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Nestor Taylor - Composer
Nestor Taylor (b.1963) is an Australian-born Greek composer, with a strong presence in the field of opera, and important collaborations and commissions worldwide. His compositional work has a distinct post romantic orientation with intense lyricism, virtuosic orchestration and dynamism.
He studied piano, harmony and counterpoint at the Athens Conservatory with George Diamantis and distinguished composer, Menelaos Pallantios. He continued his studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama under Graham Elliot (fugue), Peter Hope (orchestration), and Francis Shaw (composition), where he was awarded the following diplomas: LGSM in Composition, LGSM in Choral Composition & Orchestration as well as the Postgraduate Diploma in Composition. He completed his M.Mus and M.Phil degrees in Composition at Royal Holloway under the supervision of John Woolridge and Peter Wiegold. He also holds an ALCM in Conducting from London College. In 2005, Taylor was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, which enabled him to carry out research as a composer at Yale University.
Taylor has held the posts of lecturer in Harmony and Composition in the Department of Music Studies of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, lecturer of Music History at the State School of Dance & the Greek National Opera Ballet School; and Artistic Director at the Central Conservatory of Music in Athens and the Municipal Conservatory in Philothei-Psychiko.
He has also served as Head of International Relations, Casting Director and Artistic Advisor to the Director at the Greek National Opera between 2009 and 2016, whereas nowadays he pursues a professional career as a freelance composer. Taylor’s music has been extensively performed in all major venues throughout Greece: Megaron Concert Halls in Athens and Thessaloniki, Greek National Opera & Niarchos Cultural Centre, Onassis Cultural Centre, Maria Callas Theater, Benaki Museum as well as abroad: Purcell Room and Conway Hall in London, Kioi Hall in Tokyo, Great Philharmonic Hall in Odessa, Ion Baciu Hall, Lübeck Opera, Erfurt Theater, Florentinersaal Gratz, etc.
He has collaborated with the State Orchestras of Athens and Thessaloniki, the Orchestra of Colors, the Camerata Οrchestra of Friends of Music, the Greek National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Erfurt Philharmonic, Odessa Philharmonic, NHKSO, the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, Leipzig Sächsische Bläserphilharmonie, Ploieşti Philharmonic, Nuova Orchestra Ferruccio Busoni, The Tokyo Ensemble, The Composers Ensemble, Vasari Singers, Chicago a Cappella and the Lindsay Quartet, among others.
As a conductor of his own works, he has appeared with the Greek National Radio Orchestra and the orchestra and chorus of the Greek National Opera.
Taylor’s concert music includes two piano concertos: Concerto Romantico and Jigsaw, music for large and medium-sized orchestras: Pandemonium, Vocalise, The Path of the Archangel, chamber & choral music: Lux Aeterna, Children’s Garden, several song cycles and music for solo piano Huis-Clos, Tenebrae, Softly Awakes my Heart, all released by Donemus Records.
One of his most important recent creations, is the 2-act lyric drama Eleni (libretto by Fergus Currie, based on the best-seller by Νicholas Gage), which received its world-premiere at the Erfurt Opera in December 2022.
Nestor Taylor's works are published worldwide by the Dutch Publishing House Donemus, E. C. Schirmer in the Unites States and Music Haven in London. Since 2019 the composer is represented by MUSICENTRY and promoted by Classicalia management (worldwide).
- WRITINGS & LISTINGS
Pythagorean Harmony: "The mathematical meaning of harmony in the musical system of the Pythagoreans",1st publication by Nefeli (2000), 2nd publication by Edition Orpheus, Athens (2024).
The Technique of String Divisi, Edition Orpheus (Athens 2007).
- PUBLISHERS
https://donemus.nl/composer/nestor-taylor/
https://www.ecspublishing.com/composers/t/nestor-taylor.html
https://www.musicentry.gr/nestor-taylor-composer/composers-authors-1
https://www.musichaven.co.uk/
- ONLINE PUBLICATIONS:
https://issuu.com/nestaylor63
- CONTACT
info@musicentry.gr
sintow@classicalia-international.com
composernestaylor@gmail.com
SOLO INSTRUMENTS
Chromata, 3 tableux vivants (pf), Athens 1989/1992.
