Esther Bersweden (b. 1996)

Esther Bersweden is a British composer whose interest lies in making new music accessible, enjoyable and meaningful for performers and audiences, and whose passion is centred around writing and directing choral music. Her works have been widely performed by UK parish and cathedral choirs, broadcast on Radio 3 and BBC1, and commissioned by choirs such as St Martin’s Voices, Bristol Bach Choir, St Mary Redcliffe, Redland Green Choir, Eltham Choral Society, St Mary’s Wimbledon, Thames Chamber Choir and City of Bristol Choir.

Prior to her selection as a composer on the National Youth Choir’s Emerging Professional Artists scheme 2025–26, Esther was awarded a music MA with distinction from Bristol University in 2021, where she specialised in composition. For nine years she was involved in the musical life of St Paul’s Church, Clifton, where she discovered her love of conducting through her role as Organ Scholar. Previously Composer-in-Residence at Redmaids’ High School, Bristol, in 2024 she was appointed Director of Music at St Barnabas Church, Oxford. She also directs community choirs, and is the co-founder and co-conductor of the Bristol-based Avon Chamber Choir. 

Esther’s music is published by Encore Publications, Oxford University Press, the Royal School of Church Music and Stainer & Bell, and is available on both the Resonus Classics and NMC Recordings labels.

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