Composer Sir Harrison dies, 87

COMPOSER Sir Harrison Birtwistle was hailed a ‘true musical colossus’ yesterday following his death at the age of 87.

Tributes poured in for the prolific musician who found international acclaim for his 1972 composition The Triumph of Time and his 2008 opera The Minotaur.

Born in Accrington, Lancashire, in 1934, Sir Harrison – whose works were often met with controversy – became musical director of the Royal National Theatre in London in 1975, a post he held until 1983.

He received a knighthood in 1988 and was made a Companion of Honour in 2001. His only film score was for the 1973 crime drama The Offence, starring Sean Connery. In 2014, he won his fifth Royal Philharmonic Society music award, making him the most honoured musician in the history of the prize.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra said: ‘We pay tribute to a true musical colossus. His music shook the Earth.’

Sir Harrison, who died yesterday at his home in Mere, Wiltshire, is survived by sons Adam, 3, and Silas, 59.