Joanna Borrett presents Moments of Freedom, five evocative pieces reflecting life’s journey.
Joanna Borrett, a self-taught composer and cellist, is preparing to debut Moments of Freedom, a five-part song cycle set for release on 29 September 2025. This collection offers introspective compositions for mezzo-soprano and piano, designed to portray pivotal stages of life through expressive music and lyrical interpretation.
The recording took place at the Royal College of Music, showcasing performances from Angelina Dorlin-Barlow and Firoze Madon, whose artistry was shaped by experience as a BBC Young Musician of the Year finalist. With the support of Nick Sears, the project emphasizes collaboration between emerging performers and a composer redefining her artistic path.
Joanna shares, “Moments of Freedom is a cycle of five songs that represent different stages of life. Working with Angelina and Firoze was a joy — their insight and commitment added an extra element to the music and I was thrilled by their artistry.”
Joanna’s musical path is marked by personal transformation. After a 20-year gap from professional performance, she reentered the music world with a drive to compose. Her self-guided learning in improvisation and arrangement laid the groundwork for a career shift, culminating in her being signed to Kevin Mayhew Publishers.
Her works have been recognized by both media and royalty — aired on BBC Radio 3, featured on Magic Classical, and honored by Gramophone. Performances of her music by the Duchess of Edinburgh’s string orchestra at Holyrood Palace further spotlight her rising profile.
Additionally, three of Borrett’s string compositions have been added to the Trinity exam syllabus, a distinction that underscores her relevance in both performance and educational contexts.
