Bernard Hoffer

Bernard Hoffer (born October 14, 1934) is a Swiss-born American composer and conductor, who has created original music, best known for his work on a number of different films, television series, and commercials. He has also conducted several musical shows, such as the ballets A Boston Cinderella! and Ma Goose. He is probably best known amongst the general public for his work on American cartoons such as Thundercats and Silverhawks. He worked on several of Rankin/Bass' television series and specials that premiered from 1980 onward. The music he developed for The MacNeil-Lehrer Report, still used on The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, was nominated for an Emmy Award, and he has won six Clio Awards for his work on commercials.

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 in Rochester.

Career

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

Filmography

• The Comic Strip (1987) - Karate Kat and Mini Monsters
• Silverhawks (1986)
• The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus (1985)
• Thundercats (1985)
• The Coneheads (TV special) (1983)
• The Sins of Dorian Gray (1983)
• The Return of the King (TV special) (1980)
• The Ivory Ape (1980)
• Circle of Two (1980)
• The MacNeil-Lehrer Report (1975)

External links

• Bernard Hoffer at the Internet Movie Database
• Audio Interview (2008)