I am a London-based composer and producer with a diverse portfolio spanning opera, orchestral music, theatre, video games, and television. I blend artistic versatility with a reflective, collaborative approach, thriving both independently and as part of a creative team, integrating feedback while maintaining a distinctive musical voice. I bring experience in team leadership, project coordination, and community engagement across the performing arts, and I enjoy mentoring others, managing complex workflows, and developing work that resonates with audiences.

William Gardner

I am a London-based composer and producer with a diverse portfolio spanning opera, orchestral music, theatre, video games, and television. I blend artistic versatility with a reflective, collaborative approach, thriving both independently and as part of a creative team, integrating feedback while maintaining a distinctive musical voice. I bring experience in team leadership, project coordination, and community engagement across the performing arts, and I enjoy mentoring others, managing complex workflows, and developing work that resonates with audiences.

Available to hire

I am a London-based composer and producer with a diverse portfolio spanning opera, orchestral music, theatre, video games, and television. I blend artistic versatility with a reflective, collaborative approach, thriving both independently and as part of a creative team, integrating feedback while maintaining a distinctive musical voice.

I bring experience in team leadership, project coordination, and community engagement across the performing arts, and I enjoy mentoring others, managing complex workflows, and developing work that resonates with audiences.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Composer at iPad Storybook Game for Children
January 1, 2025 - Present
Wrote and produced a full set of nursery rhyme–style songs tailored for ages 3–6. Delivered lyrics and melodies through to demo-ready masters in just four days. Composed in the style of leading preschool media (e.g. CoComelon), balancing catchiness with clarity. Integrated vocal guides, DAW production (Logic Pro), and final polish suitable for broadcast/app release.
Music Director at Conductori
January 1, 2022 - Present
Lead a small team in a dynamic start-up environment, managing multiple projects and coordinating between departments. Developed organisational and administrative skills crucial for managing complex workflows and schedules. Recruited and managed a team of transcribers; composed an opening jingle and conducted/produced recordings, finding innovative solutions to technical problems.
Composer at Major AAA Video Game (in development)
January 1, 2025 - Present
Contributed original orchestral themes and demo tracks during early development. Created flexible material to support narrative, gameplay, and world-building. Worked collaboratively with producers to establish a distinctive soundworld and thematic palette.
Composer at Hidden Britain, TV documentary
January 1, 2025 - Present
Created cues for the pilot episode of a six-part documentary, currently in production in conjunction with Channel 4. Developed a subtle, textured soundworld blending solo strings, guitar, and processed field recordings to evoke themes of memory, history, and place. Worked closely with the director to shape a musical language that could evolve across episodes while supporting a reflective and intimate narrative tone.
Composer at A Christmas Carol, Stage Play
January 1, 2024 - October 8, 2025
Composed cues for a stage adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’. Integrated minimalist motifs, Irish folk influences, and industrial textures to underscore the psychological arc of Scrooge. Collaborated with the director and sound designer to create seamless transitions between live action, underscore, and scene changes within a minimalist production framework.
Singer at Various Operas, Concerts, and Film Scores
January 1, 2014 - October 8, 2025
Participated in numerous choral concerts with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Proms, and solo performances as a treble in the Trinity Boys Choir. Credited soloist in films such as The Hunger Games: Mockingjay and TV shows.
Composer at Time and Tide, Opera
January 1, 2024 - October 8, 2025
Composed a 25-minute chamber opera (3 singers and 11 instrumentalists). Commissioned by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in conjunction with the Royal Opera House. Created a successful press campaign that led to all four performances being sold out.
Composer, Singer at The Prisoner, Opera
January 1, 2024 - October 8, 2025
Collaborated with Matthew Green on a successful opera, performed at Students Create Festival (sold out) and revived at Tête-à-Tête: The Opera Festival 2024, performed in the Britten Theatre. Composed a 45-minute work for four singers and orchestra, delving into complex philosophical themes. Received the biennial Stephen Oliver award in Summer 2023. Sourced players and rented rehearsal locations, managed budgets and personality clashes.
