Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

September 15, 1918 in Bournemouth, Dorset, England

Death

:

March 13, 2004 in London, England

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Max Harris was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music. He was born on June 18, 1921, in Melbourne, Australia, to a family of musicians. His father, Jack Harris, was a well-known composer and conductor, and his mother, Irene, was a pianist. Max Harris grew up in a musical environment and started playing the piano at a young age. Harris received his early education at the University of Melbourne, where he studied music and philosophy. He was a brilliant student and won several awards for his academic achievements. In 1940, he was awarded the prestigious Ormond Scholarship, which allowed him to study at the University of Oxford in England. During his time at Oxford, Harris continued to pursue his passion for music and became involved in the local music scene. He played the piano in various concerts and recitals and also composed several pieces of music. In 1943, he graduated from Oxford with a degree in music and returned to Australia. Upon his return, Harris became a prominent figure in the Australian music scene. He worked as a music critic for various newspapers and magazines and also composed music for films and television. In 1945, he founded the magazine "Angry Penguins," which became a platform for modernist writers and artists in Australia. In 1951, Harris was appointed as the conductor of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for ten years. During his tenure, he transformed the orchestra into one of the finest in the country and introduced audiences to a wide range of classical music. He also conducted several world premieres of Australian compositions, including works by Peter Sculthorpe and Don Banks. In addition to his work with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Harris was also a prolific composer. He wrote several pieces of music, including orchestral works, chamber music, and songs. His music was influenced by a wide range of styles, including modernism, jazz, and traditional Australian music. Harris's contributions to the world of music were recognized with several awards and honors. In 1969, he was awarded the Order of Australia for his services to music, and in 1975, he was appointed as a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. He also received honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Melbourne and the University of Adelaide. Despite his many achievements, Harris's career was not without controversy. In 1949, he was involved in the "Ern Malley hoax," in which he and his friend James McAuley created a fictitious poet and submitted his work to a literary magazine. The hoax caused a scandal in the Australian literary world and led to a debate about the nature of modernist art. Harris passed away on December 14, 1995, at the age of 74. His legacy as a composer, conductor, and music critic continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

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