Tribute to Asteryth Sloane, former Hills Road student and award-winning composer

Hills Road said it was “deeply saddened” by the news. “Asteryth was a remarkable student whose creativity, sensitivity, and intellectual curiosity stood out during their time at Hills Road. We are immensely proud of all they achieved and the distinctive artistic voice they brought to the world. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and all who were touched by their work.”

Asteryth studied A level English Literature, Latin and Philosophy at Hills Road from 2016-2018 and went on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM).

Asteryth completed both a Bachelor of Music in Composition, graduating with First Class honours, and a Master’s degree in Composition and Musicology, graduating with Distinction, at the RNCM, where they studied under Professor Emily Howard. In 2025, they were awarded Associate Membership of the RNCM in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the music profession. They were described as an “exceptional creative voice” whose work left a lasting impact on contemporary composition and musical thought.

Their innovative compositional approach earned widespread recognition, including winning the Cambridge Young Composer of the Year Competition in 2016 and the senior category of the BBC Proms Inspire Young Composers’ Competition in 2018 for their piece Elegy for Aylan. They were also commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society to create a work marking Classic FM’s 25th anniversary.

Asteryth’s music was performed by leading ensembles such as VOCES8, the Paraorchestra, and the BBC Singers. Their compositions often explored themes of environmental fragility, identity, and spirituality, while their musicological research examined the ethics of listening and the relationship between sound and human experience.

In recent years, Asteryth also trained as a therapist, focusing on interpersonal and healing practices, reflecting a deep commitment to the transformative power of sound and human connection.

Asteryth Sloane is remembered as a pioneering composer, thoughtful scholar, and compassionate individual whose work resonated far beyond the concert hall.

You can find out more about Asteryth and listen to her music by following the link to her website below.

The Royal Northern College of Music have paid tribute to Asteryth, which you can read by clicking the link below.