Composer, Singer at A New England, Opera
January 1, 2022 - October 8, 2025
Composed a 25-minute chamber opera (2 baritones and 10 instrumentalists). Directed rehearsals, both musically and in stage direction, and managed personnel for the premiere at the inaugural Students Create Festival. Gained insight into the administrative intricacies of professional composition and performance, including having to let people go with compassion. Revived at Tête-à-Tête 2022, which sold out.
Composer, Singer at The City that Fell Off a Cliff
January 1, 2021 - October 8, 2025
Part of an ongoing collaboration with librettist Dr. Matthew Green, composing accompanying songs for his book Shadowlands, published by Faber.
Composer at You Don't Know What These Twilights Can Do
January 1, 2020 - October 8, 2025
Commissioned work for Green Opera, focusing on environmental preservation and renewable opera productions. Set a section of Beckett's Waiting for Godot, premiered online.
Composer, Pianist at Kestrel Theatre Company
January 1, 2022 - Present
Composed a work based on text by an ex-convict, collaborating with the writer, director, and charity leader to align with the organisation's mission.
Composer at iPad Storybook Game for Children
December 31, 2025 - October 8, 2025
Wrote and produced a full set of nursery rhyme–style songs tailored for ages 3–6. Delivered from lyrics and melodies through to fully mixed masters in just four days. Composed in the style of leading preschool media (e.g. CoComelon), balancing catchiness with clarity. Integrated vocal guides, DAW production (Logic Pro), and final polish suitable for broadcast/app release.
Music Director at Conductor
January 1, 2022 - Present
Lead a small team in a dynamic start-up environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously and coordinating between departments. Developed organisational and administrative skills crucial for managing complex work flows and schedules. Oversaw the selection and transcription of music pieces, leveraging VSLs and DAWs for a realistic sound. Recruited and managed a team of transcribers, demonstrating strong leadership and mentoring capabilities. Composed an opening jingle and conducted/produced recordings, finding innovative solutions to technical problems.
Composer at Major AAA Video Game (in development)
January 1, 2025 - Present
Contributed original orchestral themes and demo tracks during early development. Created flexible material to support narrative, gameplay, and world-building. Worked collaboratively with producers to establish a distinctive soundworld and thematic palette.
Composer at Hidden Britain, TV documentary
January 1, 2025 - Present
Created cues for the pilot episode of a six-part documentary, currently in production in conjunction with Channel 4. Developed a subtle, textured soundworld blending solo strings, guitar, and processed field recordings to evoke themes of memory, history, and place. Worked closely with the director to shape a musical language that could evolve across episodes while supporting a reflective and intimate narrative tone.
Composer at A Christmas Carol, Stage Play
December 31, 2024 - October 8, 2025
Composed cues for a stage adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’. Integrated minimalist motifs, Irish folk influences, and industrial textures to underscore the psychological arc of Scrooge. Collaborated with the director and sound designer to create seamless transitions between live action, underscore, and scene changes within a minimalist production framework.
Singer at Various Operas, Concerts, and Film Scores
January 1, 2014 - October 8, 2025
Participated in numerous choral concerts with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Proms, and solo performances as a treble in the Trinity Boys Choir. Credited soloist in films such as 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay' and TV shows.
Composer, Pianist at Kestrel Theatre Company
December 31, 2022 - October 8, 2025
Composed a work based on text by an ex-convict, collaborating with the writer, director, and charity leader to align with the organisation's mission.
Composer at Time and Tide, Opera
December 31, 2024 - October 8, 2025
Composed a 25-minute chamber opera (3 singers and 11 instrumentalists). Commissioned by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in conjunction with the Royal Opera House. Created a successful press campaign that led to all four performances being sold out.
Composer, Singer at The Prisoner, Opera
December 31, 2024 - October 8, 2025
Collaborated on a 45-minute opera for four singers and orchestra, delving into complex philosophical themes. Received the biennial Stephen Oliver award in Summer 2023. Sourced players and rented rehearsal locations, managed budgets and personality clashes.
Composer, Singer at A New England, Opera
