BIOGRAPHY

Darren Lord was born in 1981 and grew up in Maidenhead, Berkshire. His musical education began with Clarinet and Cello lessons at the age of ten and then piano lessons at the age of fourteen.

Darren continued to study music at university and graduated from Southampton with a BA (Hons) degree in Music (2002) and an MA degree in Music Composition (2003).

Whilst at university, he studied composition with Matthew Scott, Michael Finnissy, and Michael Zev Gordon, and classical piano with Andrew West and David Owen Norris. Extra-curricular activities included Assistant Musical Director of Jazzmanix (Southampton University Jazz and Gospel Choir), and keyboard player, musical director and arranger for Showstoppers (Southampton University Musical Theatre Society).

Darren has worked regularly at the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton, and has played in pit orchestras for theatrical productions across the south of England. As well as performing, Darren is a skilled arranger, orchestrator, transcriber and copyist and also has experience as a youth theatre workshop leader.

Outside of the theatre Darren has considerable experience as an accompanist, having played for soloists of all ages and standards. At university he was a member of Three Piece (a Flute, Cello and Piano trio) playing a wide range of classical repertoire.

Between July 2004 and August 2006 Darren was Assistant Musical Director for the international touring production of MAMMA MIA! In 2006 he moved to London to be part of the original London company of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre (www.wickedthemusical.co.uk). During his time at Wicked he also served as rehearsal pianist for Desperately Seeking Susan at the Novello Theatre.  In October 2008, Darren returned to touring the world with MAMMA MIA! (www.mamma-mia.com)