John Harbison

John Harbison is an American composer known for his wide-ranging and richly expressive works that span orchestral, chamber, choral, and operatic music. Born in 1938, Harbison has become one of the preeminent voices in contemporary classical composition. His music is admired for its craftsmanship, lyrical strength, and stylistic versatility, drawing on jazz, Baroque, and modernist influences. He has received numerous honors throughout his career, including a Pulitzer Prize for Music and a MacArthur Fellowship.

Harbison's compositions have been performed by leading orchestras and ensembles around the world, and he's particularly known for his operas and large-scale vocal works, such as The Great Gatsby opera, inspired by the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. He has a longstanding relationship with organizations like the Tanglewood Music Center and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and has also played a key role in nurturing young composers through his work as a teacher and mentor.

Genres

Classical

Jazz

Contemporary Classical

Opera

Chamber Music

Choral

Baroque

Orchestral Music

Modernist

Latest Release

John Harbison: Piano Works

John Harbison

Album - 22 Tracks - Released September 22, 2023