Role

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Composer

Birth

:

1928

 

Sir John Manduell was a British composer, conductor, and educator who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on November 29, 1928, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Manduell grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Manduell began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. In 1946, Manduell moved to England to study music at the Royal Manchester College of Music (now the Royal Northern College of Music). He studied composition with Richard Hall and piano with Iso Elinson. After graduating in 1950, Manduell continued his studies at the Paris Conservatoire with Nadia Boulanger, one of the most influential music teachers of the 20th century. Manduell's early compositions were influenced by the French neoclassical style, but he later developed his own unique voice. His music is characterized by its lyricism, rhythmic vitality, and colorful orchestration. Manduell was also interested in electronic music and was one of the first British composers to experiment with electronic sound synthesis. In 1955, Manduell joined the faculty of the University of Manchester, where he taught composition and music theory for over 30 years. He also served as the university's director of music from 1962 to 1983. During his tenure, Manduell established the university's electronic music studio and founded the Manchester New Music Group, which premiered many of his own works as well as those of other contemporary composers. Manduell's compositions include orchestral works, chamber music, vocal music, and electronic music. Some of his most notable works include his Symphony No. 1 (1957), Concerto for Orchestra (1960), and the opera The Shadow of Cain (1970). He also wrote several works for the BBC Proms, including his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra (1966) and his Symphony No. 2 (1971). In addition to his work as a composer and educator, Manduell was also an accomplished conductor. He conducted many of his own works as well as those of other composers, including the premiere of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem in Manchester in 1962. Manduell was also a champion of contemporary music and worked to promote the works of living composers throughout his career. Manduell was honored with many awards and accolades throughout his life. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1979 and was knighted in 1994. He also received honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Manchester and the University of Salford. Sir John Manduell passed away on October 25, 2017, at the age of 88. His contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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