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Iris Litchfield was a renowned classical music composer who was born on May 12, 1925, in London, England. She was the youngest of three children born to a family of musicians. Her father was a violinist, and her mother was a pianist. From a young age, Iris showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Iris's parents recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. She began taking piano lessons and soon showed a natural aptitude for composition. At the age of 12, she composed her first piece of music, a short piano sonata that impressed her parents and teachers. Iris continued to study music throughout her teenage years, attending the Royal Academy of Music in London. She studied composition under the tutelage of some of the most respected composers of the time, including Benjamin Britten and Michael Tippett. During this time, she also began to experiment with different musical styles, incorporating elements of jazz and folk music into her compositions. After completing her studies, Iris began to establish herself as a composer, writing music for a variety of ensembles and orchestras. Her early works were well-received, and she quickly gained a reputation as a talented and innovative composer. One of Iris's most significant early works was her Piano Concerto, which she composed in 1952. The piece was premiered by the London Symphony Orchestra, with Iris herself playing the piano solo. The concerto was a critical success, and it helped to establish Iris as one of the leading composers of her generation. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Iris continued to compose music, writing works for a variety of ensembles and orchestras. She also began to experiment with electronic music, using synthesizers and other electronic instruments to create new sounds and textures. One of Iris's most significant works from this period was her Symphony No. 1, which she composed in 1963. The piece was premiered by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and was hailed as a masterpiece of modern classical music. The symphony showcased Iris's unique style, blending traditional classical forms with modernist techniques and electronic sounds. In the 1970s, Iris continued to push the boundaries of classical music, incorporating elements of rock and pop music into her compositions. She also began to collaborate with other artists, including choreographers and visual artists, to create multimedia works that combined music, dance, and visual art. One of Iris's most significant works from this period was her multimedia piece, "The Garden of Earthly Delights," which she created in collaboration with the choreographer Martha Graham. The piece was a groundbreaking work that combined music, dance, and visual art to create a powerful and immersive experience for audiences. In the 1980s and 1990s, Iris continued to compose music, writing works for a variety of ensembles and orchestras. She also began to receive numerous awards and honors for her contributions to classical music, including the Order of the British Empire and the Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal. One of Iris's most significant works from this period was her Symphony No. 5, which she composed in 1992. The piece was a powerful and emotional work that reflected Iris's deep concern for the environment and the state of the planet. The symphony was premiered by the London Symphony Orchestra and was hailed as a masterpiece of modern classical music.

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