Sam Wilcock is an experienced music publisher who has worked with many of the world’s leading composers in the creation of new works and the international promotion of their music. In his role as Creative Manager at Wise Music Group in London, he has managed a roster of composers that includes Anna Thorvaldsdottir, Helen Grime and Judith Weir, establishing, developing and leading commissioning projects and placing their music with soloists, ensembles and festivals worldwide. He has played a key role in bringing music by Kaija Saariaho, Hans Abrahamsen, Missy Mazzoli and Betsy Jolas to a wider audience and has represented an historical catalogue whose highlights include works by Stravinsky, Barber, Arnold, Gorecki and Tavener. 

A music graduate of Durham University, Sam began his career in Ireland working for RTÉ Lyric FM, later returning to lead an Arts Council Ireland-funded publishing collaboration between the Contemporary Music Centre, Association of Irish Choirs and Chamber Choir Ireland. Sam is a former trustee of New London Chamber Choir and the Sir George Dyson Trust and has been a Guest Advisor to NMC Records. He has worked with young and emerging composers, giving guidance on their professional development and is a regular speaker on music publishing and rights in presentations to students and early career professionals.

Sam Wilcock said: ​“Having watched Birdsong evolve over the past two years, I have been impressed by the speed with which it has established itself and the high calibre of composers already in the company’s roster. As Birdsong embarks on its next steps, I am looking forward to working with the team to develop the composers’ work and to continue to grow the catalogue. With its reputation for excellence and expertise, HarrisonParrott Group provides the ideal foundations on which to build, and I am excited by the potential to create a publishing company that reflects and responds to the music-making of today.”

Moema Parrott, CEO HarrisonParrott Group & Associated Companies, commented: ​“Birdsong is a key growth area for the HP Group and Associated Companies, and we are very excited in this new phase to have Sam stepping in to help grow the business and deliver to the next level for our incredible composers.”

Lorna Aizlewood, COO and General Counsel, Head of Birdsong Music Publishing, said of the appointment: ​“I am delighted to welcome Sam to Birdsong and handover day-to-day responsibility for Birdsong to him. We are very fortunate to have someone with his experience and creativity coming to partner with our roster of composers for management and publishing. The fact that after only two years from a standing start, we are now at the point of having such an amazing roster of composers, as well as attracting the likes of Sam to join our team, is an incredible testament to the innovative way Birdsong and all other HarrisonParrott Group Associated Companies work. Personally, I’m very much looking forward to working with Sam to grow Birdsong to offer our composers continually enhanced levels of creativity, service and opportunity.”