Joseph Phibbs was born in London, and studied at The Purcell School, King’s College London, and Cornell University. His teachers have included Param Vir, Sir Harrison Birtwistle, and Steven Stucky.

Described as 'one of the most successful composers of his generation' (BBC Music Magazine), Phibbs’s orchestral works have been championed by leading conductors including Edward Gardner, Gianandrea Noseda, Sakari Oramo, Vassily Petrenko, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Leonard Slatkin, and George Vass.

His instrumental music comprises string quartets, song cycles, and sonatas, and features regularly at Wigmore Hall, Cheltenham Festival, Three Choirs Festival, and Presteigne Festival. His choral works have been premiered and recorded by groups such as Tenebrae, The Sixteen, and ORA Singers.

Recent recordings include his Clarinet Concerto, and Juliana, a chamber opera released on Resonus Classics to widespread critical acclaim.

Future commissions include a Cello Concerto for Guy Johnston/BBC Symphony Orchestra, as well as works for the Britten Sinfonia, Piatti Quartet, and Ben Goldscheider.