John Tavener

Sir John Tavener (born January 28, 1944, in Wembley, London; died November 12, 2013, in Dorset) was a distinguished British composer, a direct descendant of the 16th-century composer John Taverner. He received his education at Highgate School and the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied under Sir Lennox Berkeley.

Tavener first gained significant attention in 1968 with his dramatic cantata The Whale, inspired by the biblical story of Jonah. This work premiered at the London Sinfonietta's inaugural concert and was subsequently recorded by Apple Records. The following year, he began teaching at Trinity College of Music in London. His early work for Apple also included the Celtic Requiem.