World of classical music pays tribute to composer Oliver Knussen

The world of classical music has been paying tributes to composer and conductor Oliver Knussen, who has died at the age of 66.

Knussen’s death was announced by his publisher Faber Music, who described him as “our beloved House Composer for over 40 years” who had an “extraordinary” impact on the UK and global musical community.

Born in Glasgow in 1952 and raised near London, Knussen composed his first symphony aged 15. His father, Stuart, was the principal double bassist of the London Symphony Orchestra.

He previously worked with the BBC Symphony Orchestra as Artist in Association between 2009 and 2014.

Among his best-known work was his collaboration with American illustrator and children’s author Maurice Sendak on an operatic adaption of the former’s Where The Wild Things Are series.

He received several awards during his career including the Ivor Novello Award for Classical Music and the 2015 Queen’s Medal for Music.

The controller of BBC Proms and BBC Orchestras, Alan Davey, said: “Olly’s death is devastating – he is a towering and irreplaceable figure in British music and had many associations over the years with BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Proms and BBC Radio 3.

“He selflessly championed the music of fellow composers and was an all-round lovely, thoughtful, engaging man who will be hugely missed by everyone.”

Classic FM broadcaster John Suchet also paid tribute to Knussen, for whom he spoke during a ceremony in which he received an Honorary Doctorate from the Royal Academy of Music.

He shared a picture on social media of the late composer in university robes with a walking stick and a scroll. Alongside it he wrote: “Sad to learn of death of composer and conductor Oliver Knussen. Privileged to have read his citation as he received Honorary Doctorate from the Royal Academy of Music just last week.”

Knussen leaves a daughter, Sonya, who is a classical singer. His wife Sue, a producer of music programmes, died in 2003.

Oliver Knussen composed his first symphony aged just 15.