Jonathan Besser was born in New York City (1949). He studied composition in New York at the Mannes College of Music and with David Loeb. Resident in New Zealand since 1974,he has composed on commission for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Royal N.Z Ballet, Auckland Philharmonia, the Wellington Symphonia, and the New Zealand String Quartet (touring schools with them in 1994). Jonathan has led his own New Music groups, most notably the Besser Ensemble (1987-1997). He is also founding member of Free Radicals (electronic music) and Triphonics touring China with Triphonics in March 1996.His latest new performance group Bravura is performing his compositions around New Zealand and in Australia. Jonathan has created acoustic and electronic music in collaboration with leading writers, choreographers, musicians, visual artists and filmmakers. Those include Gaylene Preston, Mary Jane O'Reilly,Warwick Broadhead, Keri Hulme, Ross Harris, Michael Parmenter, Don McGlashan, Billy Apple and the Australian author Roger McDonald. He's composed original music for many film, radio, stage and TV productions.
Jonathan Besser is featured in the album Decadence (ACD409) as part of the ensemble Bravura .
Jonathan Besser is featured in the album You Got Your Wish (ACD302) as part of the ensemble Bravura .
Decadence (ACD409)
Mr Darwin's Dances (ACD200)
You Got Your Wish (ACD302)
