The music of German composer Anian Wiedner often deals with human experience in the 21st century in a physical, embodied way. Having initially trained as an organist, he is particularly interested in the creation of a sonic space through his music. His sound worlds are characterized by spectral harmonies, microtonal beatings, extended glissandi, drones, and electronic processing. Anian’s compositional output includes pieces for solo instruments, chamber ensembles, voice, orchestra, and electronics.
Recent highlights include a four-hour long sound installation in the RCM Museum, blending historical instruments with modern electronics, and music for the dance-theatre production Wonder. He is two-time winner of the RCM Concerto Competition with the orchestral piece Sesquialtera (2022) as well as his violin concerto Waterfall Night (2023), which resulted in their subsequent premiers.
Anian has written pieces for ensembles such as EXAUDI, the Plus-Minus Ensemble, the Fidelio Trio and has collaborated extensively with choreographers and dancers from institutions such as the London Contemporary Dance School and the Central School of Ballet. His music has been performed by musicians and ensembles such as David Nebel (concertmaster of the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra), the Fidelio Trio and the RCM Symphony Orchestra and has been conducted by Natalie Murray-Beale, Graham Ross and Daniel Hogan.
Anian has recently finished his postgraduate studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama as a Guildhall Scholar and previously graduated from his Bachelor of Music at the Royal College of Music as the recipient of the Worshipful Company of Musicians Silver Medal. Important current and past teachers include Julian Anderson, Paul Newland, Simon Holt, Alison Kay and Jonathan Cole as well as Gavyn Bryars at the International Dartington Music Summer School and Festival. In February 2025 he will attend the Impuls Academy in Graz supported by the Finzi Trust. There he will be mentored by Carola Bauckholt and Johannes Kalitzke, amongst others.
In addition to his work as a composer, Anian is an active organist, currently holding the position of Director of Music at St Mark's, Wimbledon. He is a dedicated advocate for new music, with his premier recording of Jonathan Cole's Templum released by October House Records in 2023. Anian also regularly performs as an improviser, creating new soundtracks for silent films. He studied the organ at the Royal College of Music with David Graham and Andrew Dewar and has played on organs such as St Bavo in Haarlem, St Sulpice and La Trinite in Paris as well as a variety of organs across Germany. He regularly gives recitals in the UK and Germany, championing both new works, as well as traditional repertoire.