COMPOSING + SINGING
Anna has written music and lyrics for theatre, concert hall and radio.
Her songwriting explores mythology, faith, magic, misogyny and what it means to be an Essex girl.
Her music for theatre catapults audiences into the realm of the show, whilst also allowing space for text, character and dialogue to inhabit the stage.
Anna discovered she could sing Ethel Merman songs but not the ingenue soprano type when she was 12. This wasn't helpful for a few years but now she is sufficiently old, it's brilliant.
She originally studied composition at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, winning the school's Edmund Rubbra Prize for Composition in 2015.
What are you listening to?
0-0.26 Fen Woman
Debut single of Wise Woman (2022) "Incredible harmonies and haunting lyrics," BBC Radio
Words and Music by Anna Pool Video by Jack Childs Productions
0.26- 1.18 We Are But Shadows
Spitalfields Festival- winner of Open Call Award (2021) A sonic journey through identity, faith and East London. Music by Anna Pool. Words by Anna Pool and interviews with East London residents, FEAST Tower Hamlets & Starling Arts. Performed by Anna Pool and Maddie Cutter (cello).
1.18- 1.40 The Laramie Project (2014) Main Theme- Laramie Sparkles
Guildhall School of Music and Drama dir. Wyn Jones Music: Anna Pool Sound Design: Helen Skiera
1.41-2.13 Dance of the Bearded Lady (2014)
String Quartet workshopped by the Aurora Orchestra
2.13-2.50 Storyville Wise Woman (2022)
"Intoxicating- mixes folk, jazz and blues to intoxicating effect," - Folk & Tumble Words and Music by Anna Pool
2.50-3.33 Return of the Unknown Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (2018)
Main Theme-How Can We Remember? A demo track for some of the main score from Kent's World War One Centenary Project, involving over 500 Kent residents. Final score performed by over 350-strong company inside Dover Marine Station. Music by Anna Pool. Words by Anna Pool created through workshops with Marlowe Youth Theatre, P&O Ferries Choir, Simon Langton School Boys School, Dover primary schools and Kent residents.
3.34-3.54 Grimms Compendium (2015)
Choral adventure for 8 voices with words inspired by the Brothers Grimm workshopped by EXAUDI
3.35-4.27 River Song Wise Woman (2022)
"Startling and Shimmering," Folk Wales Words and Music by Anna Pool