Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1991

 

Tom Harrold is a contemporary classical music composer who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1986. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a professional jazz pianist and his mother a music teacher. Harrold began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and guitar. Harrold attended the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he studied composition with Rory Boyle and Stuart MacRae. He also studied with Julian Anderson at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. During his studies, Harrold won several awards and scholarships, including the John Tavener Memorial Prize and the Mendelssohn Scholarship. Harrold's music is characterized by its use of rich harmonies, intricate rhythms, and colorful orchestration. He draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including jazz, rock, and electronic music. His compositions often explore themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition. One of Harrold's early works, "The Hidden," was premiered by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in 2010. The piece is a meditation on the idea of hiddenness, with the music gradually emerging from silence and building to a powerful climax. The piece was well-received by critics, with The Scotsman describing it as "a work of great beauty and depth." In 2012, Harrold was commissioned by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra to write a piece for their "Ten Pieces" project, which aims to introduce classical music to children. Harrold's piece, "Ashes Dance Back," is a lively and rhythmic work that incorporates elements of Scottish folk music. The piece was performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Harrold's music has also been performed by other leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and the BBC Philharmonic. In 2016, he was commissioned by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra to write a piece for their "New Visions" series. The resulting work, "Dance of the Seven Veils," is a colorful and energetic piece that draws on the rhythms and melodies of Middle Eastern music. In addition to his orchestral works, Harrold has also written chamber music, choral music, and music for film and television. His choral work, "The Death of Balder," was premiered by the National Youth Choir of Scotland in 2014. The piece is a setting of a Norse myth about the death of the god Balder, and features haunting harmonies and a sense of otherworldly mystery. Harrold's music for film and television includes the score for the BBC drama "The Replacement" and the soundtrack for the video game "No Man's Sky." His music for "No Man's Sky" was praised for its ability to capture the sense of wonder and exploration that is central to the game. Overall, Tom Harrold is a composer who is known for his ability to create music that is both accessible and sophisticated. His works draw on a wide range of influences and explore a variety of themes, from the natural world to the mysteries of the human psyche. With his talent and versatility, Harrold is sure to continue making an impact on the world of classical music for years to come.

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