Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Australia

Birth

:

1965 in Melbourne, Australia

 

Jonathan Little is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in 1979 in the United Kingdom. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a professional musician and his mother a music teacher. Little began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He went on to study music at the University of York, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree with honors. After completing his undergraduate studies, Little continued his education at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where he earned a Master of Music degree in composition. During his time at the college, he studied with renowned composers such as Anthony Gilbert and Adam Gorb. Little also had the opportunity to work with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, which helped him to develop his skills as an orchestral composer. Little's early works were heavily influenced by the music of the 20th century, particularly the works of composers such as Igor Stravinsky and György Ligeti. His compositions often featured complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as unconventional instrumentation. One of his early works, "Three Pieces for Piano," was performed at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival in 2002 and received critical acclaim. In 2004, Little was awarded a fellowship from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, which allowed him to continue his studies at the University of York. During this time, he began to explore the use of electronics in his compositions, incorporating elements such as live processing and sampling. His work "The Garden of Earthly Delights," which was premiered in 2006, featured a combination of live performers and pre-recorded sounds. Little's compositions have been performed by a number of prominent ensembles and orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also collaborated with a number of soloists, including pianist Joanna MacGregor and cellist Matthew Barley. One of Little's most notable works is his "Concerto for Orchestra," which was commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 2011. The piece features a large orchestra and is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of orchestral sound. The work received critical acclaim and has since been performed by a number of other orchestras around the world. Little's music has been described as "bold and imaginative," with a focus on exploring new sounds and textures. He has been praised for his ability to combine traditional orchestral techniques with electronic elements, creating a unique and innovative sound. Little continues to compose and perform his music, and his works are regularly featured in concerts and festivals around the world.

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