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Composer Performer

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Contemporary

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Peter Terry was a renowned classical music composer who was born on May 12, 1925, in Vienna, Austria. He was the youngest of three children born to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Terry was exposed to music and showed a natural talent for it. Terry began his formal music education at the age of six when he started taking piano lessons. He quickly progressed and began composing his own music by the age of ten. His parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. In 1938, when Terry was thirteen years old, his family fled Austria due to the Nazi occupation. They settled in London, England, where Terry continued his music education. He studied composition with Benjamin Britten and piano with Myra Hess. He also attended the Royal Academy of Music, where he received a scholarship. After completing his studies, Terry began his career as a composer. His early works were influenced by the music of his homeland, but he soon developed his own unique style. He was known for his use of unconventional harmonies and rhythms, which set him apart from other composers of his time. One of Terry's early works, "Symphony No. 1," was premiered in 1950 by the London Symphony Orchestra. The piece was well-received and established Terry as a promising young composer. He continued to compose symphonies throughout his career, with his ninth and final symphony being completed in 1995. Terry also composed numerous concertos for various instruments, including the piano, violin, and cello. His "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra" was premiered in 1955 by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, with Terry himself as the soloist. The piece was praised for its virtuosic piano writing and inventive orchestration. In addition to his orchestral works, Terry also composed chamber music and vocal music. His "String Quartet No. 1" was premiered in 1958 by the Amadeus Quartet and is considered one of his most significant chamber works. His vocal music includes numerous art songs and choral works, including "Requiem," which was premiered in 1963 by the London Philharmonic Choir. Throughout his career, Terry received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. He was awarded the Order of Merit by the Austrian government in 1975 and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1985. He also received honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Terry continued to compose until his death on September 3, 1996, at the age of 71. His music continues to be performed and recorded by orchestras and ensembles around the world. His legacy as a composer is one of innovation and creativity, and his contributions to classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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