December 31, 2022 - October 8, 2025
Composed a 25-minute chamber opera (2 baritones and 10 instrumentalists). Directed rehearsals, both musically and in stage direction, and managed personnel for the premiere. Gained insight into the administrative intricacies of professional composition and performance, including letting people go with compassion. Revived at Tête-à-Tête 2022, which sold out.
Composer, Singer at The City that Fell Off a Cliff
December 31, 2021 - October 8, 2025
Part of an ongoing collaboration with librettist Dr. Matthew Green, composing accompanying songs for his book 'Shadowlands', published by Faber.
Composer at You Don't Know What These Twilights Can Do
December 31, 2020 - October 8, 2025
Commissioned work focusing on environmental preservation and renewable opera productions. Set a section of Beckett's 'Waiting for Godot,' premiered online.
Composer at iPad Storybook Game for Children
January 1, 2025 - Present
Wrote and produced a full set of nursery rhyme–style songs tailored for ages 3–6. Delivered lyrics and melodies through to demo-ready masters in four days. Composed in a CoComelon‑style framework, balancing catchy hooks with clarity. Integrated vocal guides, Logic Pro-based production, and final polish suitable for broadcast/app release.
Music Director at Conductor
January 1, 2022 - Present
Lead a small team in a dynamic start-up environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously and coordinating between departments. Developed organisational and administrative systems for complex workflows. Oversaw music selection and transcription using VSLs and DAWs; recruited and mentored transcribers. Composed an opening jingle and conducted/produced recordings.
Composer at Major AAA Video Game (in development)
January 1, 2025 - Present
Contributed original orchestral themes and demo tracks during early development. Created flexible material to support narrative, gameplay, and world-building. Worked with producers to establish a distinctive soundworld and thematic palette.
Composer at Hidden Britain, TV documentary
January 1, 2025 - Present
Created cues for the pilot episode of a six-part documentary in conjunction with Channel 4. Developed a subtle, textured soundworld blending solo strings, guitar, and processed field recordings to evoke memory, history, and place. Worked closely with the director to shape a musical language that could evolve across episodes while supporting a reflective tone.
Composer at A Christmas Carol, Stage Play
January 1, 2024 - Present
Composed cues for a stage adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’. Integrated minimalist motifs, Irish folk influences, and industrial textures to underscore the psychological arc of Scrooge. Collaborated with the director and sound designer to create seamless transitions between live action, underscore, and scene changes within a minimalist production framework.
Singer at Various Operas, Concerts, and Films
January 1, 2014 - October 8, 2025
Treble in the Trinity Boys Choir; performed in choral concerts with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Proms; credited soloist in films such as The Hunger Games: Mockingjay and Maleficent, as well as TV appearances.
Composer at Time and Tide, Opera
January 1, 2024 - Present
Composed a 25-minute chamber opera (3 singers and 11 instrumentalists). Commissioned by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in conjunction with the Royal Opera House. Created a press campaign that led to sold-out performances.
Composer, Singer at The Prisoner, Opera
January 1, 2023 - Present
Collaborated on a 45-minute opera for four singers and orchestra; performed at Students Create Festival (sold out) and revived at Tête-à-Tête: The Opera Festival 2024. Received the biennial Stephen Oliver award in Summer 2023. Sourced players, rented rehearsal spaces, and managed budgets and personnel.
Composer, Singer at A New England, Opera
January 1, 2022 - Present
Composed a 25-minute chamber opera (2 baritones and 10 instrumentalists). Directed rehearsals musically and in stage direction, and managed personnel for the premiere at the inaugural Students Create Festival; revived at Tête-à-Tête 2022 (sold out).
Composer, Singer at The City that Fell Off a Cliff
January 1, 2021 - Present
Co-authored accompanying songs for Dr. Matthew Green's book Shadowlands (Faber).
Composer at You Don't Know What These Twilights Can Do
January 1, 2020 - Present
Commissioned by Green Opera, focusing on environmental preservation and renewable opera productions. Set a section of Beckett's Waiting for Godot; premiered online.
Composer, Pianist at Kestrel Theatre Company (Volunteering)
January 1, 2022 - Present
Composed a work based on text by an ex-convict, collaborating with the writer, director, and charity leader to align with the organisation's mission.
Composer at iPad Storybook Game for Children
January 1, 2025 - Present
