Background
Graham was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland.
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Peter Graham
Edit ProfileEducation
He studied at the University of Edinburgh and then undertook postgraduate studies with Edward Gregson at Goldsmiths College, University of London. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in composition.
Career
From 1983 until 1986 he lived in New York City, where he worked as a freelance composer/arranger and as a publications editor with the South America Music Bureau. Since his return to the United Kingdom he has worked regularly as an arranger for British Broadcasting Corporation Television and Radio and has specialised in composition for the British style brass band. Since the publication of Dimensions (1983), a recording of which can be seen here, he has carved out a niche as an outstanding arranger for brass bands, and a leading figure amongst contemporary band composers.
His original compositions, which include The Essence of Time, Montage and Journey to the Center of the Earth, are performed worldwide and have been selected as test-pieces for National Championships in Australia, New Zealand, North America and across Europe.
His music for wind and concert band has been recorded and performed by many of the world’s leading ensembles, including the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra and the Royal Norwegian Navy Band. Commissioned by BMG/Radio Corporation of America Red Label to arrange and compose an album of xylophone music for virtuoso Evelyn Glennie, the resulting recording was nominated as Best Classical Crossover Album at the 1999 Grammy Awards held in Los Los Angeles
Graham"s music for brass has also been arranged for various ensembles, from fanfare orchestras of the Benelux countries to marching bands of the United States of America. The Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps’ most successful show to date (Colors of Brass and Percussion) was built entirely around his compositions The Essence of Time and Montage, while the 2006 Bands of America Grand National Champions from Broken Arrow High School featured his music Harrison"s Dream. Graham has held posts as Music Associate with the Black Dyke Band (1997–2004), and as composer-in-residence with Her Majesty"s Coldstream Guards Band.
Several CDs, which showcase his music have been released:
Peter Graham
Call of the Cossacks
Gaelforce
The Red Machine
The Peter Graham Collection
He is currently Professor of Composition at the University of Salford, specialising in arranging and composing for the brass and wind band lineup.
Achievements
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Born
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Died
2004 (aged 46) -
Nationality
United Kingdom