Philip Norman (b.1953)From organs to orchestras, car horns to choirs, ballads to ballet, Philip Norman’s experience as a composer spans the breadth of the performing arts. One of a handful of New Zealand composers in full time practice he has had works commissioned or performed by most of the leading music, theatre and ballet companies in New Zealand. His music includes a dozen stage musicals, six ballets, an opera, and a host of works for choir, symphony orchestra and chamber ensembles. ‘Murphy’s Law’ for soprano saxophone and piano is the second work commissioned from him by Christchurch-based musician Mark Hobson, the first being ‘A Short Suite’ for saxophone quartet. Both are available through Reed Music.
The holder of a PhD in musicology, Philip has just published a 500-page biography of composer Douglas Lilburn, ‘the father of New Zealand music’. Philip is a past president of the Composers Association of New Zealand.