Leigh Stirling receives lifetime achievement award
Leigh spent the first half of his career in mainstream entertainment until he was introduced to Disability Arts where he now views it as priority.
His work has included:
Contributing and running music workshops for a variety of community drama groups, organisations and projects.
Had various working associations with amongst others-
GMCDP, MANCAP, DASH, LIPA, NWDAF.
Written, performed and produced original video soundtracks for Guide Dogs For The Blind.
Created, performed and produced a popular "Audio Cartoon series for Soundaround "International audio magazine for blind and visually impaired people" for over 20 years.
In recent years, Leigh has dedicated himself to the theatre, composing original works for stage productions, sketches and full music scores including:
Two Tribes, Cabaret, King Of Fools, The Irish Giant, Flesh And Steel, and his own first stage production - Welcome To The Institute and currently Raspberry.
In recent years, Leigh has enjoyed a close association with Fittings Multimedia, where he feels closest to his own natural creative environment.
Prior to his involvement with Disability Arts, Leigh's creative activities have included-
Performing live on stage with his own trios, duos, rock bands and solo performances.
Touring extensively home and abroad with 5 long stay residencies in Durban, South Africa where he appeared on television.
His songwriting enabled him to sign with EMI and recordings in Abbey Road studios.
Writing, performing and producing jingles and adverts for Channel 4 television.
Co-presenting and broadcasting a weekly programme for BBC's Radio Manchester for over 12 months, spotlighting unsigned artists.
Setting up his own recording studio in the late 80's and producing local artist's works.
Performing on shows alongside legendary names such as Kris Kristofersen, Johnny Cash and many others.
Leigh has created and recorded nationally and independently several single releases and 9 albums, two of these being disability issue based.
"Welcome To The Institute" went on national tour in 2007 and highlights from the show were included for DadaFest 2008 together with a 40 minute filmed documentary, featuring Leigh in 2008."
