Sir John Kenneth Tavener (1944-), Composer

Sitter in 6 portraits
Studied composition at the Royal Academy of Music where his teachers included Sir Lennox Berkeley. His career was launched with the success of his dramatic cantata, The Whale in 1968, which was recorded on The Beatles' Apple label. Since 1977, when he joined the Russian orthodox church, his music has been increasingly focused on church liturgy. His work is widely popular with a distinct and original voice and includes The Protecting Veil (1987), Akathist of Thanksgiving, (1988) and Song for Athene (1993), which was sung at Princess Diana's funeral and Requiem (2008).