Hubert Klyne Headley

Full biography Hubert Klyne Headley

Hubert Klyne Headley was an American composer, pianist, and organist. He was born in British Columbia, Canada in 1906 and grew up in Seattle, Washington. He began his career in music as a church organist and choir director, but later studied composition and orchestration with various renowned composers such as Arnold Schoenberg and Igor Stravinsky.

Headley became known for his instrumental works, including several symphonies, concertos, and chamber pieces. He also composed vocal music, such as his oratorio "Judgment Day," which premiered at Carnegie Hall in 1941. He was recognized for his innovative style, which combined traditional classical techniques with more modernist elements.

Headley taught at various institutions, including the University of British Columbia, the Eastman School of Music, and the University of Michigan. Among his notable students were composers George Crumb and Chou Wen-chung. He passed away in 1995 at the age of 89.

During his life, Headley's work was performed by many leading orchestras and conductors, including the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Leonard Bernstein, among others. He also influenced other prominent musicians and composers of his time. For example, Bob Buckley, a composer who worked on the music for the animated series "ReBoot," studied with Headley and was inspired by his use of modernist techniques.

Headley's legacy continues to be celebrated through performances of his works and tributes to his contributions to the world of classical music. In 2018, there was a celebration in his honor at the Canadian Music Centre in British Columbia, where his papers and manuscripts are held.