Role

:

Conductor  

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

John Taylor was a renowned classical music artist who was born on September 25, 1942, in Manchester, England. He was a pianist, composer, and educator who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Taylor's musical journey began at a young age when he started playing the piano. He showed exceptional talent and was soon recognized as a prodigy. Taylor's parents were supportive of his musical aspirations and encouraged him to pursue his passion. He received his early education in music at the Royal Manchester College of Music, where he studied under the tutelage of Gordon Green. Taylor's talent was evident from the start, and he quickly gained recognition for his exceptional skills. In 1960, Taylor moved to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music. He continued to excel in his studies and was awarded several prizes for his performances. Taylor's talent was not limited to the piano; he was also an accomplished composer. He won the prestigious John Lill Prize for Composition in 1962, which helped to establish his reputation as a composer. Taylor's career as a performer began in the early 1960s when he started playing in jazz clubs in London. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented jazz pianist and was soon playing with some of the biggest names in the industry. In 1969, Taylor joined the band of saxophonist John Surman, and the two musicians formed a close partnership that lasted for many years. Taylor's career as a classical pianist began in the 1970s when he started performing solo recitals. He quickly gained recognition for his performances, and his reputation as a classical pianist grew. In 1978, Taylor was invited to perform at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival, where he gave a memorable performance that showcased his exceptional skills as a pianist. Throughout his career, Taylor collaborated with many other musicians and artists. He worked with classical musicians such as violinist Stéphane Grappelli and cellist Yo-Yo Ma, as well as jazz musicians such as saxophonist Stan Getz and guitarist John McLaughlin. Taylor's collaborations with other musicians helped to broaden his musical horizons and allowed him to explore new styles and genres. Taylor's talent and dedication to his craft were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1987, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to music. He was also awarded the Ivor Novello Award for Jazz Composition in 1990 and the BBC Jazz Award for Best Pianist in 2003. One of the highlights of Taylor's career was his performance at the 1990 Proms, where he played his own composition, "Green Man Suite." The performance was a huge success, and Taylor received a standing ovation from the audience. The performance was later released as a live album, which further cemented Taylor's reputation as a talented composer and performer. Taylor continued to perform and compose music throughout his career, and his contributions to the world of classical music were significant. He was a respected educator and taught at several institutions, including the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Taylor's dedication to music and his exceptional talent will be remembered for many years to come. Sadly, John Taylor passed away on July 17, 2015, at the age of 72.

More....