Softly Awakes my Heart, (pf), Athens, 2006
Seadream, (hp), Athens 1999, rev. 2018
Ηuis – Clos, (pf), 9 monogpraphs for piano, Athens, 2007-2017
Tenebrae, (pf), 3 preludes, Athens, 2021
Scarlet Letters, (pf), four-hands or two pianos, Athens 2021
Réflexions du rêve, (pf), Concert Étude, Athens 2021
Poison – Flower, (cello), Athens 2021
A Minute’s Silence, (pf), Athens 2022
Two Winter Fairy Tales, (pf), Athens 2025 (from the series "EKTOΣ ΕΑΥΤΟΥ").
Homecoming, (pf), Athens 2025 (from the series "EKTOΣ ΕΑΥΤΟΥ").
CHAMBER MUSIC
Movements in the Dark, (str. qt.), London, 1994
Kommos, (2 pf - vn. - perc.), London, 1995
On a Ray of Winter Sun (sop - 2 fl. - 2 cl, str. qt - p.no), on texts by G. Seferis, London 1996*
Voyage with Hesperus (pf – vib - cl: Bb/ Bb bass/sop Eb] - db), London, 1997
Little Prayer, (fl – hp), Αthens, 2008
I Love the Lord, (vn – vc –pf), Αθήνα, 2022
Reaching Out, (vn - pf), Αθήνα, 2023
Νight Echoes, (cl. - pf), Αθήνα, 2023
Chaconne Triste, (vn - pf), Αθήνα, 2023
Μusic Postcards: I. Butterflies in the Rain (pf), II. Reaching Out (vn - pf), 2023, III. Νight Echoes (cl. - pf), 2023, IV. Cyclamen (sop - fl - vla - pf). ["Butterflies in the Rain" appear in the collection Postcards for pianists, published by Music Haven: London 2024), all other items are available at the webshop of Donemus Publishing.
SONGS & CHORAL MUSIC
Νekyia, A dramatic monologue for mezzo soprano and piano, text by G. Seferis, Athens, 1999
Plays of the Sea and the Sky (sop – pf), on texts by G. Ritsos, Athens, 1999
Night of Darkness and Azure, (sop - pf – str), Athens, 2002
...Αnd then it is Dusk, (mez - chamber ensemble) on texts by Sappho, Alcaeus and Meleagrus assembled by the composer, Athens 2000
Α Song, (sop – vn – (sant) - pf), text by Od. Elytis, Athens, 2001
So fades a summer cloud away, (mez - cello octet – SATB - org), texts by Emily Dickinson, 2001
Nights of Darkness and Azure (sop-pf-str) Athens 2002
Olvia Donna, (sop – str), text by Od. Elytis, Athens, 2003
Annabel Lee, (sop - harp), text by Edgar Alan Poe, Athens, 2003
The Butterfly's Evil Spell, 5 lyrical songs (sop – fl – vla - pf), texts by F. G. Lorca. London 1998/rev. Athens 2004
Lux Αeterna, (mez – str. qt. – pf), Αthens, 2007
Two Rossetti Songs (ten-vn-vc-pf) on texts by Christina Rossetti, Athens 2024
Like music at night... (SATB a cappella), text by K. P. Cavafy, Athens, 2001
2 William Blake Songs, (SATB a cappella), 2005
Dedication, (SSA a cappella), text by R. Kipling, Αthens, 2008
Christmas Tree (SATB chorus – p.no – perc.), poetry by Haris Sakkelariou, Athens 2021)
Children’s Garden: 3 pieces for mixed chorus (SATB a cappella - piano accompan. for 2nd piece only), verses by R. L. Stevenson, Athens 2021
Prayerbook: 5 Antiphons for a cappella mixed chorus based on the Divine Liturgy of St.John Chrysostom, Athens 2024
Domine Jesu (Hearts to Heaven): For adult mixed (SATB) choir, children's choir (SSA), mezzo soprano, strings, horn, harp, bells & organ accompaniment, Athens 2024
ORCHESTRAL MUSIC
Introduction and Valse, (orch), Athens, 1993
Fantasia on a theme by H. Purcell, (orch), London, 1996
The Path of the Archangel, (str), London, 1996
Musica Ricercata, (br), Αthens, 2001
Concerto Romantico, (pf - sop - orch), Athens, 2004
Vocalise, (sop – hp – orch), Αthens, 2005-06
Jigsaw, Concertino (pf - orch), Αthens, 2008 (revised edition 2023).
