About
Composer
Jack Pepper (b.1999) has composed for the Royal Opera House, for Classic FM's 25th Birthday, the Royal Philharmonic Society, for the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's 125th Birthday and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. He has recorded his work with acclaimed conductors including Sir Antonio Pappano, Vasily Petrenko and Kirill Karabits, and his music has been performed on Classic FM and the BBC. Jack has also collaborated with the London Philharmonic Orchestra as part of the LPO Soundworks project. Upcoming commissions include a major project with the Orlando Contemporary Chamber Orchestra.
Aside from classical composition, Jack writes popular songs and jazz; he performed his original song 'One Day' live at the Holocaust Educational Trust Appeal Dinner in Central London before an esteemed audience, including the Home Secretary and Chief Rabbi. As a Trustee of the DMRC Headley Court Benevolent Fund, Jack composed a song for the military hospital. In July 2018, this piece was premiered at the facility's final ever Beating Retreat Ceremony, where Jack performed alongside the Band of HM Royal Marines and the Headley Court Choir. This song was also performed at the charity's inaugural Gala Dinner in October 2018, in the presence of royalty and senior military officers.
As a jazz composer, Jack was commissioned by Canada's SymphRONica, who performed his work at the Canada 150 Celebrations in Trafalgar Square, as well as at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and in Toronto.
"cool, catchy tune[s]...fine example[s] of the fusion of styles." - The WholeNote (Canada), about Jack Pepper's 'Chance', recorded by SymphRONica
To hear some of Jack's classical, jazz and popular works, explore the 'Music' link at the top of this page!
Broadcaster
Jack is a presenter on Scala Radio, the UK's brand new entertainment-led national classical radio station; Jack is one of the youngest national radio presenters in the UK. Jack joins a line-up that includes Simon Mayo, Anthea Turner and Goldie. He has presented Scala Radio Spotlight: The London Symphony Orchestra, exploring the recorded archives of the ensemble. His regular show, Jack Pepper's Culture Bunker, is a treasure trove tour of classical music, exploring the human stories behind the genre. His guests have included some of classical music's biggest stars, including soprano Renee Fleming and violinist Nicola Benedetti. Listen every Saturday 3-5pm on DAB radio, online, on the app and via smart speaker.
In 2018 and 2019, Jack was a regular presenter on Resonance FM, writing and presenting 'Musical Minds'; this show was nominated for the 2018 Community Radio Awards. He has also presented for Surrey Hills Radio and developed programme ideas with BBC Radio 3; he has appeared on BBC Surrey, Forces Network and Radio Jackie. In August 2018 Jack was a Guest MC at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
"Genial" - The Times
To listen to some of Jack's Resonance FM shows, explore the link at the top of this page!
Writer
Jack has written opinion pieces and blogs for BBC Music Magazine, Gramophone, Slipped Disc, the Royal Philharmonic Society Blog, Jessica Duchen's JDCMB and RadioToday, and a series of columns for Musical Opinion and Jewish News. He is currently a monthly columnist for Classical Music Magazine, the industry standard publication. Jack is also a reviewer for Opera and Opera Today. Articles about Jack's work have appeared in national publications including The Observer and The i; in February 2019, he wrote a tribute to Andre Previn for the Daily Mirror, following the news of the musician's passing. Jack is particularly passionate about music education, bringing classical music and live performances to younger audiences.