Graham Whettam

Missa Brevis

Graham Whettam (1927-2007) was a largely self-taught composer who occupies a place in the English symphonic tradition. His works include five symphonies - among them the Sinfonia Contra Timore and the Promethean Symphony - and a wealth of chamber works, including four string quartets, various trios and a series of works for solo instrument and solo voice with piano. He also wrote some substantial vocal-orchestral works. Whettam's choral music covers mass settings, a Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis, several secular works and settings of Shakespeare and Dylan Thomas. Works for children include the opera The Chef Who Wanted to Rule the World and the orchestral overture for schools, A Prospect of Liverpool.