Pandemonium (symphonic fantasy for large orchestra), Athens 2019
Credo: for large orchestra, church organ, SATB chorus and prerecorded material, Athens, 2025
Invocation (Επίκληση), written for the commemoration of Mikis Theodorakis' Centenary, for mezzo soprano and orchestra. Text extracted from Yannis Ritsos' Spring Symphony (Εαρινή Συμφωνία), Athens 2025
THEATER - ORATORIO - OPERA
Don’t Look Now (narrator - pf - electronics), texts Daphne du Maurier, Athens, 2009
ELENI - A Lyric drama in Two Acts Opera (soloists - SATB - children choir & orch), Athens 2019
Saint Filothei the Athenian: Symphonic Cantata for soprano, narrator, orthodox chant, double chorus (SATB/TB) and orchestra. Athens, 2022
ARRANGEMENTS – TRANSCRIPTIONS
RELIGIOUS:
Johann Sebastian Bach: Vespers of Love, 3 Bach chorale harmonizations, with Greek texts, translated by the composer. Accompanied by an analytical study on the chorale, Athens, 2018/2021.
Johannes Brahms : Wiegenlied - Cradle song (οp. 49, no. 4), [2006], 1121-2000- hp – cel - sop - SATB (optional)- str. (6-5-4-3-1).
Cesar Franck : Panis Angelicus (2020), Messe a 3 voix Op.12, Nr.5, transcribed for piano, clarinet, cello and 2 voice parts.
Liana-Roussianou Piperakis: Psalms, for Mixed Choir and Orchestra (2009).
CHRISTMAS CAROLS:
Franz X. Gruber: Άγια Νύχτα (Silent Night), for two-part choir (S-A) & str. (2025)
French traditional song: Νοël Nouvelet (2005/2009), 1222-2000 - 2 perc.- hp – SATB - str.
James Lord Pierpont: Jingle Bells (2005), 2222-2100 -2 perc. + timp.- hp - SATB- str.
Mykola Leontovych: Carol of the Bells (2005), 2222-2100 – 1 perc. + timp.- hp – SATB - str.
Lowell Mason: Joy to the World (2005/2009), 0202-2100 – 1 perc. + timp-hp - SATB - str.
English traditional song: Coventry Carol (2005/2009), 0202-2100 – hp – SATB – str.
Simeone/Davis/Onorati: The Little drummer Boy (2005), 2222-2100 – hp – SATB – str.
Franz X. Gruber: Silent Night (2005), 2020-0000 – hp –SATB – str.
Greek traditional song: Carol of Propontis - Kalanta Propontidas (2005), 2222-2000 - 2 perc. + timp – hp – SATB – str.
Greek traditional song: Snow in the mountains - Chionia sto Kabanario (2005), 2112-2100 - 2 perc. – hp - SATB - str.
OTHER:
Erik Satie: En Plus from 3 Mouvements en forme de poire (2006), 1111-2000 - cel - piatti – hp – str.
Mikis Theodorakis: Beautiful city - Omorfi Poli (2004), 0000-0000 - 1 perc. - hp – str - ten.
Gaetano Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor, Duetto Il pallor funesto orrendo [No.6], orchestral adaptation for smaller ensemble (2 cr. - 2 tpt. - 2 tbn - tuba). Commissioned by the Greek National Opera, 2017.
Giuseppe Verdi: Macbeth - Scena e Marcia [5], orchestration adaptation for smaller ensemble (2 cr. – 2 tpt. - 2 tbn. - tuba). Commissioned by the Greek National Opera, 2017.
Astor Piazolla: Oblivion 2122-2100 - 1 perc. - hp – vn solo - str. (2008)
2/7/2019
''Lux Aeterna'' by Nestor Taylor, at Vouleftiko, 28th Nafplion Festival, a concert tribute to Greek Canadian composers.
Mina Polychronou: soprano, Theodore Tzovanakis: piano and the L' Anima string quartet, led by Stella Tsani.
World premiere on 2-3/7/2022
"Pandemonium" Symphonic Fantasy for large orchestra.
Erfurt Theater in Germany. The Erfurt Philharmonic conducted by Myron Michaildis.
