British composer Sir John Tavener, who was once signed to the Beatles Apple label and twice-nominated for the Mercury Music Prize, has died aged 69.
The classical musician passed away at his home in Child Okeford, Dorset after a life-long struggle with health problems.
Tavener was initially known for his oratorio The Whale, which was released by the Beatles on their Apple imprint in 1968.
Other notable career highlights include in 1992 when The Protecting Veil topped the classical charts for several months. In 1997 his Song For Athene was played during the funeral of Princess Diane.
John Rutter told BBC Radio 3 Sir John ‘was absolutely touched by genius at every point’.
‘He could bring an audience to a deep silence which is a very rare gift. He believed that music was for everybody and was a prayer.’
He was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize in both 1992 and 1997 and was knighted in 2000. Sir John premiered three works at the Manchester International Festival earlier this summer.
The musician is survived by his wife Maryanna and three children.
The classical musician passed away at his home in Child Okeford, Dorset after a life-long struggle with health problems.
Tavener was initially known for his oratorio The Whale, which was released by the Beatles on their Apple imprint in 1968.
Other notable career highlights include in 1992 when The Protecting Veil topped the classical charts for several months. In 1997 his Song For Athene was played during the funeral of Princess Diane.
John Rutter told BBC Radio 3 Sir John ‘was absolutely touched by genius at every point’.
‘He could bring an audience to a deep silence which is a very rare gift. He believed that music was for everybody and was a prayer.’
He was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize in both 1992 and 1997 and was knighted in 2000. Sir John premiered three works at the Manchester International Festival earlier this summer.
The musician is survived by his wife Maryanna and three children.
