Festival, Italy in the same year and further won him the Edward Hecht Prize for Composition.
The following year, the Goldberg Ensemble commissioned Johnson to write a work inspired by Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals, and in 2004 he composed El Shahid (The Martyrs) commissioned by the Metropolitan Ensemble.
His music and recordings have received many awards, critical acclaim, and global recognition. In 2019, he created a work for four pianos (“Four:The Birds”) which was commissioned by the 5th Hong Kong International Piano Competition where it was premiered in October, 2019. In the same year he recorded his debut composition album “Savage Piano” in Abbey Rd studio 2 which received praise on Classic FM and BBC Radio.
Adam has worked closely with John Barry, Sir Thomas Adès, and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. He has also been instrumental in the commission of new works by Edward Gregson, Stephen Barlow, and War Horse composer, Adrian Sutton.
AWARDS
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Edward Hecht Scholarship (Royal Northern College of Music)
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Televised masterclass with John Barry in Film Music, at his home in upstate New York 1999
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Norfolk Composers Award 2019
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Hong Kong International Piano Competition Commission 2019
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Ida Carroll Trust Award for his album “Savage Piano” 2019
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Ida Carroll Commission 2024 in Memory of Dr Anthony Gilbert (Head of Composition at RNCM during Adam’s studies, and his composition teacher)
BRYCE MORRISON 2020
“Adam Johnson’s debut album is wonderfully diverse and enjoyable from end to end. There is a touching innocence and playfulness behind his skill and sophistication, both as composer and performer”
LYNDSEY WINSHIP
IN THE GUARDIAN
"Adam Johnson’s music dominates in an effective way, rich melodies swimming through murkier waters, different cultural influences merging in sound. "
ELIOT SMITH DANCE
COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE
“[Adam Johnson’s].. electrifying dance music”
-Graham Watts
Adam Johnson is an extraordinary composer, pianist, and conductor whose artistry and musical versatility have captivated audiences worldwide. Since spring 2022, he has been the first Composer in Residence at Eliot Smith Dance (ESD), working in close collaboration with choreographer Eliot Smith to create dynamic and evocative soundscapes for the company’s productions.
As a composer, Adam has garnered significant acclaim for his work. His award-winning album Savage Piano, recorded at Abbey Road Studios and described by BBC Radio as “Cinematic and Emotional” (2020), showcases his ability to create deeply moving and atmospheric music. In addition to his album, Adam has released the EP Keys to the Garden (2020) and his new single Frith (After Janáček), further demonstrating his breadth as a composer.
Adam's contributions to ESD have been profound, composing music for several major productions, including Seacole + Nightingale (2020), TroY (2020), Homecoming (2021), LIFE (2021), HUMAN (2023), The Three Jolly Ghosts of Christmas (2023), and Whippets for PITMAN (2024). His compositions have been integral to the company’s work, contributing to its distinctive style and emotional depth. Additionally, Adam has created musical pieces for ESD's Education and Beyond outreach, helping to bring dance and music to a broader audience.
Through his wide-ranging contributions as a composer, performer, and artistic leader, Adam Johnson continues to enrich the cultural landscape, leaving a lasting impact on the worlds of classical music, dance, and beyond.
© Eliot Smith
