Peter Maxwell Davies

Date of Birth: September 8, 1934

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: March 14, 2016

Biography

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies was one of Britain’s most eminent composers, known for his innovative work in contemporary classical music. Born in Salford, Lancashire, England, he began his musical journey at an early age. Davies studied at the Royal Manchester College of Music, where he co-founded the New Music Manchester group, and later at Princeton University under Roger Sessions and Milton Babbitt. His music is characterized by a unique blend of traditional and modern elements, often reflecting his deep connection with the landscapes of Orkney, where he resided for much of his life. Over his prolific career, Davies produced a vast array of compositions including symphonies, chamber music, operas, and choral works. Davies served as Master of the Queen’s Music from 2004 to 2014, a role in which he composed music for state occasions and advocated for music education. He was knighted in 1987 and made a Companion of Honour in 2014. His contributions to music were profound, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of classical music.

5 Interesting Facts about Peter Maxwell Davies

1. Peter Maxwell Davies was a founding member of the New Music Manchester group, which included other notable composers like Harrison Birtwistle and Alexander Goehr.

2. He moved to the Orkney Islands in 1971, where the natural landscape heavily influenced his compositions.

3. Davies was known for his environmental activism and was an outspoken advocate for renewable energy.

4. His opera “Taverner,” based on the life of the 16th-century composer John Taverner, is considered one of his masterpieces.

5. He held the position of Master of the Queen’s Music from 2004 to 2014, during which he composed music for significant national events, including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.