Todd McNeal writes musical theatre, choral works and left-field pop songs, working closely with performers and lyricists.
His set of choral pieces “Songs of the Sea and Sky” received its world premiere at the Melbourne Recital Centre in July 2010 performed by the National Boys Choir of Australia, one of Australia’s leading treble-voice choirs. The songs formed part of the repertoire for the NBCA's successful tour to China and Hong Kong later that year; and songs from the set have since been performed by other leading Australian choirs, including Birralee Voices and Junior Gondwana.
His recent musical, Grace and Favour (2008), with book and lyrics by British writer Jane Scott, is a dark and humourous contemporary fairytale. It received high encouragement from the Global Search for New Musicals at the Cardiff International Festival of Musical Theatre. The judges commented on its “musical maturity along with the wit of its lyrics”. It was recently presented in a workshop performance at the Cockpit Theatre, London, directed by Louis Fantasia.
“All My Good Intentions” (2007) showcases McNeal’s beautifully-crafted pop songs and features lush British vocalist Emma Lewendon and support from top Sydney jazz players. Music critic Heath Andrews sums up: “for a pop-jazz hybrid recording, it probably doesn't get a heck of a lot better than this”.
McNeal trained in the UK at the University of York and Royal Northern College of Music. Early successes include a number of operatic works: 'Virtual Reality' for National Youth Music Theatre and 'Inspector Otto and the Long-Haired Bicycle Maniac', winner of the English National Opera competition New Visions New Voices.
His setting of Siegfried Sassoon’s poem 'Everyone Sang' won the Wigmore Hall Songs from the Underground Competition.
McNeal is based in Sydney, Australia. He is currently completing new choral commissions and developing his next musical.
For enquiries to commission new work from Todd, or to discuss artistic collaborations please email todd@toddmcnealmusic.com