McPherson’s score is not merely music but a soundscape, with sung dialogue being often echoed by whispers appearing to come from the trees. The music is very 21st-century, with an ever-present undercurrent of menace and violence. It packs a theatrical punch.

Edinburgh Music Review of Maud (2023)

Originally commissioned by Scottish Opera in 2017, Maud is a short chamber opera for young performers, based on a traditional folk-tale from Herefordshire. It was first performed in Glasgow, April 2018, directed by Olivia Fuchs, with the musical direction and conducting of Chris Gray. The premiere performance featured Danish Mezzo-Soprano Lise Christensen as the Wise-Woman, and young Scottish singer Erin Spence in the title role.

Maud was re-commissioned in 2023 in a reduced orchestration, and was performed by…