Simon Holt

Full biography Simon Holt

Simon Holt is an English composer born on February 21, 1958. He has an extensive catalog of compositions that range from orchestral to chamber music, vocal works, and music for theater and dance. Holt has received numerous commissions from prestigious institutions, including the BBC Proms, London Sinfonietta, and Britten Sinfonia, among others.

Holt's music has been praised for its complexity and originality, incorporating a wide range of influences from different musical traditions and cultures. His compositions often require unusual techniques and demands from the performers, which results in a unique and challenging listening experience.

Holt's career started with a horror fanzine he wrote in high school that caused the school's photocopier to overheat, and it has continued to flourish since then. In addition to his career as a composer, he has also worked as a writer, producer, and editor for various media outlets.

Holt's notable works include "Kites" (1983), which was commissioned by Michael Vyner, the late artistic director of the London Sinfonietta , and "A Table of Noises" (2009), a chamber work that was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Chamber-Scale Composition in 2010.

Overall, Simon Holt is a highly accomplished composer whose music pushes the boundaries of contemporary classical music. His work demands commitment from performers and listeners alike, and his unique compositions have earned him recognition and praise from music critics and audiences worldwide.