About Joanna Borrett
Joanna Borrett is a British composer and cellist whose music is recognised for its lyrical writing, strong sense of narrative and distinctive voice for strings. She came to composition later in her career following an earlier path as a cellist and journalist.
Joanna’s first string orchestra work – Clan – was recorded by Her Ensemble in 2024, chosen as Album of the Weekend by Magic Classical and Video of the Day by Gramophone . Clan has received regular broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and Swedish Radio, performances by professional and amateur orchestras and been used for ballet choreography. Her first song cycle – Moments of Freedom – received its premiere at The Royal College of Music in September 2025.
This year Signum Records is promoting three of Joanna’s new string orchestra pieces. The first of these recordings – Then – came out in April, was selected for Spotify’s New Classical playlist and has been played several times on Radio 3. Rebellion – a concerto grosso – has just been released.
Joanna’s music is published by U.M.P. and Kevin Mayhew – where she is a house composer. Several of her works for cello and viola are included in the ABRSM and Trinity College exam syllabuses.