Patric Standford

Full biography Patric Standford

Patric Standford (5 February 1939 – 23 April 2014) was a highly acclaimed English composer , educationalist, author, and supporter of composers' rights. Standford established himself as a concert composer during the 1970s with his Symphony No. 1 (The Seasons), which went on to earn the Premio Citta de Trieste. Standford's compositions were diverse in style and spanned a broad range of genres, including symphonies, operas, concertos, and chamber music.

Standford was also a keen supporter of composers' rights, and his passion for the subject saw him become a prominent figure in several organizations dedicated to composers, including the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors, and the Composers' Guild of Great Britain. His advocacy for composers led to the introduction of several new pieces of legislation to protect composers' rights.

In addition to his work as a composer and advocate for composers, Standford was also a well-regarded author and educationalist. He wrote several books on the subject of music composition and was a visiting lecturer at many universities throughout the UK.

Standford studied composition with composers Edmund Rubbra and Paul McKinley at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Their teaching, along with that of Dr Mick Wilson and Professor Alan Williams, helped shape his musical style and technique.

Overall, Patric Standford was a highly accomplished musician and a passionate advocate for composers' rights. His compositions continue to be performed and admired to this day, and his contributions to the world of music have been widely recognized and celebrated.