Bernard Hoffer (born October 14, 1934) is a Swiss-born American composer and conductor. He is best known for his work on

American American(s) may refer to: * American, something of, from, or related to the United States of America, commonly known as the "United States" or "America" ** Americans, citizens and nationals of the United States of America ** American ancestry, pe ...

cartoons A cartoon is a type of visual art that is typically drawn, frequently animated, in an unrealistic or semi-realistic style. The specific meaning has evolved over time, but the modern usage usually refers to either: an image or series of images ...

such as '' ThunderCats'' and ''

SilverHawks ''SilverHawks'' is an American animated television series developed by Rankin/Bass Productions and distributed by Lorimar-Telepictures in 1986. The animation was provided by Japanese studio Pacific Animation Corporation. In total, 65 episodes were ...

''. He worked on several of

Rankin/Bass Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment (founded and formerly known as Videocraft International, Ltd. and Rankin/Bass Productions, Inc.) was an American production company located in New York City, and known for its seasonal television specials, usual ...

' television series and specials. The music he developed for ''The MacNeil-Lehrer Report'', used on the ''

PBS NewsHour ''PBS NewsHour'' is an American evening television news program broadcast on over 350 PBS member stations. It airs seven nights a week, and is known for its in-depth coverage of issues and current events. Anchored by Judy Woodruff, the pro ...

'' until 2015, was nominated for an Emmy Award, and he has won six Clio Awards for his work on commercials. He has also conducted several musical shows, such as the ballets '' A Boston Cinderella!'' and '' Ma Goose''.

Early life and education

Hoffer was born in Zurich, Switzerland. In his early years he received musical training at the Dalcroze School in New York, then later studied composition at the

Eastman School of Music The Eastman School of Music is the music school of the University of Rochester, a private research university in Rochester, New York. It was established in 1921 by industrialist and philanthropist George Eastman. It offers Bachelor of Music ...

in Rochester.

Career

Hoffer worked as the arranger for the U.S. Army Field Band of Washington, D.C., and later became a freelance musician.

Filmography

* '' The MacNeil-Lehrer Report'' (1975) * '' The Ivory Ape'' (1980) * ''

The Return of the King ''The Return of the King'' is the third and final volume of J. R. R. Tolkien's ''The Lord of the Rings'', following '' The Fellowship of the Ring'' and '' The Two Towers''. It was published in 1955. The story begins in the kingdom of Gondor, ...

'' (1980) * '' Circle of Two'' (1981) * '' The Sins of Dorian Gray'' (1983) * '' The Coneheads'' (TV special) (1983) * '' ThunderCats'' (1985) * '' The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus'' (1985) * ''

'' (1986) * ''

The Wind in the Willows ''The Wind in the Willows'' is a children's novel by the British novelist Kenneth Grahame, first published in 1908. It details the story of Mole, Ratty, and Badger as they try to help Mr. Toad, after he becomes obsessed with motorcars and get ...

'' (1987) * ''

The Comic Strip The Comic Strip are a group of British comedians who came to prominence in the 1980s. They are known for their television series ''The Comic Strip Presents...'', which was labelled as a pioneering example of the alternative comedy scene. The ...

'' (1987) * ''

The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer ''PBS NewsHour'' is an American evening television news program broadcast on over 350 PBS member stations. It airs seven nights a week, and is known for its in-depth coverage of issues and current events. Anchored by Judy Woodruff, the prog ...

'' (2006)

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Hoffer, Bernard 1934 births Living people Swiss conductors (music) Male conductors (music) 21st-century American composers American male classical composers American classical composers Swiss emigrants to the United States Musicians from Zürich Eastman School of Music alumni 21st-century conductors (music) 21st-century American male musicians 21st-century Swiss composers