25/10/2022
"Huis-Clos", 9 monographs for piano, performed by Karolos Zouganelis, under the auspices of the Piano Festival of the GNO Alternative Stage, in the historic hall of the Parnassos Literary Society.
World premiere 3/12/2022
"Eleni", 2-act opera Erfurt Theater in Germany
Libretto: Fergus Currie
Staging: Guy Montavon
Sets & Costumes: Εric Chevalier
Jessica Rose Cambio: ELENI
Brett Sprague: NICHOLAS
Candela Gotelli: KANDA
Sólyom-Nagy Máté: REBEL LEADER
Valeria Mudra: MILIA
Siyabulela Sikhokele Ntlale: SOLDIER
Elsa Langer - Inke Albus: NICHOLAS THE BOY
Astrid Thelemann: NAKOVA
Tristan Blanchet: LUKAS ZIARAS
ERFURT PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: Myron Michailidis
ERFURT MIXED CHORUS: Markus Baisch
CHORAL AKADEMIE ERFURT: Cordula Fischer
3/2/2023
"Vocalise", (Celia Costea: soprano, Loukas Karytinos: conductor)
Christos Lambrakis Concert Hall, with the Athens State Orchestra, in its official festive concert celebrating the Athens State Orchestra’s 80th birthday.
19/2/2023
"Saint Filothei of Athens"- 500 years since the birth of the Saint, with the symphonic cantata for soprano, narrator, live electronics, by Nestor Taylor. Athens College Concert Hall, ERT Symphony orchestra and Chorus.
23/3/2023
"Jigsaw" by Nestor Taylor. Concert dedicated to the celebration of the National Day of Greece, on the stage of Philharmonic "Paul Constantinescu" Ploiesti in Romania. Conductor : Anastasios Simeonidis and soloists : pianist Ioana Maria Lupașcu and mezzo-soprano Irini Karagianni.
- Nekyia - Dramatic monologue for mezzo-soprano and piano: Ioanna Vrakatseli - mezzo soprano, Dimitra Mantzouratou - piano, Single: Donemus Records, 2025.
- Two Rossetti Songs: Brett Sprague - tenor & the Trio Balticum (Kristina Kato - violin, Eugen Mantu - cello, Liene Henkel - piano), EP: Donemus Records, 2025.
- Annabel Lee (An English Ballad): Brett Sprague - tenor & Liene Henkel -piano, Single by Donemus Records, 2025
- Chaconne Triste (Autumn in my Heart): Anastasia Andreeva - vn, Vasilisa Bogorodskaya - pno, Single: Donemus Records, 2025
- Réflexions du rêve (Concert Étude), Vasilisa Bogorodskaya - pno, Single: Donemus Records, 2024
- Α Μinute's Silence, Karolos Zouganelis - pno, Single: Donemus Records 2023
- Childrens' Garden, Vasari Singers, Chicago a Cappella, Philovox Ensemble, EP: Donemus Records 2023
- Scarlet Letters, Efi Papathomaidi - Yannis Michailidis - pno, Single: Donemus Records 2023
- Concerto Romantico(live recording), Lito Thomou - pno, Odessa Philharmonic conducted by Hobart Earl, Single: Donemus Records 2022
- Lux Aeterna, Mina Polychronou - sopr., Christos Papageorgiou - pno, Tetraktys Quartet, Single: Donemus Records 2022
- ΙLove the Lord, Trio Balticum, Single: Donemus Records 2022
- Vocalise (live recording), Mina Polychronou –sopr., Odessa Philharmonic conducted by Hobart Earl, EP: Donemus Records 2021
- Softly Awakes my Heart, Lito Thomou - pno, EP: Donemus Records 2021
- The Path of the Archangel, Elegy for strings (live recording), Nicholas Ward – solo violin, The Phorminx Ensemble conducted by Peter Weigold, EP: Donemus Records 2021
- Huis – Clos, 9 Monographs for piano, Alexandra Papastefanou – pno, EP: Donemus Records 2021
- Poison-Flower, for Cello solo, Cristina Basili – cello, Single: Donemus Records 2021
- The Path of the Archangel - Elegy for Strings: Phorminx Ensemble directed by Peter Wiegold, Donemus EP, 2021.
- Tenebrae, for solo piano, Theodore Tzovanakis – pno, Single: Donemus Records 2021