Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1946 in Belfast, Northern Ireland

 

Brian Knowles was born on May 12, 1955, in London, England. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a pianist and his mother a violinist. From a young age, Knowles showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. He later learned to play the violin and the cello. Knowles attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied composition under the tutelage of renowned composer, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. During his time at the academy, Knowles composed several pieces that were well-received by his peers and professors. After graduating from the academy, Knowles began his career as a composer, writing music for various orchestras and ensembles. His early works were heavily influenced by the classical music of the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly the works of Mozart and Beethoven. Knowles' breakthrough came in 1985, when his composition, "Symphony No. 1," was performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. The piece was praised for its innovative use of orchestration and its complex harmonies. It was also noted for its incorporation of electronic music, which was a relatively new concept in classical music at the time. Following the success of his first symphony, Knowles continued to compose music that pushed the boundaries of traditional classical music. His works often incorporated elements of jazz, rock, and electronic music, and were known for their intricate rhythms and complex harmonies. One of Knowles' most notable works is his "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic in 1992. The piece was written for renowned pianist, Lang Lang, and was praised for its virtuosic piano passages and its use of unconventional harmonies. Knowles' music has been performed by some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. He has also collaborated with some of the world's most renowned musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, and Itzhak Perlman. In addition to his work as a composer, Knowles has also been a dedicated music educator. He has taught composition at several universities, including the Juilliard School in New York and the Royal Academy of Music in London. He has also served as a mentor to many young composers, helping to shape the next generation of classical music. Knowles' contributions to classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2001, he was awarded the prestigious Grawemeyer Award for Music Composition for his piece, "Symphony No. 3." He has also been awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to music. Today, Knowles continues to compose music and inspire young musicians around the world. His innovative approach to classical music has helped to keep the genre relevant and exciting, and his contributions to the field will be remembered for generations to come.

More....