ANSEL CHALONER-HUGHES
Opus 1 composer
Ansel is one of the six Opus 1 composers selected for 2025
Ansel is an 18-year-old composer and pianist based between Worthing and North Wales, currently mentored by composer Sally Beamish OBE ahead of beginning his undergraduate studies as a scholar at the Royal College of Music. He holds the position of Composer in Residence with both the Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra and the Lancing Chamber Orchestra.
Forthcoming projects include a solo viola work commissioned by Sally Beamish, a Saxophone Concerto commissioned by the Winchester Symphony Orchestra and a Bassoon Concerto to be premiered in 2026 by Ian Glen and the Musicians of All Saints.
Ansel’s music draws influence from composers such as Prokofiev, Hindemith, Malcolm Arnold, and John McCabe, alongside inspiration from nature, literature, and the visual arts. An accomplished pianist, he will give a 50-minute recital of 20th- and 21st-century British piano music at Christchurch, Worthing, in 2026. He is keen to promote the work of neglected composers and, in his own music, aims to combine the familiar with the novel.
He previously studied piano and composition at the Junior Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (2020–2024), under the tutelage of Rebeca Omordia and Geoff Hanan.
Learn more on Ansel's website
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Getting to know Ansel
What's the first thing you do when starting a new piece?
When I am commissioned to write a piece it soon begins forming in my mind. The initial creative impulse can be spontaneous, or triggered by something visual. At this stage, I mentally plan out the structure, textures, some thematic material and developmental ideas. I will also listen widely to existing repertoire relevant to the piece. When I have established exactly what I am trying to achieve with each section of the work I will start to notate, elaborating what I had in my head into something more detailed.
Where do you find inspiration for your music?
Having grown up in North Wales and rural Shropshire, I find much inspiration in the natural world. The visual art that moves me most reflects this: JMW Turner, Max Ernst, Henry Moore. I am currently writing a 20 minute orchestral work based on the painting 'Vernal Equinox' by Paul Nash which, to me, depicts something quite familiar.
Was there a particular moment when you knew you wanted to be a composer?
I have always wanted to create new music. When I finally understood the roles and duties of a professional composer, and had the necessary technical skills, I started to notate my music formally.
What are you hoping to explore or challenge in your work during Opus 1?
Having written many performed orchestral works but little chamber music, writing for a trio of professional musicians will help me to expand my compositional language. The multiple opportunities to discuss the music with the players afforded by Opus 1 will allow me to explore new possibilities with the instruments.
What 3 pieces of music would be on your desert island disk?
Prokofiev - Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 16 [and 3 and 5] (Gutiérrez, Järvi)
Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 29 Op. 106 (Or, if possible, the complete Piano Sonatas)
Honegger - Symphony No. 2 [and 4] (Or Hindemith's Kammermusik)
Tea or Coffee?
Tea
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl
Pencil or software?
For sketching I use both; for the final engraving I use Dorico.