The New Yorker described cellist and composer Peter Gregson as “working at the forefront of the new music scene”. As a cellist, he has performed all over the world, from The Royal Albert Hall to Capitol Studios in Hollywood. He has composed music for award-winning TV shows and movies, including the much loved Bridgerton from Netflix, and The New Pope from HBO. He also crosses into the pop industry, having featured as both cello soloist and conductor for Ed Sheeran on his record-breaking 2017 album, Divide.

In this interview, Peter Gregson discusses his latest work, Everything We Hear Comes First from Silence, written for the Omega Ensemble. We hear about his inspiration from composers like Steve Reich and Philip Glass, and his approach to blending acoustic instruments with electronics. He shares insights into his reimagining of the Bach Cello Suites, and how a chance encounter with Alan Rickman led him to compose for film and television.

The Omega Ensemble performs the world premiere of Peter’s new work, Everything We Here Comes First From Silence, as part of their upcoming tour La Musica Notturna from March 24-27.

Peter's music selections

Reich, S. – Different Trains: America – Before The War
London Steve Reich Ensemble
EMI Classics – 50999 0 87319 2 0

Schubert, F. – String Quintet in C Major op 163 D956 – II. Adagio
Quatuor Ébène; Gautier Capuçon, cello
Warner Classics – 0825646487615

Gregson, P. – Sequence (Four)
Magdalena Filipczak, Warren Zielinski, violins; Laurie Anderson, Meghan Cassidy, violas;
Ashok Klouda, Richard Harwood, cellos
Deutsche Grammophon – 4863298

Britten, B. – Cello Suite no 1 op 72 – Canto primo
Jakob Spahn, cello
Hänssler Classic – HC20063

Hopkins, J. – Light through the veins
Electric Guitar & Hurdy Gurdy, Leo Abrahams; Vince Sipprell, viola; Emma Smith, violin; Lee Muddy Baker, drums
Double Six – DS015CD