Beggars & Angels

Brett Dean is a renowned Australian composer, violist, and conductor who has made a significant impact on the contemporary classical music scene. Born and raised in Brisbane, Dean began his musical journey at the age of eight, eventually studying viola at the Queensland Conservatorium. His career took a pivotal turn when he joined the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, where he honed his craft for fourteen years. Dean's compositions are known for their literary, political, and visual inspirations, often drawing from the paintings of his partner, Heather Betts. His opera "Hamlet," premiered at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera, garnered critical acclaim and won multiple awards, including the South Bank Sky Arts Award and the International Opera Award for Best New Opera. Dean's music spans various genres, including orchestral works, ballets, operas, and chamber music, and he has collaborated with leading conductors and ensembles worldwide. Currently, Dean serves as the Composer-in-Residence at Wigmore Hall for the 2023/24 season, where he curates programs and performs as both a conductor and violist. His residency with the London Philharmonic Orchestra culminated in the premiere of his major new work, "In spe contra spem," showcasing his enduring influence and innovation in the classical music world.