 After attending Ipswich School, he studied music at the University of York where he began composing for contemporary music-theatre pieces.He directed the UK premieres of Mauricio Kagel's "Kantrimiusik" and "Mare Nostrum" at the ICA, conducted the UK premiere of "Szenario", and appeared as solo performer in "Phonophonie" at the South Bank Centre, London, and in the world premiere of Harrison Birtwistle's "Gawain" at the Royal Opera House.In 1984 he won a DAAD scholarship to study with Mauricio Kagel in Cologne.