Jeremy’s lively interest in composing and arranging first began to flourish at University, where his music was featured in a BBC broadcast. Joining The King’s Singers offered the opportunity for his work to be heard and appreciated by audiences worldwide.
Many arrangements for The King’s Singers (such as the popular Early One Morning and Annie Laurie) are published in The King’s Singers Folksongs and The King’s Singers Madrigals (Faber). An initial series of carols for the Dutch publisher Harmonia* has been followed by regular requests for further arrangements. Language is no barrier – Jeremy’s arrangements include two Taiwanese folksongs and many of his editions of Renaissance music (published by Hinshaw) carry new and idiomatic translations.
Compositions include Evening Service Michaeli Jacobo (choir and organ) commissioned by the Michael James Music Trust: Eden for the Haringey Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra: Venite Adoremus (choir, trumpet and organ) and To Walk Innocently (choir a cappella) for RunBySingers: and Time and Space (orchestra, senior and junior choirs), commissioned by the directorate of Lesnes Abbey.
Jeremy’s cantata for children, Sticky-Wacky-Steely-Rock-Grip-Chop-Bounce! has proved hugely popular since it was first commissioned. Performers to date include the New London Children’s Choir, Stoneygate Junior Choir, and massed children’s choirs in Leicester (as part of the Sing-Up programme) and Milton Keynes.
I was, as we say here, completely blown away by the Jackman arrangement of Stille Nacht… it was stunning.
Monica Bay, California
At the centre of the evening was the premiere of the mini-opera Sea Tongue. With …dramatic music composed by Jeremy Jackman, this story of a violent sea storm and the following calm has all the directness and simplicity of Britten’s Noyes Fludde. It is a gripping work that will be heard again.
John Smart, Eastern Daily Press
* These may now be obtained from Palace Music
