Simon Bainbridge

Full biography Simon Bainbridge

Simon Bainbridge was a British composer who was born in 1952 and passed away in April 2021 at the age of 68. He was known for his ability to balance innovation with craftsmanship, which earned him the prestigious Grawemeyer Award. Bainbridge studied composition at the Royal College of Music with John Lambert and later at Tanglewood with Gunther Schuller.

Bainbridge's music was greatly influenced by visual arts and poetry, and he had a passion for detail and craftsmanship. He was also inspired by architecture and science, which is evident in his compositions. One of his most notable works is "Ad Ora Incerta," a set of four orchestral songs based on the poetry of Primo Levi.

Bainbridge's contribution to music was recognized with numerous awards and accolades. In 2018, he was presented with the British Composer Award for Inspiration, in recognition of the inspiration he has given to others in the field of music. Bainbridge was also a professor of composition at the Royal Academy of Music, and was noted for his ability to inspire and nurture young composers.

Despite his passing, Bainbridge's legacy continues to live on through his music and the composers he mentored. His work represents a unique and important contribution to contemporary music, and his dedication to craftsmanship and detail will continue to inspire future generations of composers.