Popular British composer Asteryth Sloane, whose compositions were performed at various concert venues across the UK, has died. Sloane was 26 years old at the time of their deaths. Sloane’s compositions are well celebrated and performed by some of the UK’s greatest ensembles, including VOCES8, Paraorchestra, BBC Singers and the BBC Concert Orchestra, to name a few.
Asteryth Sloane died at the age of 26
The Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Philharmonic Society took to their Instagram accounts to share the news of their deaths with the world. Sharing their photo in the post, the RNCM wrote, “We are deeply saddened to hear the news that composer and RNCM alum Asteryth Sloane has passed away at the age of 26.” The post further shared details about their education and degrees, and discussed their “unique methods of composition and creativity.“The post further reading, “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. Their musicological work explores the power of listening to bring us to closer and ethical relationships with sound, as well as the rights of sound and sound sources. Recently, Asteryth has trained as an interpersonal therapist and heals the context. We send our sincere condolences to Asteryth’s family and friends.”RPS also posted about his death, writing, “A blind composer with a unique compositional approach and talent, we pay tribute to Asteryth’s creativity, and encourage music lovers to continue listening to and performing Asteryth’s music, ensuring it continues to resonate.”
The tributes are pouring in for Asteryth Sloane
Shortly after the news was shared online, many people commented to remember the composer. A social media user commented, “This is devastating news… Asteryth is an amazing friend and musician, a sensitive and thoughtful artist, an inspiration to all of us who know them. Sending love to their family and friends,” while another person shared, “I remember when we were both in first year and seeing their (unbelievable) work, talking to them really helped me build my confidence as a composer. Really devastating news, sending my thoughts to everyone affected by this. “A third person also commented, “The world has suffered such a loss. I have worked closely with Asteryth throughout my mastery and know them through their musical thoughts and trades. A very special bean whose music will live on,” while another netizen mentioned that, “Can’t begin to say that it stings. A great musical talent and passionate therapist.“
Asteryth Sloane is a respected name in the industry and is known for many of their award-winning compositions. (Instagram)
One of his teachers, Tom Coult, also remembers working with him and posted a comment that read, “I taught Asteryth when they were in the scheme of young composers of the Britten Sinfonia as a teenager. An incredibly poetic, thoughtful, sincere mind, full of ideas and beauty.
Tom Coult, one of her former teachers, also joined the comment section and opened up about how great it was working with Sloane. (Instagram)
More about composer Asteryth Sloane:
The musician is well known for his award-winning compositions, and despite going blind at the age of two, went on to have a successful career. Sloane has won numerous awards for their work, including the Cambridge Young Composer of the Year Competition in 2016, the senior category in the BBC Proms Inspire Young Composers’ Competition in 2018 for their piece ‘Elegy for Aylan’, as well as a commission from the Royal Philharmonic Society to mark Classic FM’s 25th birthday.Their compositions often explore themes of the environment, spirituality, philosophy, and personal identity. Beyond their musical prowess, Sloane has also dabbled in other streams and is a well-known researcher and psychotherapist.They completed their Bachelor of Music (Composition) with first-class honours, and also have a Master’s in Composition and Musicology with distinction. Sloane also holds an MSc in Counseling and Psychotherapy from Keele University and is a registered PHD researcher in Poetry and Ecolinguistics at the University of Gloucestershire.