James Macmillan (1959 -). Composer

James MacMillan was born in 1959. Since the premiere of his The Confession of Isobel Gowdie in 1990, he has established himself as one of the world’s most prolific and successful composers, as well as an orchestral and choral conductor on the international stage. His music is filled with influences from his Scottish heritage, from his social conscience, from Celtic folk music, and above all from his Catholic faith. His works include four symphonies, a number of concerti (including three for piano), a number of cantatas and two Passions (St. John and St. Luke). Two of his compositions Tryst and Shambards (from his second piano concerto) have been choreographed in ballets by Christopher Wheeldon for the Royal Ballet in 2002 and New York City Ballet in 2004, respectively. James MacMillan was appointed CBE in 2004 and knighted in 2015.