
Mood and Melody and Dynamic Contrast - Symphonic Suites 1 & 2 Album Review
Textura.org have reviewed McEncroe's new album Symphonic Suites 1 & 2: "More than anything else, two things in particular distinguish the music presented on Mark John McEncroe's Symphonic Suites 1 & 2: mood and melody. "Dynamic contrast is fundamental to the ninety-minute work, with robust, horns-heavy passages countered by woodwinds-driven sections of a quieter disposition. In terms of thematic material, tension between the economically challenged peasants and the wealthy ro

An uncanny ability to channel emotion into musical form - Album Review
McEncroe's new album Dark Clouds In Life has received an impressive review on textura.org. The reviewer writes: "It's not uncommon for classical composers to explore themes of tragedy and loss in their works, but such themes are often handled in a rather general way that accentuates their universality. On Dark Clouds In Life, Australian composer Mark John McEncroe foresakes the general... Yet in writing material that is so personal, he also maximizes its emotional effect, and

Five Questions With Mark John McEncroe
During his tour of the USA to launch his new CD Dark Clouds In Life, McEncroe was interviewed by Ron Schepper of textura.org. "To say that Mark John McEncroe has led a life unlike any other composer hardly does the claim justice; after all, how many others can say they came to a career in music after working as both a chef and label manager, as he did. Luckily for us, the Sydney, Australia-born artist eventually did turn his attention to composing..." To see how McEncroe answ

McEncroe Becomes Newest Member of The Artist Gallery.com
Australian composer Mark John McEncroe has joined the ranks of artists and composers featured on fledgling website TheArtistGallery.com, a gathering place for piano music aficionados. As the 37th member to join the Artist Gallery, Mark is honoured to be in such fine musical company.
Here’s what real piano music’s curators had to say about Mark’s music: One of our generation's most talented orchestral and piano composers, Mark John McEncroe evokes a refreshing blend of Ravel

"Both glorious and heartbreaking" - Kathy Parsons reviews McEncroe's first orchestral
Affirmations & Aspirations is a series of three symphonic performances of the music of Australian composer Mark John McEncroe. The performances by The Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra were recorded in The Czech Republic in 2013 and 2014 and consist of “Fanfare Suite” (a four-movement work), and two symphonic poems: “The Passing” and “A Celebration of the Natural World.” Very classical in styling, McEncroe’s orchestral work feels more traditionally-structured than much of his so

My winter of concerts and more recordings in Europe
As a composer it’s a great feeling to have another work completed, and in the last year I have had the satisfaction of writing three Symphonic Suites and another Symphonic Poem. But even more satisfying is to see these works performed and recorded. So, while Sydneysiders were enjoying the sun and the beach in January this year, I made my 6th trip to wintry Europe, to Vienna and the The Czech Republic, to record my latest works with The Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra (Janáčkov

New recording in the bag - "Just Another Medieval Tale"
In June 2015 I recorded my largest orchestral work to date, a seven movement Symphonic Suite – Just Another Medieval Tale. Performed by The Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by Anthony Armore, it is going to released on CD and MP3 download in 2016. I'm also looking at getting the score published as well. No exact dates yet, but stay tuned. #AnthonyArmore #ClassicalMusic #JanacekPhilharmonic #JanacekPhilharmonicOrchestra #MarkJohnMcEncroe #Symphonicmusic #symphonics

Solo Piano Sheet Music Finds A Home
Mark John McEncroe's solo piano sheet music has found a home with Wirripang. Composers of classical music and solo piano music, Wirripang is the leading independent print music publisher in Australia. Mark is delighted to be the newest composer to be added to the Wirripang roster and is looking forward to building up a catalogue of new compositions, including orchestral compositions on which he is in currently working, in various stages of production and writing. In the meant

How Koi Gardens inspire me as a Composer
There are in most people, I think, many sides to their passions. I have always been a hands on person, for example, being a chef. I need that physical tactile element to all the things that I do. I was drawn to landscape garden design for the same reason. In particular Koi gardens, fish ponds and Japanese Gardens. This passion for Koi gardens inspires me as a composer of easy listening piano music. I seriously considered installing Koi Gardens professionally after I retired

My Journey to Easy Listening Music
Classical music I didn’t come from a musical family background, although growing up my parents certainly played a lot of different music. Mantovani, Percy Faith, Henry Mancini, Enrico Morricone, & Peter Nero to name a few; and singers like Eartha Kitt, Perry Como, & Frank Sinatra. As a typical “baby boomer” I was really spoiled for choice & exposure. In the 60’s & 70’s there was a musical explosion – Beatlemania, The Rolling Stones, & that whole Mersey Sound phenomenon. On th