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Composer

 

Dennis Wickens was a British composer and conductor who was born on August 22, 1925, in London, England. He was the son of a professional musician and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist and his mother was a pianist, and they both encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Wickens began his musical education at an early age, studying piano and violin. He later attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied composition with William Alwyn and conducting with Sir Adrian Boult. He also studied at the Paris Conservatoire with Nadia Boulanger. Wickens began his career as a conductor, working with various orchestras in England and Europe. He was appointed conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in 1959, a position he held for 13 years. During his tenure, he raised the profile of the orchestra and established it as one of the leading orchestras in the country. As a composer, Wickens was known for his use of traditional forms and his ability to write music that was both accessible and challenging. His works include orchestral pieces, chamber music, and choral music. He was particularly interested in writing music for young people and was a frequent collaborator with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. One of Wickens' most famous works is his Symphony No. 2, which was premiered by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in 1967. The symphony is a four-movement work that showcases Wickens' skill as a composer. It is a powerful and emotional work that has been praised for its beauty and complexity. Another notable work by Wickens is his Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, which was premiered in 1972. The concerto is a virtuosic work that showcases the soloist's technical abilities. It has been performed by some of the world's leading violinists, including Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman. Wickens was also known for his choral music, which includes works such as his Requiem and his Magnificat. His choral music is characterized by its lush harmonies and expressive melodies. Throughout his career, Wickens was recognized for his contributions to music. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1976 and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1986. He was also awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Philharmonic Society in 1995. Wickens continued to compose and conduct until his death on December 28, 2013, at the age of 88. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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