Wrote and produced a full set of nursery rhyme–style songs tailored for ages 3–6; delivered from lyrics and melodies through to demo-ready masters in just four days; composed in the style of leading preschool media (e.g. CoComelon); integrated vocal guides, DAW production (Logic Pro), and final polish suitable for broadcast/app release.
Music Director at Conductor
January 1, 2022 - Present
Lead a small team in a dynamic start-up environment, managing multiple projects concurrently; developed organisational and administrative skills for complex workflows; oversaw the selection and transcription of music pieces, leveraging VSLs and DAWs for realistic sound; recruited and managed a team of transcribers; composed an opening jingle and conducted/produced recordings.
Composer at Major AAA Video Game (in development)
January 1, 2025 - Present
Contributed original orchestral themes and demo tracks; created flexible material to support narrative, gameplay, and world-building; worked collaboratively with producers to establish a distinctive soundworld and thematic palette.
Composer at Hidden Britain, TV documentary
January 1, 2025 - Present
Created cues for the pilot episode of a six-part documentary; developed a subtle, textured soundworld blending solo strings, guitar, and processed field recordings to evoke memory, history, and place; collaborated with the director to shape a musical language that could evolve across episodes while supporting a reflective and intimate narrative tone.
Composer at A Christmas Carol, Stage Play
January 1, 2024 - October 8, 2025
Composed cues for a stage adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol'; integrated minimalist motifs, Irish folk influences, and industrial textures to underscore the psychological arc of Scrooge; collaborated with the director and sound designer to create seamless transitions between live action, underscore, and scene changes within a minimalist production framework.
Composer at Time and Tide, Opera
January 1, 2024 - October 8, 2025
Composed a 25-minute chamber opera (3 singers and 11 instrumentalists); commissioned by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in conjunction with the Royal Opera House; created a successful press campaign that led to all four performances being sold out.
Composer, Singer at The Prisoner, Opera
January 1, 2023 - October 8, 2025
Collaborated with Matthew Green on a 45-minute opera for four singers and orchestra; performed at Students Create Festival (sold out) and revived at Tête-à-Tête: The Opera Festival 2024; received the biennial Stephen Oliver award in Summer 2023; sourced players and rented rehearsal locations, managed budgets and scheduling.
Composer, Singer at A New England, Opera
January 1, 2022 - October 8, 2025
Composed a 25-minute chamber opera (2 baritones and 10 instrumentalists); directed rehearsals musically and in stage direction, and managed personnel for the premiere at the inaugural Students Create Festival; revived at Tête-à-Tête 2022, which sold out.
Singer at The City that Fell Off a Cliff
January 1, 2021 - October 8, 2025
Part of an ongoing collaboration with librettist Dr. Matthew Green, composing accompanying songs for his book 'Shadowlands', published by Faber.
Composer at You Don't Know What These Twilights Can Do
January 1, 2020 - October 8, 2025
Commissioned work focusing on environmental preservation and renewable opera productions; set a section of Beckett's 'Waiting for Godot,' premiered online.
Composer, Pianist at Kestrel Theatre Company (Volunteer)
January 1, 2022 - Present
Composed a work based on text by an ex-convict, collaborating with the writer, director, and charity leader to align with the organisation's mission.

Education

MA in Opera-Making and Writing at Guildhall School of Music and Drama
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024
BMus (with Honours) in Composition at Royal Academy of Music, London
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
MA in Opera-Making and Writing at Guildhall School of Music and Drama
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024
BMus (with Honours) in Composition at Royal Academy of Music, London
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023
MA in Opera-Making and Writing (Distinction) at Guildhall School of Music and Drama
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024
BMus (with Honours) in Composition (First Class) at Royal Academy of Music, London
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
MA in Opera-Making and Writing at Guildhall School of Music and Drama
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024
BMus (with Honours) in Composition at Royal Academy of Music, London
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023

Qualifications

Stephen Oliver Award
January 1, 2023 - October 8, 2025
Stephen Oliver Award
July 1, 2023 - October 8, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Gaming, Education, Software & Internet, Professional Services