I am a composer, arranger, and performing musician. I enjoy writing lots of different music, very often involving some sort of theatrical element. I studied at Trinity College of Music with Alwynne Pritchard among others. I won some prizes there including the John Halford and Daryl Runswick composition prizes.
I write concert works, as well as pieces for theatre and dance. As well as traditional instruments, I also use electronics to create soundscapes and generative installation pieces.
I am a keen improviser, having won the Gladys Puttick Memorial Prize for extemporisation as a duo with singer Natasha Lohan. I also play piano and sing in a free improvisation group with some other students at college, check us out at www.myspace.com/bookofplay
I have written fanfares for the grand re-opening of the Royal Observatory Greenwich by Her Majesty the Queen, and the inauguration of the Hawksmoor Staircase by HRH the Duke of Kent.
"...an innovative piece with live music based on Rumplestiltskin. John Chambers’ original composition was powerful enough to work as a stand-alone performance, pulling together elements of speech and song with instrumental storytelling through bass clarinet, violin, percussion and the haunting clarity of Natasha Lohan’s voice. Focusing on the darkest aspects of the tale, ‘Rumplestiltskin’ was a truly sinister character, hard faced and claw-handed, while the young girl was uncomfortably reminiscent of a hostage or sexual victim, moving in sharp, broken steps and cowering underneath her lustrous free-flowing hair. As a ghoulish villain, Rumplestiltskin was far more intense and dangerous than the familiar fairytale gold-spinner, only slipping into that gleeful, mischievous character when left alone onstage to leap in anticipation of his grim prize.
Simple use of set and costume worked to their advantage, as the red and green of the two performers’ clothing marked a clash between their characters (+ greed/fury?). The choreography was intriguing and well executed, the music captivating and shocking, and both were technically inspiring. Plus, it is always a joy to watch someone such as composer John Chambers, clearly loving every moment of their show." - A review by Tanith Lindon for EXTRA! EXTRA!
"[Johns' music] sounds like it should be performed by important people in important places." - Troy Banarzi (www.banarzi.com)
"Your piece made me feel physically sick!" - Sarah Scutt