Graham Fitkin (born 19 April 1963) is a British composer, pianist and conductor. His compositions fall broadly into the minimalist and postminimalist genres. Described by The Independent in 1998 as "one of the most important of our younger composers",[1] he is particularly known for his works for solo and multiple pianos, as well as for music accompanying dance.
Biography
Fitkin was born at Crows-an-Wra in west Cornwall on 19 April 1963.[2][3] His mother, a piano teacher, encouraged his early studies on that instrument.[4] He participated in numerous local ensembles during his childhood, and recalls starting to compose at the piano aged around 8.[4] In 1981–4, he attended the University of Nottingham, where he studied with composer Nigel Osborne, among others.[5] He later went to the Netherlands to study with the minimalist composer and pianist Louis Andriessen at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague.[2][3] In 1987, he moved to London
In 1994, Fitkin won the International Grand Prix Music for Dance Video Award.[10] He has twice won British Composer Awards: in 2009, Reel won the Stage Works category;[21] in 2011, PK won the Outreach category.[22]