John Tavener

Sir John Tavener (born 28 January 1944) is a British composer, best known for such religious, minimal works as "The whale", and "Ikos". He began as prodigy; he was described by the Guardian as "the musical discovery of the year", while the Times said he was "among the very best creative talents of his generation." Tavener was knighted in 2000 for his services to music. Tavener was born on 28 January 1944 in Wembley, London, England, and claims to... more

Sir John Tavener (born 28 January 1944) is a British composer, best known for such religious, minimal works as "The whale", and "Ikos". He began as prodigy; he was described by the Guardian as "the musical discovery of the year", while the Times said he was "among the very best creative talents of his generation." Tavener was knighted in 2000 for his services to music. Tavener was born on 28 January 1944 in Wembley, London, England, and claims to be a direct descendant of the 16th century composer John Taverner. He was educated at Highgate School (where a fellow pupil was John Rutter) and at the Royal Academy of Music, where his tutors included Sir Lennox Berkeley. He first came to prominence in 1968 with his dramatic cantata The Whale, based on the Old Testament story of Jonah. It was premièred at the London Sinfonietta's début concert and later recorded by Apple Records. The following year he began teaching at Trinity College of Music, London. Other works released by Apple included... less