Joanna Ward is a composer and performer from Newcastle upon Tyne, based in London. Her practice revolves around experimental score-making methodologies, and exploring what happens when improvisation is situated alongside simple, repetitious musical ideas. She likes to work closely with other artists on her projects which often layer live sound with recorded sound, video, and/or other media.

Recent projects have included creating works for: LCMF 2025, working with her sister, Laurie Ward, on an experimental performance piece; Figure Ensemble, premiere at Stone Nest, January 2025; Marian Consort, Aldeburgh Festival 2024; live saxophone and video, in collaboration with Lucy Havelock; Slide Action's album on NMC Recordings; the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Tectonics Festival 2022; the Aldeburgh Festival 2022, for which she created an experimental documentary; and EXAUDI at the Norfolk & Norwich Festival.

Her work is regularly performed in the UK, Europe, and the US. Joanna graduated from the University of Cambridge with a BA in Music in 2019, and with an MA in Composition from Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2021, learning with Amber Priestley. She was a Junior Fellow at Guildhall School in 2021-22, and a Britten Pears Young Artist in 2021-22. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Composition at the University of Leeds, supported by a Stanley Burton Fellowship.

As a vocalist and performer, Joanna mostly performs contemporary, experimental, and improvised musics. She regularly performs with Musarc experimental choir, and has duo projects with fellow composer-performers Omri Kochavi and Pentu.

Alongside her practice as a composer and performer, Joanna works part-time as a charity fundraiser.

Download Joanna's full CV here.

Download headshots here (all © Meadow Marks, 2024).