Born in York in 1933, John Barry was one of the most influential film composers of the twentieth century. Best known for his music for the James Bond films including iconic songs Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice and Diamonds Are Forever, Barry composed scores for over one hundred films and television programmes, winning five Academy Awards and four Grammys.

His pioneering use of contemporary jazz and rock & roll sounds, which he discovered as an army trumpeter, combined with his signature lush orchestrations, has had an enormous impact on the sound of cinema. Therefore, it is fitting that Barry was chosen for the inspiration behind our inaugural Celebration of New Cinematic Song.

This concert features original songs composed by students from Guildhall’s Electronic & Produced Music Department, inspired by the full range of orchestral and emotional colour found in John Barry’s music.