John Harris Harbison (born December 20, 1938 in Orange, New Jersey) is a composer, best known for his operas and large choral works.

Harbison won a prize for composition at the age of sixteen. He studied music at Harvard University and later at Princeton. He is an Institute Professor of music at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a former student of Walter Piston and Roger Sessions. His works include several symphonies, string quartets and a violin concerto.

When asked for his "artistic Credo" Harbison (1990) replied: "to make each piece different from the others, to find clear, fresh large designs, to reinvent traditions."

He is married to violinist Rose Mary Pederson .

Discography

• The Flights into Egypt and other works by John Harbison (1990). New World Records 80395-2. Performed by The Cantata Singers and Ensemble , The Los Angeles Philharmonic New Music Group , and The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra . Conducted by David Hoose , John Harbison, and Andre Previn. Tracks:

1. The Flight Into Egypt , text from Matthew 2: 13-23, King James Version
2. The Natural World : Prelude
3. Where We Must Look for Help, text from Robert Bly
4. On the Road Home, text from Wallace Stevens
5. Milkweed, text from James Wright
6. Concerto for Double Brass Choir and Orchestra : I. Invention on a Motif: Tempo giusto
7. II. Invention on a Chord: Cantabile
8. III. Invention on a Cadence: Molto allegro

External link

• Schirmer.com: John Harbison
• Harbison bio at MIT