John Harbison

John Harbison is a distinguished American composer and conductor, renowned for his expansive and diverse musical catalog. Born into a musical family in Orange, New Jersey, Harbison's journey in music began early, studying multiple instruments and composing from a young age. His extensive body of work includes three operas, seven symphonies, twelve concerti, six string quartets, and a wealth of sacred music, song cycles, and chamber works. Harbison's compositions are celebrated for their exceptional resourcefulness and expressive range, earning him prestigious awards such as the Pulitzer Prize and a MacArthur Fellowship. Beyond his composing, Harbison has been a influential educator, teaching at esteemed institutions like MIT and Tanglewood, and serving as the founder and principal guest conductor of Emmanuel Music in Boston. His music, which spans genres from opera to jazz, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.