George William John Benjamin
Sir George William John Benjamin, Order of the British Empire, CBE (born 31 January 1960) is an English composer of contemporary classical music. He is also a conducting, conductor, pianist and teacher. He is well known for operas ''Into the Little Hill'' (2006), ''Written on Skin'' (2009–2012) and ''Lessons in Love and Violence'' (2015–2017)—all with librettos by Martin Crimp. In 2019, critics at ''The Guardian'' ranked ''Written on Skin'' as the second best work of the 21st-century. Biography Benjamin was born in London and attended Westminster School. He began composing from the age of seven, and took piano and composition lessons with Peter Gellhorn until the age of 15, after which Gellhorn arranged for Benjamin to continue his lessons in Paris with Olivier Messiaen, whom he had known for many years. Messiaen was reported to have described Benjamin as his favourite pupil. He then read music at King's College, Cambridge, studying under Alexander Goehr and Robin Holloway. ...
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Order Of The British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service. It was established on 4 June 1917 by King George V and comprises five classes across both civil and military divisions, the most senior two of which make the recipient either a knight if male or dame if female. There is also the related British Empire Medal, whose recipients are affiliated with, but not members of, the order. Recommendations for appointments to the Order of the British Empire were originally made on the nomination of the United Kingdom, the self-governing Dominions of the Empire (later Commonwealth) and the Viceroy of India. Nominations continue today from Commonwealth countries that participate in recommending British honours. Most Commonwealth countries ceased recommendations for appointments to the Order of the British Empire when they ...
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