Freya Waley-Cohen is a British-American composer of contemporary classical music. Born in London in 1989, she studied at Cambridge University and the Royal Academy of Music, where her instructors included Oliver Knussen. Her body of work includes orchestral pieces, chamber music, and opera, often characterized by an interest in folklore, ritual, and atmospheric textures.
Waley-Cohen has received commissions from several prominent musical institutions and ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Proms, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Notable compositions include Spell Book (2020), a dramatic song cycle based on the poetry of Rebecca Tamás, and the orchestral work Glasslands (2023), which premiered with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
She was an Associate Artist at the Wigmore Hall and has held residencies with organizations such as the London Chamber Orchestra. Her music is published by Birdsong Music Publishing. She is the sister of violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen, with whom she has frequently collaborated. Waley-Cohen’s work has been recognized for its intricate harmonic language and has been featured in major international music festivals.
