Nigel Butterley

Nigel Butterley AM (born 13 May 1935) is an Australian composer and pianist.

Butterley learnt to play the piano at the age of five. He attended Sydney Grammar School, but as music wasn't taught at the school at that time, he also sought training from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.^[1] He then travelled abroad and spent a year in Europe.

After returning to Australia he composed his work Laudes in 1963. He won the Italia prize for his work In the Head the Fire in 1966. He continued to compose through the proceeding decades, winning the Paul Lowin Orchestral Prize in 2001.^[2]

Butterley's compositions are strongly influenced by poetry, and are sometimes accompanied by recitation when performed. He composed a series of pieces inspired by the poetry of William Blake, and in more recent times has appreciated the work of Kathleen Raine.^[3]

He lectured at the Newcastle Conservatorium from 1973 to 1991, and later at the Sydney Conservatorium. He has also broadcasted programs on ABC Classic FM.

References

1. ^ Birthday bash of note for Butterley, The Canberra Times, 17 September 2005
2. ^ Grace notes - Nigel Butterley, Composer, The Australian, 26 October 2001
3. ^ Nigel Butterley, Profile