The famous British composer Asteryth Sloane, whose compositions were performed in various concert halls in the United Kingdom, has died. Sloane was 26 at the time of her passing. Sloane’s compositions have been well celebrated and performed by some of the UK’s leading ensembles including VOCES8, Paraorchestra, BBC Singers and the BBC Concert Orchestra to name a few.
Asteryth Sloane dies at 26
The Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Philharmonic Society took to their Instagram accounts to share the news of his death with the world. Sharing his photo in the post, RNCM wrote: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news that composer and RNCM alumnus Asteryth Sloane has died aged 26.” The publication also shared details about his education and degree, and spoke of his “unique compositional and creative methods.“The post further stated: “Asteryth’s music is known for its responses to the beauty and fragility of the living Earth, as well as themes of identity and spirituality. His musicological work explores the power of listening to bring us into more intimate and ethical relationships with sound, as well as the rights of sound and sound sources. Most recently, Asteryth trained as an interpersonal and contextual therapist. We send our deepest condolences to Asteryth’s family and friends.”RPS also posted about her passing, writing: “A blind songwriter with a unique songwriting method and bravery, we pay tribute to Asteryth’s creativity and urge music lovers to continue listening and performing Asteryth’s music, ensuring it continues to resonate.”
Tributes are pouring in for Asteryth Sloane
Soon after the news was shared online, many people commented to remember the composer. One social media user commented: “This is devastating news… Asteryth was a wonderful friend and musician, a sensitive and caring artist, an inspiration to all who met them. Sending love to his family and friends,” while another shared: “I remember when we were both in freshman year and seeing their work (amazing) and talking to them as a songwriter gave me so much confidence. Truly devastating news, sending my thoughts to all affected by this.”A third person also commented: “The world has suffered such a loss. I worked very closely with Asteryth throughout my Masters and got to know them through his thoughts and musical adventures. A very special Bean whose music will live on,” while another netizen mentioned that “I can’t begin to say how much this stings. Asteryth was a rare, caring, considerate person… A great musical talent and passionate therapist.“
Asteryth Sloane was a revered name in the industry and was known for many of his award-winning compositions. (Instagram)
One of her mentors, Tom Coult, also recalled working with her, posting a comment that said: “I taught Asteryth when they were on the Britten Sinfonia Young Composers scheme as a teenager. An incredibly poetic, thoughtful, sincere mind, overflowing with ideas and beauty. Desperately sad.”
Tom Coult, one of her former mentors, also got in touch in the comments section and talked about how great it was to work with Sloane. (Instagram)
Learn more about composer Asteryth Sloane
The musician was known for his award-winning compositions and, despite going blind at the age of two, maintained a fairly successful career. Sloane has won many accolades for his work, including the Cambridge Young Composer of the Year Competition in 2016, the senior category of the BBC Proms Inspire Young Composers’ Competition in 2018 for his piece ‘Elegy for Aylan’, as well as a commission from the Royal Philharmonic Society to mark Classic FM’s 25th anniversary.His compositions often explore themes of the environment, spirituality, philosophy and personal identity. Beyond his musical ability, Sloane had also ventured into other streams and was a well-known researcher and psychotherapist.They completed the Bachelor of Music (Composition) with first class distinction, and also had a Masters in Composition and Musicology with distinction. Sloane also had an MA in Counseling and Psychotherapy from Keele University and was a Registered PhD Researcher in Poetry and Ecolinguistics at the University of Gloucestershire.