Thomas Hooper – Composer

Composer

Thomas Hooper is a composer, conductor and guitarist based in Cardiff, Wales. He is currently studying for a PhD in Music Composition at Cardiff University under the tutelage of Dr Pedro Faria Gomes, where he was awarded the David Evans Prize 2022. Recent engagements include working with Jac van Steen and the BBC National Orchestral of Wales as part of Composition Wales 2026. Additionally, he was awarded 2nd place in the Prémio Internacional de Composição Darcos 2024, with his music having also been performed at the Penarth Chamber Music Festival 2024/25. His compositions reflect influences of neo-romanticism in their approach to lyricism and form, while he is also inspired by modernist and popular music. As a performer, Thomas was the Musical Director of Cardiff University Concert Orchestra, where he programmed atypical repertoire from composers such as Augusta Holmès, Leoš Janáček and Amanda Maier Röntgen. Additionally, Thomas is trained on the electric and classical guitar, for which he frequently performs contemporary music.

Performer

As a conductor, Thomas was the Musical Director of Cardiff University Concert Orchestra, where he programmed repertoire from composers such as Augusta Holmès, Leoš Janáček and Amanda Maier Röntgen. Additionally, Thomas is trained on the electric and classical guitar, in which he has performed works by Anton Webern, Terry Riley, Peter Reynolds and David Roche.