George Benjamin

George Benjamin (born January 31, 1960) is a British composer of classical music, and also a conductor, pianist and teacher.

Related Topics:
January 31 - 1960 - Brit - Composer - Classical music - Conductor - Pianist - Teacher

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Born in London, he studied with Olivier Messiaen at the Paris Conservatoire during the second half of the 1970s, reputedly becoming Messiaen's favourite pupil.

Related Topics:
London - Olivier Messiaen - Paris Conservatoire

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He then read Music at King's College, Cambridge, studying under Alexander Goehr, and emerged in his early twenties as a surprisingly mature and confident voice. His Ringed by the Flat Horizon was premiered at the Promsconcerts while he was still a student, making him the youngest composer ever to be performed in the Proms.

Related Topics:
King's College, Cambridge - Alexander Goehr - Proms

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Since the 1980s he fulfilled a number of large commissions, including Sudden Time and Three Inventions (for orchestra) and Antara (for ensemble and electronics, realised at IRCAM).

Related Topics:
1980 - IRCAM

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He has also taught composition at the Royal College of Music, London, and King's College, London.

Related Topics:
Royal College of Music - King's College, London

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Benjamin's music is colourful and sometimes even flamboyant in style, but governed by an overriding seriousness. Benjamin's dedication to craft and expressivity make him an important figure in contemporary musical life.

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