Fraya Thomsen is a composer whose foundations began with the traditional music of Scotland. From an early age she was attracted by the raw emotional quality embodied by the Scottish musicians around her. She aims to draw on this in her approach to composition. With an MA in Composing for Film and TV from the National Film and Television School, a BA (Hons) in Scottish Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a PGDE in Primary Teaching under her belt, Fraya’s diverse interests are reflected in her body of work.
She has composed music for a number of award winning short films, including winning the Best Composer award at the Underwire Film Festival 2013 for score for 'Stay The Same', directed by Sam Firth. She has also composed for contemporary dance and for artists as well as concert commissions such as Celtic Connections’ New Voices.
Fraya has performed at festivals throughout Europe the US, South America and Australia most notably as one half of harp and song duo The Duplets who have released two albums to critical acclaim. - “The two harps entrance with their poise and beauty.” - Delyth Jenkins, (Taplas).
The opportunity to work as a musician in the community during a year long residency with Feis Rois saw Fraya visit community groups through Highland as well as releasing a trio of harp tuition books, published by Taigh Na Teud and later featured in the Trinity exam syllabus and the Scottish Music grade exams.
Recommendations from Fraya's collaborators:
Sam Firth - Director 'Stay the Same'.
Fraya was incredible to work with on Stay the Same, she put so much time and passion into the project. I love the way Fraya communicates about music and is open to ideas and feedback. She is extremely talented and a pleasure to work with.
Eleanor Mortimer - Director 'Territory'
Fraya intuitively picks up on the essence of a film and is untiring in her efforts to make music that captures this essence. Her compositions are always a joy to hear, and I love her playful attitude, which is reflected in her tunes.
Philip Sheerin - Director 'North'.
"I loved working with Fraya. She was open to all kinds of stupid suggestions from me, making the process truly feel like a collaboration. In the end the music she composed delicately lifted the film and heightening the emotion, and all this without making it sentimental. Her sensitivity and talent are unquestionable. I have no doubt that I will work with her again… if she will have me."
Ani Laurie - Director 'The Earth Belongs to No One'
Music is a personal love of mine, I use it both diegetically and non diegetically in the films I make. Working with Fraya is an infinite ride: the synergy, speed, journey we go one as Director and Composer is thrilling. She creates meaning in a seemingly effortless way. Her music to script for 'The Earth Belongs To No One' still strikes a chord over and over again. She is an absolute talent. I look forward to working with her again. - Ani Laurie, Director/Writer 'The Earth Belongs To No One'
Sakari Suuronen - Director 'Six Men in the North' and 'Career Plans'
Fraya Thomsen has superb talent as a composer and she is extremely good in team work. She has wide knowledge of exotic musical
instruments and she knows how to achieve very impressive results with very limited resources. Absolute joy to work with!
Naomi Quinn - Director Producer at Really Bold
Fraya is an inspiring and generous collaborator who always delivers so much more than expected. We have enjoyed every second of working with her and will continue to do so into the future. Her dedication to going above and beyond with each composition has brought each of our projects from strength to strength.