Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

1964 in London, England

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

Matthew Taylor is a British composer who was born on August 27, 1964, in London, England. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a professional violinist and his mother a pianist. Taylor began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the violin and viola. He attended the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied composition with Joseph Horovitz and John Lambert. Taylor's early works were influenced by the music of Benjamin Britten and Igor Stravinsky. His first major composition, "Symphony No. 1," was written when he was just 21 years old and was premiered by the London Symphony Orchestra in 1986. The piece was well-received and established Taylor as a promising young composer. Throughout the 1990s, Taylor continued to compose orchestral works, including "Symphony No. 2" and "Symphony No. 3." He also wrote chamber music, including a string quartet and a piano trio. In 1997, he was commissioned by the BBC to write a piece for the Last Night of the Proms, which is a major event in the British classical music calendar. The resulting work, "Lament," was performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and received a standing ovation. In the early 2000s, Taylor began to incorporate more contemporary influences into his music, including jazz and rock. His "Concerto for Electric Guitar and Orchestra" was premiered in 2003 and featured the guitarist John Williams. The piece was a departure from Taylor's earlier works and showcased his versatility as a composer. Taylor's most recent works have continued to explore new musical territories. His "Symphony No. 5," which was premiered in 2016, features a prominent role for the saxophone and draws on influences from jazz and blues. The piece was commissioned by the BBC and was performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his work as a composer, Taylor has also been active as a conductor and educator. He has conducted orchestras throughout the UK and has served as the principal conductor of the Northern Sinfonia. He has also taught composition at the Royal College of Music and the University of Sussex. Overall, Matthew Taylor is a composer who has established himself as one of the leading figures in British classical music. His works have been performed by major orchestras and ensembles throughout the world, and he has received numerous commissions and awards for his contributions to the field. With his willingness to explore new musical territories and his commitment to excellence, Taylor is sure to continue to be a major force in classical music for years to come.

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