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Artist Scoop
Howard Blake, who wrote the words and music for the animated TV film and Sony CD "The Snowman" in 1982, is one of the UK’s most popular composers. The concert version of "The Snowman" continues to receive many performances worldwide, and the stage version runs every year at Sadlers Wells' Peacock Theatre in London. The theme song, "Walking in the Air", is much loved by children all over the world. In addition, Howard Blake has written many concert works including a piano concerto for Princess Diana commissioned by the Philharmonia and the oratorio "Benedictus". The latter was conceived whilst he was staying with the monks at Worth Abbey, and was recorded by Sir David Willcocks, Robert Tear, the Bach Choir and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1994 Howard Blake received the O.B.E. for services to music. Howard Blake turned seventy this year. To celebrate the occasion the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra presented a concert of his music on 28th October 2008 at The Cadogan Hall in London. Works performed include the concert version of 'The Snowman' narrated by Nigel Havers with 'Walking in the Air' sung by Robert William Blake and Howard Blake’s Piano Concerto played by Shanghai-based pianist William Chen. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the choir of London Voices conducted by Howard Blake himself also gave the London premiere of his dramatic oratorio 'The Passion of Mary' with soprano Patricia Rozario, tenor Martyn Hill and Swedish bass Lars Avidson. Howard Blake's masterpiece "The Snowman" will be the featured in the CCOHK's upcoming The Snowman & The Bear concert. Don't miss the event!
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