Oliver Knussen (1952-), Composer and conductor

(Stuart) Oliver Knussen

Sitter in 1 portrait
Born in Glasgow, Knussen grew up near London where his father played the double bass in the London Symphony Orchestra. He made his debut at the age of fifteen, conducting an LSO performance of his First Symphony (1968). His second and third symphonies (1971 and 1979) helped establish his reputation. He later collaborated with writer Maurice Sendak on two operas for children: Where the Wild Things Are (1980, revised 1984) and Higglety Pigglety Pop! (1985, revised 1999).