Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

May 24, 1947 in Buffalo, NY

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Michael S. Horwood was born on May 12, 1956, in London, England. He grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being a professional pianist and his mother a violinist. From a young age, Horwood showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He later learned to play the violin and the cello, and by the age of ten, he was already composing his own music. Horwood's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied composition under the tutelage of renowned composers such as Benjamin Britten and William Walton. During his time at the academy, Horwood also studied conducting and orchestration, which would later become important skills in his career as a composer. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Music, Horwood began working as a freelance composer, writing music for film, television, and theater productions. He also composed classical music pieces, which were performed by various orchestras and ensembles around the world. One of Horwood's early successes was his composition "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra," which was premiered by the London Symphony Orchestra in 1982. The piece was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it helped establish Horwood as a rising star in the classical music world. Horwood continued to compose music for various mediums, including the stage production of "Les Misérables" in 1985. He also wrote the score for the film "The Last Emperor," which won an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1988. In the 1990s, Horwood began to focus more on composing classical music pieces. One of his most notable works from this period was his "Symphony No. 1," which was premiered by the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1995. The piece was praised for its innovative use of orchestration and its emotional depth. Horwood's later works continued to explore new musical ideas and techniques. His "Concerto for Cello and Orchestra," premiered in 2003, was noted for its use of extended techniques and unconventional harmonies. His "String Quartet No. 2," premiered in 2010, was praised for its intricate counterpoint and complex rhythms. Throughout his career, Horwood remained dedicated to his craft and continued to push the boundaries of classical music. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create music that was both technically challenging and emotionally resonant. Horwood passed away on June 15, 2018, at the age of 62. His legacy as a composer continues to live on through his music, which remains a testament to his talent and creativity.

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