The Man

Andrew studied composition and clarinet at Trinity College of Music, but left when his group Syn turned professional. Two of Syn’s members were bassist Chris Squire and guitarist Pete Banks, who later became founder members of Yes. From 1968 until his death in 2003, Andrew worked as an arranger, conductor and composer.

As an arranger he received many platinum and gold discs for his work with such diverse talents as Elkie Brooks, Yes, Peter Skellern, the Sex Pistols, Lesley Garrett, Gary Barlow, Barbra Streisand, Nanci Griffith, LeAnn Rimes and Elton John. In June 1997 he orchestrated the Finale, Rhythm of my Heart, for the vast array of musical forces involved in the ceremony marking the handover of Hong Kong.

He conducted most major London orchestras in recording sessions, notably the LSO’s highly successful Classic Rock series.

Andrew’s serious compositions include Pinocchio, a music theatre piece for King’s Singers and the London Symphony Orchestra, Concerto for Brass Quintet, written for the Equale Brass, The Nine Daies Wonder Overture for orchestra and Pandora’s Box for brass band. The New Buckenham Suite was a test piece for the National Youth Brass Band Finals. Circus, a solo oboe piece, has been widely performed and was recorded by Gordon Hunt and Thomas Hecker. Later works include Bone Dances for solo trombone, Iron Horses, commissioned by the Cremone Trio for the Hitchin Festival and Till the Cows Come Home for five horns. Andrew also composed a large number of choral and brass band works.

His library music compositions have been used extensively on TV, radio and films including American Werewolf in London and music for the awardwinning audio-visual presentation for Chateau La Tour (pictures by Snowdon).

Andrew never stopped composing. Shortly before his death he completed A Comedy of Ghosts, a choir work which received its first performance in Autumn 2003.