Peter Graham

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For other persons named Peter Graham, see Peter Graham (disambiguation).

Peter Graham (Lanarkshire, Scotland), born 1958, is one of the leading composers for brass band. After his education at the University of Edinburgh, he undertook postgraduate studies with Edward Gregson at Goldsmiths College, University of London. He holds a PhD in composition.

From 1983 until 1986 he was resident in New York City, USA, where he worked as a freelance composer/arranger and as a publications editor with the S.A. Music Bureau. Since his return to the U.K. he has worked regularly as an arranger for BBC Television and Radio and has specialised in composition for the British style brass band. Since the publication of Dimensions (1983), a recording of which can be seen here, he has carved out a niche as an outstanding arranger for brass bands, and a leading figure amongst contemporary band composers. His original compositions, which include The Essence of Time, Montage and Journey to the Center of the Earth, are performed worldwide and have been selected as test-pieces for National Championships in Australia, New Zealand, North America and across Europe.

His music for wind and concert band has been recorded and performed by many of the world’s leading ensembles, including the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra and the Royal Norwegian Navy Band. Harrison's Dream, commissioned by the United States Air Force Band, Washington D.C., won the 2002 American Bandmasters Association Ostwald Award for composition. Commissioned by BMG/RCA Red Label to arrange and compose an album of xylophone music for virtuoso Evelyn Glennie, the resulting recording was nominated as Best Classical Crossover Album at the 1999 Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles.

Graham's music for brass has also been arranged for various ensembles, from fanfare orchestras of the Benelux countries to marching bands of the USA. The famous Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps’ most successful show to date (Colors of Brass and Percussion) was built entirely around his compositions The Essence of Time and Montage, while the 2006 Bands of America Grand National Champions from Broken Arrow High School featured his music Harrison's Dream.

Graham has held posts as Music Associate with the famous Black Dyke Band (1997-2004), and as composer-in-residence with Her Majesty's Coldstream Guards Band.

Several CDs, which showcase his music have been released in recent years;

  • Peter Graham
  • Call of the Cossacks
  • Gaelforce
  • The Red Machine

He resides in Cheshire, England, with his wife Janey, son Ryan and daughter Megan. He is currently Professor of Composition at the University of Salford, specialising in arranging and composing for the brass and wind band lineup.

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