Peter J. Witchell´s performed, broadcast and published compositions range from choral, instrumental and orchestral pieces, through to full-scale stage works and incidental video music.

His  ballet, The Ugly Duckling, has been performed regularly in New York to 1100-strong audiences of enthusiastic school pupils, whilst Nero - The Musical was a big hit at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Other musicals include Dragoncore, which received performances in the UK and the USA; Nicholas Nickleby,  which played in the UK and Australia; and Showhome, written with Central TV writer Bob Hescott. His organ and vocal compositions have been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, and Mr. Witchell himself has been interviewed on BBC Radio 4, Radio Leicester and Radio Zimbabwe.  

Educated at Oxford University and a Royal Academy of Music prize-winner, Mr. Witchell was an inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate and a former Director of Music and Head of Academic Music at Oakham School. He regularly conducted orchestral and choral music, including  several of his own concerti and the Missa Misterio for soprano, baritone, chorus and orchestra.

Rutlandia was commissioned by the Oakham Festival for its Rutland Independence celebrations in 1997 and was revived in May 2012 by Rutland Sinfonia as part of its 35th year celebration.  More recent pieces have included Wistful Whimsies (for flute, clarinet, cello & piano), which was performed on the Shetland Island of Vaila in June 2010, and The Waiting World, a carol for SATB and piano.  The latter was premièred in Marlborough College Chapel in July 2010 and sung in several venues at Christmas 2010, including a performance in Stamford broadcast on Rutland Radio.

International countertenor James Bowman gave the first, and possibly last, performance of a trifle called The Gunby Cuckoo at the Lincolnshire village´s May 2012 Diamond Jubilee concert.

Scores of all works are available from the composer via the Central Composers´ Alliance.